2026 NFL Draft: Ty Simpson Targets Round 1 as Jeremiyah Love Eyes Top 5 Pick

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson declared himself a first-round lock at his pro day as the April 23 date for the 2026 NFL draft approaches.

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson declared himself a first-round talent during his pro day, asserting he is "absolutely" a Day 1 selection ahead of the April 23 draft. Field Yates assigns a 90% probability to the Crimson Tide signal-caller landing in the opening round, while Jordan Reid and Matt Miller offer lower odds of 75% and 25%, respectively. Yates ranks Simpson as the second-best quarterback in the 2026 class following a dominant first half of the previous season. While Miller advises top-10 teams against reaching for the passer, Reid suggests the Arizona Cardinals could trade back into the frame at No. 28 to provide a youthful alternative to Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew.

Top 10 Prospects and the Titans' No. 4 Pick

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is the primary target for the Tennessee Titans at the fourth overall selection. Miller suggests pairing the "transcendental" weapon with quarterback Cam Ward, noting that the free-agent signing of Wan'Dale Robinson to a four-year contract allows for such luxury. If Love slides past Tennessee, the New York Giants are expected to secure him at No. 5. However, Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi, a former executive for the reigning Super Bowl champions, may prioritize defensive reinforcements for new head coach Robert Saleh.

Several prospects are surging toward the top 10, including 6-foot-7, 352-pound Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor. The elite athlete is a candidate for the Cleveland Browns at No. 6 or the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 9. Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, a 315-pound tackle, is also rising due to high-end starter tools displayed during his lone year as a starter. Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, standing 6-foot-5 and 276 pounds, draws comparisons to Greg Rousseau for his run-defending prowess despite a dip in 2025 sack production. The defensive lineman is linked to both the ninth pick and the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 10.

First-Round Mock Scenarios for Multi-Pick Teams

The New York Jets are projected to utilize their two early picks on Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey at No. 2 and USC wide receiver Makai Lemon at No. 16. Bailey offers an explosive get-off, while Lemon would operate opposite Garrett Wilson in Frank Reich’s scheme. Cleveland is mocked to take Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate at No. 6—a receiver who dropped only one pass in 2025—followed by Utah tackle Caleb Lomu at No. 24. Lomu surrendered zero sacks and just six pressures at left tackle last season.

The Miami Dolphins, seeking to fix a secondary that allowed a league-high 72% completion rate, are linked to Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy at No. 11 and Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at No. 30. To replace Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, Andy Reid’s squad may target LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane at No. 9. Delane recorded a 4.38-second 40-yard dash during his Monday pro day. With their second pick at No. 30, the AFC West leaders could add Clemson edge T.J. Parker to Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. The Dallas Cowboys are mocked to select Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 12 and safety Dillon Thieneman at No. 20. Thieneman tallied eight interceptions and two forced fumbles during his time at Purdue and Oregon.

Scouting Notebook: Sleepers and Pro Day Results

Day 3 sleepers include Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee III, who logged 240 press-coverage snaps and a 4.52-second 40-yard dash. Clemson’s 233-pound Adam Randall offers utility as a return specialist, while Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright caught five touchdowns on 39 receptions last year. On the interior, Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge sits at No. 48 on Yates’ big board as a projected second-round choice.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier bolstered his status as the potential QB3 by showcasing accuracy and health on Monday. In contrast, Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson, limited to nine games by hamstring issues, will delay his workout until April 17. This session, occurring six days before the draft, will feature only positional drills for attending scouts.