Ty Simpson Draft: QB Eyes First Round After 3,567-Yard Season and Pro Day

Ty Simpson completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns last season before declaring for the NFL draft.

Ty Simpson concluded his 2025 campaign with 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 64.5% completion rate. Following a 40-plus-minute throwing session at Alabama’s pro day in Tuscaloosa, the quarterback declared himself an absolute first-round lock for the upcoming NFL draft. This performance in front of dozens of league decision-makers followed his previous participation at the NFL combine in February. Simpson, who is widely ranked as the No. 2 available quarterback behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, has already received an official invitation to attend the draft in person in Pittsburgh.

During his final collegiate appearance, Simpson suffered a rib injury that forced his exit from a blowout loss against Indiana in the Rose Bowl. This health setback followed a late-season struggle where he averaged 156 passing yards per game with six touchdowns and three interceptions over his final five starts. His physical condition was further compromised by gastritis, a condition that caused his weight to plummet below 200 pounds prior to the College Football Playoff. However, the prospect weighed in at 211 pounds at the combine and currently describes his health status as being "healthy as an ox."

Professional Meetings and Draft Positioning

The Los Angeles Rams and the New York Jets have already conducted meetings with the former Alabama signal-caller. The Rams currently hold the 13th overall selection, while the Jets possess two early assets with the second and 16th overall picks. Despite at least one draft analyst ranking him as the top quarterback in the class, Simpson remains focused on his transition to the professional level. He noted that his pro day script was intentionally difficult, stating there were no easy throws included in the workout because he wanted to showcase his full capabilities to scouts.

Simpson’s early-season efficiency remains a primary selling point for NFL franchises. He attributes his late-season statistical dip to the accumulation of injuries and the rigors of the schedule, including time spent on recovery and film study. Now that he has returned to a normal routine of sleep and recovery, he believes he has reaffirmed his status as a premier talent. The quarterback emphasized that his goal at the pro day was to "go sling it" and have fun, rather than playing it safe with high-percentage, low-difficulty attempts.

Tactical Impact and Franchise Philosophy

When discussing his potential fit within an NFL organization, Simpson described himself as a "program-changing" player. He asserted that his presence improves the performance of those around him rather than just serving his own interests. His philosophy centers on being a franchise quarterback who looks after the entire team to ensure the program is left in a better state than he found it. This leadership approach is paired with a self-assuredness regarding his draft stock, as he claims to have done everything within his power to secure a top selection.

While Simpson has not yet confirmed if he will travel to Pittsburgh for the draft ceremony, his rise through the pre-draft process has solidified his reputation among key decision-makers. He acknowledged that while questions remain regarding his name, he is confident in his ability to be a good player for whichever team selects him. Dan Orlovsky, speaking on "The Pat McAfee Show," compared Simpson’s game to that of Brock Purdy, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages of his specific playing style as he prepares for the next level.

Recovery and Physical Metrics

The transition from the 2025 season to the draft cycle has allowed Simpson to regain the mass lost during his bout with gastritis. Entering the final phase of the draft process, his 211-pound frame represents a significant recovery from the sub-200-pound weight he played at during the postseason. He noted that the pressure of practicing and preparing for Saturday games often leads to players getting caught up in the grind, but the current pre-draft window has allowed him to feel fully healthy again.

Simpson remains adamant that his tape from early in the season reflects his true ceiling as an elite performer. By electing to throw twice—once at the combine and again in Tuscaloosa—he sought to remove any doubt regarding his arm talent or physical readiness. As the draft in Pittsburgh approaches next month, his statistical profile of nearly 3,600 yards and high touchdown volume will be weighed against his late-season injury hurdles and his performance against top-tier competition like national champion Indiana.