TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson wrapped up his pre-draft preparations with a strong showing at the Crimson Tide's pro day on Wednesday, leaving NFL scouts impressed and reinforcing his belief that he's destined for the first round of the upcoming draft.
Simpson, who previously showcased his skills at the NFL combine in February, opted to put on another display in front of dozens of league decision-makers in Tuscaloosa. The session lasted more than 40 minutes, focusing on a series of challenging throws that Simpson described as anything but routine. "Why not?" Simpson said after the workout. "Go have fun. Go sling it. You watch the tape of the pro day, there wasn't any easy throws. I didn't want to make it easy."
At 6-foot-2 and 211 pounds -- a weight he reached after recovering from a challenging season -- Simpson enters the final stretch of the draft process fully healthy. He weighed in at the combine earlier this year, having battled back from injuries that hampered his performance late in Alabama's 2024 campaign. Last season, Simpson completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns, starting strong but struggling in the final five games with an average of 156 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions per outing.
Those late-season dips were later attributed to injuries, including gastritis that caused him to drop below 200 pounds before the College Football Playoff, and a rib injury that forced him out of Alabama's lopsided loss to national champion Indiana in the Rose Bowl. "I feel great," Simpson told reporters post-pro day. "Just getting back to normal -- sleep, recovery. Things in the season you get caught up in because you're watching tape, you're practicing, you're trying to cram everything in to make sure you're ready for Saturday. I feel healthy as an ox."
Draft analysts have pegged Simpson as the No. 2 quarterback prospect behind Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, though at least one expert ranks him as the top available signal-caller. His confidence in his draft stock is unwavering. "Absolutely," Simpson said when asked if he's a lock for the first round. "I feel like I've done everything I can, but it's not up to me. I just know that wherever I go, I'm going to give it my all and make sure I'll put my best foot forward."
Simpson's rising profile has caught the eye of several teams, including invitations to key pre-draft events. He's been extended an invite to attend the NFL Draft in person in Pittsburgh next month, though he hasn't confirmed if he'll make the trip. His on-field performance at pro day, combined with his steady climb in mock drafts, has solidified his status among evaluators as a potential early selection.
Adding to the buzz, Simpson has already sat down with representatives from the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Jets. The Rams hold the 13th overall pick, while the Jets own the second and 16th selections, positions that could align perfectly with a quarterback-needy franchise like New York. According to a source, the Jets' top brass is set to visit Tuscaloosa for a private dinner with Simpson on Thursday night, followed by a workout on Friday morning.
Leading the Jets' delegation will be general manager Darren Mougey, coach Aaron Glenn, offensive coordinator Frank Reich, and quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave. The group is traveling from Lubbock, Texas, where they attended Texas Tech's pro day earlier in the day. The Jets, who have been searching for stability at quarterback since Aaron Rodgers' tenure, view Simpson as a potential franchise cornerstone, sources say.
Simpson addressed the scrutiny surrounding his name heading into the draft, acknowledging the questions about his late-season form but emphasizing his self-assurance. "There's going to be a lot of questions around my name," he said. "I know what I'm capable of, and I know whoever gets me is going to get a good player and a guy who loves football and a guy who loves the team and loves being a part of something bigger than himself."
His college career at Alabama, under the guidance of coach Kalen DeBoer, showcased flashes of elite potential, particularly in the early part of the 2024 season when he operated with precision and poise. Now, with his health restored, Simpson is eager to remind teams of that version of himself. The pro day throws, which included deep balls and quick releases under duress, were designed to highlight his arm strength and decision-making -- traits that could elevate him on draft boards.
While Simpson's stats tell part of the story, his intangibles stand out in interviews and workouts. He positions himself not just as a passer, but as a leader ready to transform a program. "When I go into a program, I'm program-changing," Simpson declared. "I don't just make myself better, I make other people better. If you draft me, and you want me to be your franchise quarterback, I'm not just coming in to look after myself. I'm looking after the whole team and making sure I leave it better than I left it."
The broader quarterback landscape in this draft class adds context to Simpson's positioning. With Mendoza widely viewed as the consensus top prospect, the race for the No. 2 spot has been competitive, drawing in names like Oregon's Dillon Gabriel and others. Analysts differ slightly on Simpson's exact ranking, but his pro day performance has quelled some doubts, according to scouting reports.
As the draft approaches in late April, teams like the Jets -- who finished 7-10 last season and are desperate for a long-term answer at quarterback -- will weigh Simpson heavily. The Rams, meanwhile, could trade up if they see value in pairing him with Matthew Stafford for a bridge or succession plan. Simpson's meetings with both suggest genuine interest from quarterback-hungry squads.
Looking ahead, Simpson's focus remains on preparation and positivity. With the private workouts and team visits intensifying, he hopes to parlay his early-season efficiency into a high draft slot. The NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, set for April 24-26, will ultimately decide his fate, but Simpson's message is clear: he's ready to contribute from day one.
For Alabama fans, Simpson's journey caps a transitional year for the program, following Nick Saban's retirement and DeBoer's arrival. His departure, whether in the first round as expected, leaves big shoes to fill, but his success could validate the Tide's development pipeline. As scouts depart Tuscaloosa, the conversation around Simpson shifts from potential to probability -- a first-round lock, by his own confident reckoning.