Ty Simpson, the quarterback from Alabama, recently made a strong impression on NFL scouts during his pro day workout in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The event, which lasted over 40 minutes, saw Simpson throwing extensively in front of dozens of key NFL decision-makers. This session followed his earlier throwing workout at the NFL combine in February, but Simpson chose to participate in the pro day to further showcase his skills and to challenge himself with difficult throws.
Simpson approached the pro day with confidence and a competitive mindset. "Why not?" he said about participating again. "Go have fun. Go sling it." He noted that the throws he made during the workout were not easy, emphasizing his desire to demonstrate his capability against challenging situations rather than making it look simple.
In the current 2024 draft outlook, Simpson is widely regarded as the second-best quarterback prospect available, trailing only Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. However, some draft analysts have argued that Simpson is actually the top quarterback in the class. His on-field performance and his rising stock during the draft process have led many to view him as a near-certain first-round selection.
Simpson has also been invited to attend the NFL draft event in Pittsburgh. Although he has not yet decided whether to make the trip, his recent performances and preparation have strengthened the perception that he will be one of the early picks. "Absolutely," Simpson said when asked if he feels like a first-round lock. He expressed a strong commitment to giving his best effort regardless of which team selects him. "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," Simpson added.
Looking back at his 2023 college season, Simpson completed 64.5% of his passes, throwing for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns. His efficiency was notably higher in the early part of the season, but his numbers declined somewhat over the final five games, where he averaged 156 yards passing with six touchdowns and three interceptions. This drop in production was partly due to injuries, including gastritis that caused him to lose weight below 200 pounds before the College Football Playoff. Additionally, he suffered a rib injury that forced him to leave Alabama's Rose Bowl game against Indiana, which ended in a blowout loss for his team.
Simpson has since recovered fully and weighed in at 211 pounds during the NFL combine. He is entering the final stages of the draft process healthy and ready to perform. His efforts have already drawn interest from multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Jets. Notably, the Rams hold the 13th overall pick, while the Jets have two picks in the first round - second and 16th overall - making them a prime candidate to pursue Simpson.
In fact, the Jets are taking a particularly active approach in their evaluation of Simpson. Key members of the Jets' front office and coaching staff are scheduled to be in Tuscaloosa on Thursday night to have dinner with Simpson, followed by a private workout on Friday morning. The delegation will include General Manager Darren Mougey, Head Coach Aaron Glenn, Offensive Coordinator Frank Reich, and Quarterbacks Coach Bill Musgrave. These leaders will be traveling from Lubbock, Texas, where they will attend the Texas Tech pro day earlier on Thursday.
Simpson expressed feeling excellent physically as he prepares for these final evaluations. "Just getting back to normal - sleep, recovery," he said. He acknowledged the hectic nature of the college football season, where preparation involves watching film, practicing, and managing all the details necessary to be ready for games. Now that the season is over, Simpson feels healthy and ready to show his true capabilities.
The quarterback's standing on draft boards remains a key topic among analysts and teams as the draft approaches. With his health restored, Simpson is eager to demonstrate the high level of play he exhibited in the early part of the 2023 season. He believes that his skills and leadership qualities will convince teams that he is worthy of an early selection.
Simpson described himself as a "program-changing" player who elevates not only his own performance but also that of his teammates. "If you draft me, and you want me to be your franchise quarterback, I'm not just coming in to look after myself," he said. "I'm looking after the whole team and making sure I leave it better than I left it."
In addition to his physical skills, Simpson's mindset and team-first approach stand out as strengths that could benefit the NFL teams interested in him. As the draft nears, teams will weigh these intangible qualities alongside his on-field production and health status.
Overall, Ty Simpson has positioned himself well as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. His pro day performance, combined with his recovery from injury and strong college resume, have solidified his reputation as a promising quarterback who can make an immediate impact at the professional level. With multiple teams showing interest and private workouts scheduled, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining where Simpson lands in the draft and how he begins his NFL career.
This report includes information from ESPN's Rich Cimini and The Associated Press.