As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, sportsbooks are increasingly offering a variety of betting options related to the event. DraftKings Sportsbook, in particular, has released numerous prop bets that allow fans to wager on specific draft outcomes. These bets range from predicting which player will be selected at a given pick, to how many players of a certain position will be chosen on the draft's opening night, and even which team will select notable prospects such as Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love or Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
Ty Simpson has emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class. He is widely regarded as the consensus No. 2 quarterback behind Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. While Simpson was not initially seen as a guaranteed first-round pick, recent developments suggest his draft stock may be rising. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky recently sparked considerable discussion by asserting that Simpson is a better NFL prospect than Mendoza. Supporting this view, ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum also reported that several NFL teams rank Simpson higher than Mendoza, who is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. This perspective is particularly striking given that just last month, ESPN's Matt Miller was unable to find a team at the Senior Bowl willing to give Simpson a first-round grade.
There are notable contrasts between Mendoza and Simpson. Mendoza cemented his legacy with an undefeated season that culminated in a national championship, while Simpson has only one year as a starter under his belt. Physically, Mendoza has the advantage, standing four inches taller and weighing at least 25 pounds more than Simpson. However, Simpson brings his own strengths to the table. He is the son of Jason Simpson, a coach at UT Martin, and earned Second Team All-SEC honors in 2025 after throwing for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. During that season, Alabama finished with an 11-4 record, reached the SEC Championship game, and won its first-round College Football Playoff matchup against Oklahoma before falling to Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
Simpson is known for his accuracy and ability to dissect zone coverages, and he is more athletic than many give him credit for. These attributes have fueled speculation about where he might be selected in the upcoming draft and which teams are most likely to pick him. DraftKings Sportsbook offers odds on the top 10 favorites to select Simpson, providing insight into which franchises might pursue him.
The Arizona Cardinals are the favorites at +125 odds. Holding the No. 3 overall pick, the Cardinals are expected to add a quarterback at some stage during the draft. While the consensus view is that Arizona will not use the No. 3 pick on a quarterback, it could select Simpson at No. 34 overall or potentially trade back into the first round to secure him, similar to the New York Giants' strategy last year. With Kyler Murray now with the Minnesota Vikings, the Cardinals' quarterback room currently includes Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew. As new head coach Mike LaFleur begins his tenure, Arizona's quarterback situation remains uncertain, which helps explain their position as the favorite to draft Simpson.
The New York Jets are the second favorite, with +145 odds. They hold the No. 2 overall pick but are not expected to use it on a quarterback. Instead, the Jets might target a signal-caller with their No. 33 pick. Unlike Arizona, New York has a more stable quarterback situation after acquiring Geno Smith this offseason. While Smith is expected to start in 2026, he is nearing 36 years old and has only one year left on his contract. The Jets possess a wealth of draft capital, including four picks within the first 44 selections, making them well-positioned to take a quarterback like Simpson. Head coach Aaron Glenn recently emphasized that Smith will be the starter, but the team's long-term quarterback plans remain open, which justifies the Jets' favorable odds.
The Los Angeles Rams are a somewhat surprising pick as the third favorite at +425 odds. The Rams do not have an immediate need at quarterback, as reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford continues to perform at an elite level. The team has made it clear that it is in a "win-now" mode, highlighted by trading a first-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for cornerback Trent McDuffie. Using a first-round pick on a developmental quarterback like Simpson seems unlikely given the Rams' current competitive window. Still, questions about the team's post-Stafford future may explain why sportsbooks see them as a possible landing spot for Simpson, though other quarterback-needy teams might appear to be more obvious fits.
The Cleveland Browns are next on the list, with +650 odds to draft Simpson. Their quarterback depth chart includes Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, and Pro Bowler Shedeur Sanders, so adding another quarterback would be notable. Importantly, Simpson has a connection with the Browns' new head coach Todd Monken. Simpson has spoken highly of Monken, noting their shared passion for football and the mutual respect between Monken and Simpson's father, who coached at Southern Miss where Monken once worked. Monken's NFL experience, including his work with Lamar Jackson and at the University of Georgia, adds to the appeal for Simpson to join the Browns. Cleveland holds three picks within the top 39 selections, increasing the likelihood that they could select Simpson.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are also considered potential candidates to draft Simpson, with +800 odds. If Aaron Rodgers retires, the Steelers will face a challenging quarterback situation. They might pursue a veteran like Kirk Cousins, trade for a younger quarterback such as Anthony Richardson or Will Levis, or look to the draft. The Steelers have two first-round picks, with their first coming at No. 21 overall, which aligns with where Simpson might be selected. DraftKings' Over/Under on Simpson's draft position is set at 24.5, with heavier betting on him going later than this, indicating some uncertainty about whether he will be a first-round pick at all.
Other teams with longer odds include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1400), Miami Dolphins (+1500), Carolina Panthers (+1500), Minnesota Vikings (+1600), and Indianapolis Colts (+2800). These teams either have less pressing needs at quarterback or may prefer other options, but they remain in the mix as potential suitors in the later parts of the first round or early second round.
In summary, Ty Simpson's draft stock is trending upward as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. Despite being overshadowed by Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, recent expert opinions and insider reports suggest that Simpson is gaining considerable respect among NFL evaluators. His strong performance at Alabama, combined with his accuracy, athleticism, and football IQ, make him an intriguing prospect. The Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets stand out as the most likely teams to draft him, given their draft positions and quarterback needs. Other teams such as the Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers also appear on sportsbooks' radars as potential landing spots.
As the draft draws closer, it will be interesting to see how Simpson's evaluation evolves and which team ultimately decides to invest in him as their future quarterback. Meanwhile, fans and bettors can continue to engage with the varied prop bets offered by sportsbooks, adding an extra layer of excitement to the draft experience.