Ty Simpson, Alabama
Getty
Former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson letting it rip at the 2026 NFL Combine.
After a flurry of free agency moves, the New York Jets can now check another big item off their to-do list.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr predicted that the Jets would select former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 16 overall pick in his latest mock draft.
“The Jets don’t have to draft a quarterback here. They traded for Geno Smith as a bridge option and have three first-round picks in 2027, when the QB class should be a lot better. But this is a good range for Simpson, who has only 15 career starts but throws with accuracy, processes quickly, and moves well in the pocket. He threw 28 touchdown passes in 2025 and is a first-round QB in my book,” Kiper wrote.
“Simply put, New York has to take some swings to figure out the long-term solution under center. I could see the Jets drafting Simpson and letting him learn and develop a little behind Smith before he moves into the starter role,” Kiper added.
Sometimes You Have to Risk It, to Get the Biscuit
PFF’s lead NFL draft analyst, Trevor Sikkema, joined me recently on “Boy Green Daily.” During our conversation, he explained that he would wait until the 2027 NFL draft to find the long-term QB if he were the Jets.
That strategy makes a lot of sense on paper. The Jets are armed with three first-round draft choices in 2027. The quarterback class is supposed to be much better next year than this year. If the green and white aren’t organically in a position to take one of the top passers, they could use their assets to attempt to trade up.
That’s all true. However, if the Jets find their franchise QB in the 2026 NFL draft, then they can use their 2027 assets to build around him (Simpson).
Heck, if one of their first-rounders was high in 2027, they could trade it for a treasure chest of assets to build the roster up even more around Simpson.
Remember, folks, a year ago, people were saying that the 2026 NFL draft was going to have a slew of awesome QBs. Those people were wrong. Who is to say these same people promising QBs will be good next year aren’t wrong again?
The good news is the Jets filled a ton of holes in free agency, so that should provide them with the flexibility on draft day to take the best player available. If that’s a quarterback in the middle of the first round, so be it.
One of the Top Defenders in This Class
With the No. 2 overall pick in the first round of Kiper’s mock, he had the Jets selecting Texas Tech defender David Bailey.
“In my January mock draft, I had Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese here. In February, I went with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Now, it’s Bailey. These are all good options for a defense that could use a lot of help, but the Jets really need an instant impact edge rusher. They were 31st in sacks last season (26) and traded Jermaine Johnson, further thinning out the unit,” Kiper explained.
“They have to find foundational players off the edge. And Bailey is explosive and productive, posting 14.5 sacks (tied for first in the FBS), 71 pressures (second), and a 20.2% pressure rate (first) last season,” Kiper wrote.
The most popular selection for the Jets has been Reese. However, that pick would require some projection. After playing a ton off the ball, the former Ohio State defender projects to be a full-time pass rusher at the next level.
The Jets can’t afford a project; they need a sure thing, especially coming off the season they had last year on defense.