Dan Orlovsky thinks the Miami Dolphins should consider looking at Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson as a potential pick for the upcoming NFL draft. This veteran perspective follows the massive trade involving star receiver Jaylen Waddle and the earlier signing of Malik Willis. The front office appears to be clearing the deck for a complete organizational reset in Florida.
Miami Nets first-round pick for Jaylen Waddle amid Ty Simpson interest
The Miami Dolphins traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos on March 17, 2026. Denver sent the No. 30 overall pick plus third and fourth round selections to Miami in exchange for the receiver.
“It makes me think, even though they signed Malik Willis, they should do their homework and entertain drafting Ty Simpson in Miami,” Orlovskystated during a television segment. He analyzed the team’s new direction.
“It makes me think, even though they signed Malik Willis, they should do their homework and entertain drafting Ty Simpson in Miami.”
—@danorlovsky7 on how the Jaylen Waddle trade impacts Miami’s future 👀 pic.twitter.com/nJC3mtM6wQ
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 17, 2026
Miami signed Malik Willis to a three-year contract worth $67.5 million on March 12, 2026. The front office brought him in after releasing former starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during the offseason roster changes.
“Miami and Arizona are the two best spots for Ty Simpson,” Orlovsky added. He believes the additional first-round pick from Denver gives Miami the flexibility to target a high-potential collegiate passer this April.
Ty Simpson finished his junior year at Alabama with 3567 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. The 6-foot-2 quarterback is currentlyviewed as a potential first-round selection by many professional scouts and draft analysts.
Arizona Cardinals, Ty Simpson, NFL
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) hands off the ball to Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kevin Riley (28) on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, during the 112th annual Rose Bowl game in Pasadena. Indiana Hoosiers defeated Alabama Crimson Tide, 38-3.
General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan also recently removed veterans Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb from the roster. These moves cleared significant salary cap space while adding draft picks to the team’s 2026 total pool.
The Dolphins now possess two picks in the first round of the 2026 draft. This includes their own selection plus the No. 30 pick acquired from the Broncos in the Jaylen Waddle trade last week.
Orlovsky argues that a rebuilding team should not stop searching for quarterbacks. He suggests that Simpson provides a cheaper and younger option than established veterans like Willis who are already on the current roster.
The Alabama passer maintained a strong touchdown to interception ratio during the 2025 season. He displayed the pre-snap diagnostic skills that NFL coaches value when selecting a franchise leader in the first round.
Miami holds five total selections within the first three rounds this year. This capital allows the organization to replace Waddle at receiver while also pursuing a long-term solution at quarterback.
The roster transition indicates a long-term plan focused on rookie-scale contracts. Fans await the draft to see whether the front office follows analysts’ advice on the Alabama star quarterback.
Miami’s strategy places immense pressure on the 2026 draft class to perform immediately. The franchise’s future depends on whether the front office values a veteran bridge or a rookie prospect for the next era of football.