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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson continues to gain serious traction ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The latest update from ESPN insider Adam Schefter may be the clearest signal yet about where he’s headed.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show Monday, Schefter made it clear that Simpson’s name is firmly in the first-round conversation based on what he’s hearing across the league.
“The one thing I can say confidently right now, talking to front offices, is that I believe Ty Simpson will be a first-round draft pick,” Schefter said. “That’s all I’m comfortable saying right now. But, I’m confident he’ll be a first-round pick.”
That kind of statement, especially this close to the draft, carries weight. While projections continue to shift, Schefter’s insight suggests Simpson has already done enough behind the scenes to lock himself into the top tier of this year’s quarterback class.
NFL Buzz Around Ty Simpson Continues to Build
Schefter’s comments didn’t come out of nowhere. Simpson has been one of the fastest risers in the draft process. Multiple analysts have pointed to his 2025 season as proof of his NFL upside.
After finally taking over as Alabama’s full-time starter, Simpson completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He also led the SEC in completions and attempts, showing both durability and command of a high-volume offense.
That production, combined with strong pre-draft evaluations, has steadily elevated his draft stock.
Former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum recently noted that teams around the league are increasingly aligned in their belief about Simpson’s potential. Additionally, Louis Riddick echoed that sentiment. He pointed out that Simpson’s early draft declaration reflected confidence in how NFL teams viewed his tape.
The consistency in those evaluations is what matters most. It’s no longer just one voice pushing Simpson up boards. It’s becoming a shared league-wide sentiment.
Ty Simpson’s First-Round Status Clear, Landing Spot Still Uncertain
Schefter sounded very confident about Simpson being selected in the first round.
However, where he ultimately lands remains one of the biggest storylines heading into April.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. But after that, the quarterback order becomes far less predictable. Simpson is firmly in the mix to be the second quarterback taken.
There are also still questions about how quickly Simpson can translate to the next level. With just one full season as a starter, some evaluators view him as a high-upside option who may need time to fully develop.
Even so, the momentum is undeniable. Between his on-field production, rising analyst support, and now a strong endorsement from Schefter, Simpson has positioned himself as one of the central figures of the 2026 NFL Draft.
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And as Schefter hinted, the biggest question now is not if he will go in the first round, but how early his name will be called.