ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky did not see a big gap between Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson in NFL Draft process.
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He has the hottest NFL Draft stock going right now.
Ty Simpson has former NFL quarterbacks, NFL Draft pundits, and several teams believing he is the best signal-caller in this year’s draft. Now, a former professional scout is all in on the former Alabama quarterback as a first-rounder.
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ESPN’s Adam Schefter drops massive update on where Ty Simpson will likely be drafted
Louis Riddick, an ESPN analyst, served as a pro scout and director of pro personnel for the Washington Redskins (2001-04) and Philadelphia Eagles (2005-13) after his career as a player. Riddick’s knowledge is well-respected around the league, and he’s not joking about Simpson. Riddick says the NFL knows Simpson has the mentality.
“We know he’s got it mentally. … I’m a big believer in him.”
—@LRiddickESPN on Ty Simpson as the No. 2 QB prospect in the draft 👀 pic.twitter.com/S59aC60aOl
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 23, 2026
“This guy (Simpson), I think, he is one of those people that once you see him throw in person you will get a feel for the kind of horsepower he possesses,” Riddick said. “We know he has it mentally, but it is the physical attributes that people want to see up close and personal.”
Riddick said he is a ‘big believer’ in Simpson and has been for the last couple of months.
“I think he has done nothing, but help himself,” Riddick said of Simpson.
ESPN analyst says Ty Simpson is the ‘best quarterback’ in the 2026 NFL Draft
Simpson totaled 3,567 passing yards and 28 touchdowns in his lone season as a starter for the Crimson Tide.
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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer forTouchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him onFacebookor “follow” him on Twitter, via@CoachingMSmith.
Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a seasoned writer that has covered Alabama football for Touchdown Alabama Magazine since 2009. Smith has extensive knowledge within the program, which has made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Throughout his career, Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.