The New York Jets haven’t had a reliable starting quarterback in some time. That includes free agent signings and high first-round draft picks, but that won’t stop the organization from taking more swings.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson will have a private workout with the Jets on Friday, fueling speculation that he could wind up becoming a first-round pick.
Simpson has been flying up draft boards in recent weeks, and according to Dan Orlovsky, some general managers like him more than Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who has seemingly been locked in as the No. 1 pick to the Raiders for several months. The Crimson Tide’s quarterback had an impressive showing at Alabama’s Pro Day, showcasing his accuracy and increased velocity on throws.
The Jets have two first-round picks this year: No. 2 and No. 16. It’s unlikely that the Jets take Simpson with the second pick, but drafting another quarterback at No. 16 shouldn’t be out of the question. After trading for Geno Smith in the offseason, the Jets are clearly looking for a young passer to put behind him, making Smith a potential bridge quarterback.
If the Jets don’t take Simpson at No. 16 overall, then they could lose him to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the back end of the first round, or the Arizona Cardinals could trade up to take him since they have an opening as well.
Alabama’s Pro Day drew the attention of many NFL teams and top decision makers, primarily to watch Simpson throw. The Jets scheduling a private workout for Simpson suggests some serious interest, while other QB-needy teams like the Cleveland Browns didn’t even send their general manager or coach to Tuscaloosa to watch Simpson. It’s clear that Simpson is one of the most polarizing prospects in this class.
The Jets have already held private workouts with Miami’s Carson Beck and Penn State’s Drew Allar, so it appears likely that the Jets will spend at least one pick on a quarterback in the draft. However, with Simpson’s stock rising, the Jets will have to weigh the costs. They could also pass on quarterback this year and hope for another high draft pick next year in a loaded quarterback class, which will likely feature Texas’ Arch Manning and Oregon’s Dante Moore, among others.
New York also holds two early second-round picks, No. 33 and No. 44, but if Simpson doesn’t get picked in round one, it’s unlikely he falls to No. 44.
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