Ty Simpson may have confidence in his game, but the former Alabama quarterback has already found himself in the crosshairs of NFL fans ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
NFL fans rip Ty Simpson as Alabama QB boasts being "program changer" ahead of 2026 draft
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (QB17) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The latest debate erupted after Simpson doubled down on his first-round case during Alabama’s Pro Day. The quarterback, who recently earned support from ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky as the top passer in the class, made it clear he believes he is more than just another prospect.
“When I go into a program, I’m program-changing,” Simpson said. “I don’t just make myself better, I make other people better. If you draft me, and you want me to be your franchise quarterback, I’m not just coming in to look after myself.”
Ty Simpson on why a team should draft him: “I’m a program changer” pic.twitter.com/EuwV3B0KGR
— Theodore Fernandez (@TheoFernandez__) March 25, 2026
However, this quote worked against the Alabama QB across social media. Fans ripped Ty Simpson for what they viewed as overconfidence.
One fan said, “Ty Simpson is arrogant AF. I wouldn’t want him..”
Another wrote, “He should’ve just stayed quiet.”
One X user tweeted, “Made his team better when he got injured.”
“Why’d he ride the bench for 4 years then?,” tweeted one more.
One more fans said, “When Shedure Sanders said that last year during the pre draft everyone said he was cocky but when Ty Simpson said it it confidence.”
“He was a part of the worst stretch for Bama in recent memory,” commented another.
The criticism only grew because Simpson is still battling questions about whether he even belongs in the first round. While some evaluators, including Orlovsky, see him as the best quarterback in the class, others remain unconvinced.Simpson also explained why he chose to throw again at Alabama’s Pro Day after already impressing at the NFL Combine. “Why not go have fun, go sling it?” he said. “I wanted to make it fun… and end it with a bang.”
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Amid Ty Simpson to Browns rumors, Shedeur Sanders finds support from Mel Kiper Jr.
The Cleveland Browns continue to be linked to Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, but ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. is making it crystal clear where he stands. In Kiper’s eyes, Cleveland already has the better option in Shedeur Sanders. Rumors surrounding Simpson have exploded in recent days after ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky called the former Alabama signal-caller the best quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
That hot take from Orlovsky was stronger after rumors of the Browns targeting Simpson because of his connection to head coach Todd Monken made rounds on the internet. Monken previously worked with Simpson during his coaching stint at Georgia. Simpson recently admitted he would welcome the chance to play in Cleveland under Monken.
Kiper, however, quickly shut down the idea during a conversation with Field Yates.
“The Browns don’t have to worry about Ty Simpson. They got a better quarterback than Ty Simpson in Shedeur Sanders. Don’t go there,” Kiper said.
Mel Kiper Jr. on potential Ty Simpson teams:
“The #Browns don't have to worry about Ty Simpson. They got a better QB than Ty Simpson in Shedeur Sanders. Don’t go there.”
(via ‘First Draft’ on ESPN) pic.twitter.com/h5JocKeSRT
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 26, 2026
He also suggested other teams should be far more interested in Simpson.
“The Jets have to be figuring out Ty Simpson, the Steelers have to figure out Ty Simpson,” Kiper added.
For now, Shedeur Sanders still appears to have a powerful ally in his corner.
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