Less than one month to go until the 2026 NFL Draft. All 32 teams are getting a closer look at this year’s prospects through pro days and private workouts. One of the biggest pro day workouts took place on Wednesday with three potential top-ten picks performing drills. Among them is projected second overall pick, linebacker Arvell Reese. If selected, Reese would be a major focal point in head coach Aaron Glenn’s long-term vision. As of now, a majority of mock drafts feature New York leaving with Reese and a wide receiver. (Primarily, USC route runner Makai Lemon)
In addition, New York is also researching this year’s quarterback class. After working out with both Carson Beck of Miami & Drew Allar of Penn State, New York has scheduled a private workout with a very prominent name. With many scouts projecting this quarterback as the best behind only Fernando Mendoza, could the Jets use the 16th pick on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson?
The Jets Have Private Workout With Coveted Prospect
Ty Simpson had a razor sharp throwing session today. His accuracy and tempo stood out.
Next up for Simpson: a private workout with the Jets scheduled for this Friday.
The Jets own picks 2 and 16 in the first round this year. https://t.co/sKq1i4kVTt
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 25, 2026
With less than a month to go until the NFL Draft, the Jets seem to be the starting point for the draft. One of the worst-kept secrets in sports is that Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is going first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, the Jets seem to have narrowed their options for the number two pick. It’s believed that either Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese or Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr will be the pick. However, that’s not the only first-round pick that needs to be decided. New York owns the 16th overall pick as well. After acquiring the pick from the Colts via the Sauce Gardner trade, cornerback could be an option. As well as safety and wide receiver. But what if they consider a quarterback? Their latest workout includes the projected number two quarterback in the class.
The Jets host Ty Simpson for a private workout
In his first full season as a starting quarterback, Alabama’s Ty Simpson had a productive season. Simpson ended 2025 going 11-4 and led the Crimson Tide to a Rose Bowl appearance before losing to eventual national champion Indiana. Statistically, Simpson enjoyed a solid junior season. Finishing the year with over 3,500 passing yards while completing 64.5% of his passes with 30 total touchdowns to only five interceptions. Now, Simpson’s play began to falter after November. Alabama’s lack of a running game really limited what the Crimson Tide’s offense could look like. Alabama finished the year with the 125th-ranked rushing offense.
As a result, NFL scouts and general managers are willing to give Simpson a more thorough look. This includes the New York Jets. While the Jets contingent of Aaron Glenn, Darren Mougey, and OC Frank Reich were at Ohio State to watch their pro day, Alabama’s pro day was going on as well. As a result, the Jets invited Simpson to a private workout on Friday. This way, offensive coordinator Frank Reich can examine Simpson closely & determine if he should be taken at 16 overall.
Ty Simpson, quarterback, University of Alabama, 2026 NFL Draft prospect
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) throws a pass in the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Simpson’s fit on the Jets
Despite many needs on defense and how important a second wide receiver next to Garrett Wilson would be, NY still needs a long-term plan at quarterback. Entering the season, Geno Smith should be the official starting quarterback. On the flip side, Geno Smith is also 35 years old & threw a total of 32 interceptions over the last two years. If selected, Simpson would wait behind Smith & develop with Frank Reich until deemed ready to play. Simpson is adept mechanically, recognizes coverages easily, and consistently hits receivers between the numbers. However, Simpson still needs to develop more consistency on deep throws, work on his presence under pressure, and avoid sacks by holding onto the ball for too long.
While these skills can be polished with playing time and reps with a good offensive coordinator, it’s still a major risk. New York has too many holes on defense to justify using a top-20 pick on a quarterback who won’t play often in his rookie year. With only a single season of playing time, Simpson will need more time to develop. Can Simpson shock people and eventually unseat Geno as the starter? Sure. But with Aaron Glenn coaching for his job, tying himself to Simpson would be a bold move for the Jets. Especially with the talent coming in the 2027 quarterback class.
Should the Jets draft Ty Simpson 16th overall?
Ty Simpson possesses a lot of traits to develop into a long-term starting quarterback. However, due to circumstances outside his control, it’d be an unnecessary risk on the Jets part to take him in the first round. In addition, it’s unknown if Simpson will be there at 16. Along with the Jets, the Arizona Cardinals have been attached to Simpson as well. After moving on from Kyler Murray, new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur could pick Simpson to develop behind Jacoby Brissett. As well, the Los Angeles Rams will have to think about the post-Matthew Stafford timeline. If there’s anyone in the league who could get the most out of Simpson’s development, it’s Sean McVay.
The 2027 NFL Draft legit might be the best of ALL TIME 😳
– Dante Moore
– Arch Manning
– LaNorris Sellers
– Darian Mensah
– Julian Sayin
– DJ Lagway
– CJ Carr
– Jayden Maiava
– Drew Mestemaker
– Jeremiah Smith
– Cam Coleman
– Ryan Williams
– Kewan Lacy
– Colin Simmons
UNREAL. pic.twitter.com/uPbJVAFPxs
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) January 14, 2026
I believe in the right situation, Simpson can become a long-term starter. However, the Jets aren’t in a position to justify selecting Simpson and missing out on the 2027 class. Between Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, CJ Carr, Dante Moore, etc., there will be a lot of options next year. For the benefit of all parties, the Jets should focus on rounding out the roster in 2026’s draft, maybe swing on a quarterback in the late rounds. Especially since they’ve been exploring after workouts with both Carson Beck & Drew Allar.
Main Photo: [Kirby Lee] – Imagn Images