As the 2026 NFL Draft rapidly approaches, almost every talent evaluator has the same quarterback at the top of their respective lists: Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
One of the few exceptions? That would be ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky, who has been stumping for Ty Simpson as the best player in this year’s quarterback class due to his unique blend of talent and upside.
Giving one last pitch for Simpson on NFL Draft Daily, Orlovsky broke down why he believes the Alabama product is a potential future QB1, as he does things that typically square with NFL success.
“Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is expected to be the second quarterback off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft and he showed plenty of potential in his only college season as a starter. Simpson is surgical when he’s in rhythm, which he was through early November of 2025. Simpson had 21 touchdown passes to only one interception in his first nine games. That was the third-best ratio in the FBS up to that point of the season,” Orlovsky declared.
“Simpson has fast eyes down the field in the chunk pass game and throws with great trajectory to different levels. His 49 completions of at least 15 yards downfield were tied for sixth in the nation and more than Fernando Mendoza. The Alabama quarterback is courageous with the football, but he simply doesn’t throw interceptions. He has the lowest percent of passes intercepted by any power conference quarterback in the last decade. Just ahead of 2020 top overall pick, Joe Burrow. Whoever drafts Ty Simpson will have to get him experience and protection. The team that does that will have a quarterback you can win a lot of games with.”
In 2025, there were games where Simpson looked like a future first-overall pick. He looked poised in the pocket, cool under pressure, and showcased the kind of arm talent needed to win cold games in January with a Super Bowl berth on the line. But because he only has one year of tape, when coupled with injury-hampered tape down the stretch, some are worried about investing a premium pick on Simpson when so much is still uncertain, even if Orlovsky firmly believes he has what it takes to become “The Guy” for a team.
.@danorlovsky7 breaks down why he’s big on Alabama QB Ty Simpson pic.twitter.com/rVT0s7oYhx
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 21, 2026
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