Ty Simpson NFL Draft Scouting Report

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Alabama QB Ty Simpson

Ty Simpson’s rise from unproven depth piece to one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country has been one of the defining storylines of the 2025 college football season. In his first year as Alabama’s starter, Simpson has quickly elevated himself into first-round range.

At 6’2”, 208 pounds, Simpson lacks prototype size but compensates with elite poise, quick processing, and advanced playmaking instincts. He’s a rhythm passer with an elastic arm, twitchy athleticism, and the ability to create second-reaction plays without sacrificing structure. A coach’s son with strong football DNA, Simpson blends discipline and improvisation as seamlessly as any passer in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Film Summary

Simpson’s film reveals a confident, adaptable quarterback who thrives in chaos. He demonstrates high-level pocket awareness, keeps his eyes downfield while maneuvering away from pressure, and displays consistent accuracy on the move. His release is quick and compact, generating effortless velocity and pinpoint short-to-intermediate placement.

What separates Simpson is his composure and situational precision. He’s been at his best on “got to have it” downs (3rd & 4+). When the moment demands it, Simpson maintains his base, resets his platform, and fires strikes into tight windows. While his arm strength is more “very good” than elite, his mechanical consistency and sequencing allow him to generate high-end velocity from a variety of angles.

Ideal Scheme Fit

West Coast / Spread Hybrid Offense — systems that emphasize timing. Simpson fits modern pro schemes, such as those used by the Lions, Rams, or Chargers, which rely on quick triggers, layered route concepts, and controlled movement within the pocket.

Key Strengths (Film-Based Traits)

• Poise and composure: Remains calm under duress, manipulates space in collapsing pockets, and delivers with balance and precision.

• Processing and anticipation: Reads coverage rotations quickly and triggers throws on time, particularly in the short and intermediate levels.

• Accuracy and mechanics: Smooth, compact release with excellent hip torque; places the ball where only his receivers can make a play.

• Extension ability: Mobile enough to escape pressure and reset his base; creates off-script without panic or chaos.

• Clutch execution: Statistically dominant in late-game and high-pressure scenarios; displays high football character and leadership.

Developmental Areas (Growth Opportunities)

• Experience: Just a one-year starter; still developing reps and defensive recognition consistency.

• Arm strength ceiling: More functional than elite; must prove he can consistently drive the football into tight NFL windows outside the hashes.

• Pocket patience: Occasionally holds the ball too long (3.0+ seconds average time-to-throw); must speed up internal clock against faster pro rushers.

• Ball security: Three recorded fumbles in 2025; needs to improve grip awareness and pocket ball protection.

  
  

Grade and Projection

• Football Scout 365 Grade: Near Elite (72.0)

  A high-caliber quarterback prospect expected to become a significant contributor by Year 2. Possesses outstanding mental traits, high-level accuracy, and clutch intangibles with only minor physical limitations.

• Ceiling Grade: Elite (~75.0)If he sustains his production and shows durability across a full season, Simpson could emerge as a true first-round franchise quarterback candidate.

• NFL Draft Projection: Top-15 Pick (Round 1)

• Pro Comparison: Brock Purdy with more twitch — an efficient rhythm passer with elite pocket instincts, mobility, and late-down poise.

Final Analysis

Ty Simpson has turned limited experience into elite production through poise, processing, and precision. He’s a natural leader who thrives under pressure, balancing timing-based efficiency with improvisational creativity. His size and arm talent won’t blow evaluators away, but his mechanical polish, field vision, and competitive edge evoke starting-caliber stability from Day 1.

Simpson projects as a scheme-versatile, long-term NFL starter in offenses that value quick processing, accuracy, and controlled mobility. If he continues to mature in full-field reads and maintains ball security, he could challenge for QB1 status in the 2026 class and cement himself as one of the most dependable quarterbacks in the draft.