The NFL Draft is shrouded in ambiguity this year, particularly concerning the quarterbacks available. One AFC executive noted that quarterback rankings are all over the place. This sentiment extends beyond Miami’s Carson Beck, applying to the entire quarterback class.
Following Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Alabama’s Ty Simpson’s draft position is particularly uncertain. Like Shedeur Sanders last year, there’s no consensus on where Simpson will be drafted.
Simpson’s Draft Projection: A Mixed Bag
Ten talent evaluators from different NFL teams ranked Simpson as the No. 2 quarterback in this draft. Six of those evaluators believe he’ll be picked in the late first round, while four predict an early second-round selection.
One longtime evaluator stated that Simpson will likely go in the first round due to the number of teams needing quarterbacks. They added that teams at the bottom of the first are willing to trade out this year. The evaluator also suggested that this draft is arguably the worst in history, lacking premium players that teams would consider must-haves.
Lack of Elite Talent Fueling Potential Trades
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach anticipates a lot of trades. Veach said that even the top of the board lacks a player with the kind of gravitas that makes a top-end pick untouchable. According to Veach, a draft without two or three elite quarterbacks lends itself to open up a lot of fun and movement.
Simpson’s uneven game tape and lack of college starts contribute to the risk associated with drafting him. While many evaluators see him as a late first-round trade-up target or a definite second-round pick, it’s worth remembering the predictions about Shedeur Sanders last year. Sanders was expected to go several rounds higher than where he was eventually drafted.
Drama Expected on Draft Night
Simpson’s situation makes him a player to watch closely. His ultimate destination remains a significant question mark.
Last year, Kirk Cousins effectively got $20 million.