QB Ty Simpson fires back at ‘puzzling’ critics before 2026 NFL Draft

NFL fans will soon find out whether Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson falls in the 2026 NFL Draft or if some team makes a bold move to grab him in the first round on Thursday.

He’s viewed as the second-best quarterback in this class, but the consensus points to only one signal-caller, Fernando Mendoza, going in Round 1.

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Ty Simpson sends message to critics

A noticeable gap exists between projection and proof when it comes to Simpson over the last three and a half months. Analysts lean more toward what he could become rather than what he’s consistently put on tape.

Sure, there were flashes of polished quarterback play. But many still think his overall body of work lacks the completeness needed to erase that projection element. That lingering doubt shaped much of the pre-draft conversation.

Simpson is not one to ignore the criticism tied to his draft profile. In a recent appearance with Kay Adams on “Up & Adams,” he addressed those concerns head-on and fired back at anyone questioning his readiness.

“I really get upset when people say that I’m not athletic, and I don’t have arm strength. I don’t know where they kind of get that from. If you go watch my tape from my freshman year on, like I’m running around making plays, like being an athlete. So, the non-athletic part is very puzzling to me.”

"I play better with a chip on my shoulder… I appreciate Dan [Orlovsky] standing on the table for me."

Alabama QB Ty Simpson on being a "polarizing" quarterback 👀@ty_simpson06 | |