Ty SImpson NYJ? Seems Right

Ty Simpson is suddenly getting a lot of draft love, and the hype machine is moving fast. Several analysts are now talking about the Alabama quarterback like he is one of the steals of the 2026 draft, and the Jets reportedly have real interest. That sounds about right. Simpson feels like exactly the kind of player the Jets would talk themselves into with the 16th pick — the mysterious upside quarterback who gets sold as smarter than the room.

My opinion? That would be a waste.

Simpson is beyond unproven. Yes, he has some traits. He can move a little, he has decent feel in the pocket, and there are people who like the way he throws with anticipation. Fine. But let’s not act like this guy has put together some overwhelming résumé that demands first-round investment. He has not. He does not have elite physical tools, he does not have a long track record of high-level production, and there is nothing in his skill set that should have people acting like he is some hidden gem who must be grabbed in the middle of the first round.

That is what makes the sudden praise so ridiculous. It feels like the usual draft cycle game where people convince themselves that a quarterback has to rise simply because the position demands inflation. Somebody starts calling him a steal, somebody else decides he is underrated, and before you know it a guy with a thin résumé is being discussed like he is a franchise answer.

And that is exactly where the Jets come in. Because if there is a team that would fall in love with a quarterback based more on projection than proof, it would be them. Simpson has all the markings of a classic Jets first-round mistake — just enough buzz to make the pick sound clever, and not nearly enough substance to justify the investment.

So yes, if the Jets use the 16th pick on Ty Simpson, it will make perfect sense.

In the worst possible way.