Former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart was not a surefire first-round pick entering last year’s draft, though he ultimately came off the board in Round 1. The Giants, who had previously selected Abdul Carter third overall, traded back into the first round to grab Dart at No. 25. A team could do something similar this year with Alabama QB Ty Simpson, but he has less momentum going into this draft than Dart had in 2025, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN hears.
[RELATED: PFR’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft]
While the Jets, Cardinals and Steelers have been connected to Simpson more than anyone else, it would be a surprise to see any of them use their initial pick on him. New York has Nos. 2 and 16, both of which are likely too high to take Simpson. The team may just wait until what could be a deeper 2027 class to draft a signal-caller, though perhaps the Jets will strongly consider Simpson if he is still available when they are on the clock again at No. 33.
There is indeed a possibility Simpson will fall out of the top 32, though the Cardinals may trade back into the round for him. They would mimic last year’s Giants in that regard. Otherwise, unless the Cardinals reach for Simpson with the third overall choice, their next opportunity to bring him in will come at 34. That happens to be where the Giants sat last year before going for Dart. Along with surrendering that pick, the Giants dealt a 2025 and ’26 third-rounder to move up nine spots.
The Cardinals’ Monti Ossenfort has only picked one QB – fifth-rounder Clayton Tune in 2023 – in three drafts as their general manager. But as PFR’s Sam Robinson noted, there may be more urgency to gamble on the position this year if Ossenfort is on the hot seat. The Cardinals have gone 15-36 with Ossenfort at the controls. If the team is a bottom feeder again next season, Ossenfort may be out of a job when the 2027 draft rolls around. Picking Simpson could be his last chance for a bold QB move in Arizona.
One of the main concerns regarding Simpson is a lack of experience. He made just 15 starts in college, which is reportedly a deterrent for the Steelers. As the reigning AFC North champions await a decision on 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers‘ future, they are down to career backup Mason Rudolph and untested 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard as their top options at the game’s most important position. It does not appear they are going to tab Simpson at No. 21 overall, though. They have not even given Simpson a first-round grade, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. In the Steelers’ opinion, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is the lone member of this class with franchise QB potential, per Dulac.
Mendoza going to the Raiders at No. 1 overall is a lock, but this could end up a one-QB first round. Simpson’s odds of coming off the board in Round 1 remain iffy as the draft draws closer.
Simpson should have stayed in College. He’s not ready for NFL. Could have improved himself with another great College season
Making NIL money as well.
Also a decent probability he would have more competition and be selected lower. Sayin, Manning, Moore, Leavitt, Mestamaker, Mateer, etc. should all push Simpson next season, if not surpass him (and the first 3 are already viewed in a better light).
That makes sense and he’s older isn’t he? Which pushes him down to 2nd or 3rd round in the 2027 class for sure .. good point
Schough was “older” and was really the prototypical QB for the Steelers. But they bypassed him to wait for a then 41 year old. Made no sense then and here we are again
Simpson isn’t Schough, at least to me, but again you wonder how long this franchise is going to kick the can down the road. Finish at 9-8 or so, land in the 20+ area of draft order, repeat
I could see a team draft him easily in the 2nd round .. my Browns might just be who does, as Monken is very familiar with him
Terrible year to draft QBs. Not even sure Mendoza is worthy of a top pick. If it wasn’t for a few teams desperate for a QB I’m not sure he’s in the top 5 or even 10. Simpson is coming out because of the gap, but he really should’ve stayed in for another year. Good program and more time could’ve supported his position.
Lmao Mendoza is worthy of 1st overall in the past 5 drafts combined
What were you watching?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but there is no way Mendoza goes before Trevor Lawrence, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, or Derek May. Bryce Young and Cam Ward are arguable, and as funny as it may should right now, I think Zach Wilson, at the time, could have very easily went before Mendoza. He is a decent QB prospect, imop, but no where near the level of those top 4 coming out.
Id put Mendoza in a tier with Joe Burrow
Just going to be difficult since it’s the Raiders
Id like to see the Steelers trade back into the 1st round if hes still available late.
Too many holes to take him at 21 tho. Need OG or OT , maybe a CB
McCarthy would be called one helluva poker player if he were to draft Simpson in one of the early rounds. They have literally shown no interest. Now you have some pointing to them taking Allar in the middle rounds
Lost in all of this has been all of the love McCarthy had for Howard’s abilities.
I still think that given his history, coach will opt for a top flight receiver if any are available at 21. And with 12 picks, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them move up
I think theyre going O line
Huge hole at OG and can use help at OT with Broderick on his way out
I imagine it will depend on how the draft falls, but I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if Pittsburgh trades up for a player they have keyed in on. I would guess that player is an OT, OG, or WR.
I had to laugh when Michael Wilbon said today he wouldn’t be at all surprised if, since the draft is here in Pittsburgh, Rodgers walks out and greets the number 1 pick for the Steelers.
He then asked what we all wonder; why? Why do they continue to pander to him?