Ty Simpson: 'Absolutely' NFL-Ready, Eyes First-Round Glory

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, the No. 4 recruit in the 2022 class per 247Sports, sat down with NBC Sports' Mike Florio to affirm his readiness to contribute Day 1 for any NFL team drafting him. The Westview High School product, who led his Tennessee squad to a 2A state title with 2,827 passing yards and 41 touchdowns as a senior, emphasized his football IQ and quick decision-making as keys to instant production. Simpson, weighing 211 pounds at the NFL Combine in February, hosted dozens of scouts for a 40-minute pro day workout in March, where he showcased arm strength and anticipation throws.[1][3] Scouts praise Simpson's traits but flag his limited starting experience. Across 16 games from 2022-2024, he completed 29 of 50 passes for 381 yards, adding 130 rushing yards and three scores on 22 carries. As a redshirt junior presumptive starter under new coach Kalen DeBoer, Simpson impressed in spring ball over transfers Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell, earning DeBoer's nod as the veteran choice.[2][4] NFL teams are taking notice. Simpson met with the quarterback-hungry New York Jets, who hold picks 2 and 16 and planned a dinner Thursday followed by a private workout Friday. The Los Angeles Rams, slotted at No. 13, also visited, fueling first-round buzz. Invited to the draft in Pittsburgh, Simpson said, 'Absolutely' when asked if he's a top-32 lock, adding he's done all he can to prove it.[3] Analysts remain divided on his projection. Sports Info Solutions sees a 'circumstantial starter' who fits quick-decision offenses but needs reps to refine poise under pressure and accuracy. CBS Sports highlights his footwork and processing speed, rare for inexperienced passers, yet warns of pass-rush management gaps. On the PFSN Consensus Big Board, his 84.22 grade lands him 46th overall, pegged for Rounds 2-3, with one analyst decrying 'zero precedent' for his rapid rise.[1][2][7] Simpson's path mirrors a patient developer: a five-star gem who chose Alabama over LSU and Ole Miss, biding time behind stars before emerging. His dual-threat mobility, toughness against contact and willingness to attack downfield intrigue coordinators, though his 2025 tape against SEC elites will clarify his ceiling ahead of the April draft.[4][6]