The New York Jets lost their way to the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. It’s a critical development for the Jets, who are once again expected to select a quarterback in the first round.
However, the Jets could not leapfrog the Las Vegas Raiders, who secured the first overall selection. Given that Las Vegas also desperately needs a franchise quarterback, the Jets may be forced to settle for the second quarterback off the board.
For that reason, the Jets would benefit from as many first-round-worthy quarterback prospects entering the draft as possible.
That’s why Wednesday’s news is a big deal for the Jets’ future.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has informed the school of his intention to enter the 2026 NFL draft.
Simpson is the third-ranked quarterback on the consensus big board at NFL Mock Draft Database. He is the No. 20 overall prospect, although he peaked at No. 6 as recently as one month ago. A rough outing during Alabama’s blowout loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl, during which he left early due to a cracked rib, has caused Simpson’s stock to drop in the public eye.
While the public consensus has Simpson well behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore in the 2026 quarterback hierarchy, Simpson could go off the board a lot earlier than many expect. Simpson endured a weaker supporting cast than Mendoza and Moore, causing his overall production to look worse than his peers. However, many draft analysts believe Simpson’s film shows a similar or better prospect.
After watching through the entirety of Simpson’s All-22 film in the 2025 season, Jets X-Factor’s Joe Blewett currently has Simpson as his top-ranked quarterback.
Simpson’s declaration is important news for the Jets. Mendoza and Moore have yet to declare; if one of them decides to stay in school, Simpson would immediately become the favorite to be selected by New York with the second overall pick.
Even if all three quarterbacks declare, Simpson is still a player to watch at No. 2, contrary to popular opinion.
