5 NFL teams in the best position to draft Alabama’s Ty Simpson

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This year’s NFL Draft opens on Thursday night, but how many University of Alabama alums will be selected in the first round?

NFC team remains betting favorite to draft Ty Simpson

Ty Simpson, a former Alabama quarterback, anticipates hearing his name called early – especially with the hype around him being a first-rounder. He could be the seventh signal-caller in the history of the Crimson Tide to go first-round, including the fourth one as a former Nick Saban recruit to go. Simpson, a Tennessee native, had one season as a starter for Alabama.

Alabama QBs that were first-round selections

–Riley Smith: 1936, 1st round (No. 2 overall) – Boston Redskins

-Joe Namath: 1965, 1st round (No. 12 overall) – New York Jets

-Richard Todd: 1976, 1st round (No. 6 overall) – New York Jets

-Tua Tagovailoa: 2020, 1st round (No. 5 overall) – Miami Dolphins

-Mac Jones: 2021, 1st round (No. 15 overall) – New England Patriots

-Bryce Young: 2023, 1st round (No. 1 overall) – Carolina Panthers

Simpson recorded 3,567 passing yards and 28 touchdowns to five interceptions in 2025, propelling the Tide to the College Football Playoff. Several NFL Draft pundits believe the former five-star will be productive in the pros.

Indiana football staff member takes shot at Ty Simpson after Rose Bowl comments

Five teams have an opportunity to take him in the first round. A breakdown of all five options are below.

New York Jets

New York has two first-round picks – Nos. 2 and 16 – and quarterback is a need.

Joe Namath, a former Tide quarterback, led the Jets to a championship in Super Bowl III – earning Most Valuable Player honors. Richard Todd was another ex-Alabama quarterback to play for the Jets and Greg McElroy spent time with the franchise too. Ty Simpson has been linked as an option for New York, but are the Jets the right fit? People have labeled the organization as one of multiple spots where a quarterback’s dream goes to die. The position is a need for the Jets.

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona has let go of Kyler Murray, so the Cardinals are on the market for a quarterback.

The Cardinals have the No. 3 overall pick and need someone with the confidence to compete against Matthew Stafford (Rams), Sam Darnold (Seahawks), and Brock Purdy (49ers) in the NFC West. Arizona has talented pieces on the outside – including Marvin Harrison Jr. – but it needs a trigger man to get the playmakers the football. Simpson makes a lot of sense in Arizona.

Pittsburgh Steelers

A perfect scenario for Simpson would be for him to land in Pittsburgh.

Mike McCarthy is back with Aaron Rodgers, but the 42-year-old has been flirting with retirement for a while.

McCarthy coached Rodgers to a Super Bowl Championship in the 2010 season with the Green Bay Packers.

He has the offensive mind to develop Simpson to a successful player in the AFC North. If he sits a year behind Rodgers, Simpson would be ready to take over in 2026 for the Steelers. Pittsburgh has the 21st overall selection in the first round.

Cleveland Browns

Cleveland has three quarterbacks on its roster, but it has confidence in none of them.

Todd Monken, the Browns’ new head coach, is looking to draft his first quarterback for the organization.

Cleveland has two first-round picks at Nos. 6 and 24, so it will be interesting to see which direction it goes with its first selection. Ty Simpson could be the first signal caller to provide the Browns with long-term success. Baker Mayfield led Cleveland to the playoffs in 2020 with an 11-5 record. Simpson could recreate that success if he’s drafted.

Los Angeles Rams

Quarterback is not a need for the Los Angeles Rams, but an opportunity to be coached by Sean McVay would be a dream for Ty Simpson.

He would also get a chance to learn from 38-year-old, Matthew Stafford.

No one knows how much longer Stafford has left in the league, but to have the succession plan in place long term is good for the Rams. Simpson would be with one of the most innovative offensive minds in the game and a good overall system.

Los Angeles has the No. 13 overall pick.

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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.