Nick Saban details biggest need for Ty Simpson ahead of NFL Draft

Gary Cosby Jr.- Imagn Images

Round one of the NFL Draft starts Thursday night and Alabama fans are focused on how many Crimson Tide standouts will hear their names called.

Alabama could possibly get two players in the first round as Ty Simpson (quarterback) and Kadyn Proctor (offensive tackle) are projected as high selections. Both spent the last two seasons under Kalen DeBoer, yet Nick Saban recruited them. The seven-time national champion was on the Pat McAfee Show detailing the biggest need for Simpson ahead of the grand event.

Saban says no player in the 2026 NFL Draft has made more plays than former Alabama DB

Saban said the former five-star needs to go to a team where he can learn and develop.

“I think Ty Simpson can throw it well enough and he’s athletic enough..

There’s things he can improve on with experience and he needs to go some place where he has a chance to develop” ~ Coach Saban #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/tRSlqYyphz

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 22, 2026

“I think Ty Simpson is a guy who did not play as much in college as other quarterbacks as they develop,” Saban said. “He’s only played 15 games, and I think maturity is important in him developing his game. I think he can throw it well enough and he’s athletic enough.”

Saban believes Simpson’s maturity as a quarterback will come with more reps.

“Maturity is nothing more than making the right decision at the right time,” Saban said. “That comes with experience and repetition. He [Simpson] does not have enough of that, but he will get it and will be a very good player. He needs to go somewhere that he has a chance to develop and not play right away.”

Where is LT Overton projected to get drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams would present Simpson with that option.

Pittsburgh has the No. 21 overall pick and Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Simpson would learn from the 43-year-old until it is time for him to take over. Los Angeles has Matthew Stafford, and the 38-year-old would be a great resource for Simpson. 

It will be interesting to see where he goes in the draft.

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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.