The draft analyst didn't hold back about the Alabama quarterback.
The draft guru projects the Alabama quarterback to be selected by the New York Jets with the No. 16 overall pick. “Recall that the Jets were left out of the quarterback game when they were on the board the first time at No.
2; there just isn’t another top-five QB prospect in this class right now beyond Fernando Mendoza,”. “But getting linebacker Arvell Reese there then getting the class’ QB2 here? That’s a pretty good first round for New York.” Simpson completed 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions in his lone season as Alabama’s starting quarterback. Simpson waited three seasons for his chance to lead the Crimson Tide. “Let’s be clear, though: I do have some concerns about Simpson,” Kiper said. “He has 15 career starts, which means this pick would come with a lot of risk. That’s just not enough game experience. We also can’t ignore his dip in performance in the second half of the 2025 season. “But there’s also no questioning his upside. Simpson has good pocket presence, and he fired 28 touchdown passes and only five interceptions this past season. If the Jets can surround him with talent on offense and develop him, he has a high ceiling.” Simpson is one of only two quarterbacks projected in the mock draft. Indiana quarterback - and Heisman Trophy winner - Fernando Mendoza is listed at the top overall pick to Las Vegas.Mark Heim is a senior writer who provides sports, news and trending content. He co-hosts a daily sports radio show on WNSP-FM 105.5 in Mobile. Heim has been recognized with awards for his writing, headlines and...
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