Ty Simpson was quickly vindicated for his decision to forego his final season of collegiate eligibility – and pass up ridiculous offers in the Transfer Portal – to enter the 2026 NFL Draft when Oregon QB Dante Moore, thought by many to be the QB2 behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, opted on Wednesday to return to college for another year.
In the eyes of many experts, that places Simpson as QB2 behind Mendoza now as we head into the pre-draft process. That has immediately begun to factor into new mock drafts, including this one by Nicholas Rome at Saturday Blitz.
Rome has Simpson as the 2nd QB off the board going No. 11 overall to the Miami Dolphins, where he would replace former Alabama signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa as the new franchise QB in South Beach.
Ty Simpson up to No. 11 in new NFL Mock Draft
There are quite a few QB-needy teams this year that makes it likely that Simpson will find his way into the top half of the first round of the draft in April. If Mendoza goes No. 1 to the Raiders as is widely expected at this point, Simpson’s ceiling could be as high as No. 2 overall with the Jets, though you shouldn’t wish that fate even on your worst enemy.
The Cardinals (No. 3), Browns (No. 6), Dolphins (No. 11), and Rams (No. 13) all have needs at the position in the Top 15 picks. The Jets pick again at No. 16 after selecting at No. 2, so you figure one of those picks will be on their QB of the future. That sadly looks like the most obvious landing spot for Simpson at the moment.
The Dolphins would certainly be a better alternative. They don’t seem that far off from playing meaningful football. There’s talent on that roster, particularly at the skill positions with guys like Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane.
Simpson will be one of the most discussed prospects in this draft cycle. He has the tape of a first-rounder, but his lack of starts will hang over his head like a dark cloud. That won’t be enough to keep him from being a high draft pick, though.