With the 2026 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, one of the strongest emerging trends across the industry is the growing connection between Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and the Arizona Cardinals.
What was once speculation has now turned into a legitimate consensus among top draft analysts. Multiple recent mock drafts and insider reports indicate that Arizona is not only interested in Simpson but could be aggressively positioning itself to land him late in the first round.
The key number to watch? Pick No. 30.
Mel Kiper Jr. Projects Cardinals Trade-Up for Simpson
According to the latest mock from Mel Kiper Jr., the Cardinals are expected to make a bold move back into the first round to secure their quarterback of the future.
Kiper projects Arizona to trade up from No. 34 to No. 30, striking a deal with the Miami Dolphins to select Simpson.
This projection reflects a growing belief that Simpson won’t last long into Day 2, and that teams targeting a quarterback must act before the first round closes.
Todd McShay Echoes the Same Projection for Ty Simpson
What makes this storyline even more compelling is that Todd McShay is seeing the same outcome.
Both Kiper and McShay are on the same page, projecting that the Cardinals will trade back into the late first round with the former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback firmly in their sights.
That level of agreement between two of the industry’s most plugged-in evaluators is rare and significant.
In fact, multiple reports confirm that both analysts specifically connect Simpson to Arizona via a trade-up scenario, reinforcing the idea that this is no longer a fringe projection.
The Bottom Line for Ty Simpson
All signs are pointing in one direction.
With Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay aligned, league buzz intensifying, and Arizona’s draft capital lining up perfectly, momentum has clearly swung toward one outcome:
Ty Simpson to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 30.
And if the latest projections hold, don’t be surprised if that scenario becomes reality on Thursday night.
One NFL Team Is Picking Up Serious Momentum for Alabama QB Ty Simpson