There is a bit of a love-fest going on at the NFL draft combine between new Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken and one of the best incoming members of the 2026 draft class, Alabama’s Ty Simpson. The two are familiar with each other already, as Monken once recruited Simpson back when he was the offensive coordinator at Georgia–though the Bulldogs ultimately lost out to Alabama, Monken maintained contact with the Simpson family, especially Simpson’s father, Jason.
This week, then, Monken has been able to rekindle his connection with Simpson as Simpson attempts to bolster his stock in the NFL draft, where he is seen as the second-best quarterback in this year’s class but not necessarily good enough to be a first-round pick.
The Browns, with the No. 6 and No. 24 picks and with a need at quarterback are in position to draft Simpson, but whether the team is confident enough to use a first-rounder on a player who started only one year in college is a very relevant question.
Ty Simpson: ‘I’d Be Excited’ to Play for Browns
But Simpson was, at least, happy to talk with the Browns and reconnect with Monken.
Asked how he’d feel about being picked by Cleveland, Simpson said, “I’d be excited. My dad and coach Monk go way back, they talk often. He texted him when he got the job, they texted a little bit. So if I had the opportunity to play for the Browns, it would be a dream come true, I think I would be in great hands with the team that they have, the organization.
“And then, with coach Monk and what he does with quarterbacks and offenses is super quarterback-friendly. I think he’s gonna coach me hard if I am able to go there, but he is going to do it in the right way. So, I’m super-excited.”
Todd Monken Is Friendly With Ty Simpson’s Father
Simpson said it would also be beneficial for him to land with the Browns, given Monken’s background, which not only includes his time in Athens, but also the last three years as the offensive coordinator for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
“I know he loves football, and I know that’s what I love as well. Super-smart guy. I remember him coming to my school at Georgia …” Simpson said. His pedigree with all the NFL teams he has been with and with Lamar (Jackson), and at Georgia—it’s super-real. A lot of respect for him and the Browns organization.”
Speaking on Wednesday, Monken had also expressed enthusiasm for Simpson and his journey into the NFL.
“Really fond of Ty,” he said. “Obviously, really good football player. Fired up for him, because in today’s day and age, for him to stay as long as he did and then get a chance to be the starting quarterback at Alabama is pretty cool, that is really cool for him to live out his dream at the school he chose, three or four years ago.”
Browns Have Options to Add New Quarterback(s)
Monken did not, of course, necessarily say that would be happening with the Browns, though there should be a clearer picture on the direction the Browns will go at quarterback before then–Cleveland is expected to pursue either free-agent QB Malik Willis of the Packers, or former Top 4 pick Anthony Richardson in a trade with the Colts.
Landing Willis would probably mark the end of the Browns’ pursuit of more quarterbacks, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders also in the mix. Adding Richardson, though, would not likely stop the Browns from drafting another player to compete for a starting role.
Simpson led the SEC last year in pass attempts (473) and completions (305), throwing for 237.8 yards per game with 28 touchdowns and just five interceptions.
Browns Would Be a ‘Dream’ for Top QB Draft Prospect