A lot of quarterbacks who experience success in the NFL come into the league with something to prove. Alabama signal-caller Ty Simpson appears to have that chip on his shoulder to potentially give himself an edge at the next level.
That’s how it seemed when Simpson talked to former NFL signal-caller Chase Daniels during a podcast appearance. The quarterback prospect explained why he doesn’t understand the negative evaluations he’s received throughout the draft process.
“It’s preposterous how people view me when they can’t seen me in person and seen what I can do,” said Simpson.
The full episode of Simpson appearing on The Breakdown with Daniels will become available Tuesday. But Daniels posted a clip of the interview with Simpson on X. on Saturday.
In the clip, Daniels asked Simpson a follow-up question on why he thinks analysts doubt his arm strength. Simpson had a hard time naming a reason.
“That’s a great question,” Simpson said. “Come watch me throw. Everybody will refrain from that from now on. It’s crazy. I wanted to show arm strength, and then, two, show everybody that I could go under center — whether it’s seven-step, five-step, three-step, three-plant, five-plant — just something to where I could do everything.”
Fernando Mendoza is the consensus top quarterback prospect of the 2026 NFL Draft. Analysts expect Mendoza to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Pundits expect Simpson to come off the board next at quarterback. But analysts are projecting that to happen anywhere from the top 10 to the second round.
What to Make of the QB Ty Simpson’s Arm Strength
GettyWill Alabama’s Ty Simpson be a first-round pick in what 2026 NFL Draft?
Despite Simpson’s claim about his own arm strength, pundits appear mixed on the prospect’s arm.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has been one of the loudest critics. Although he likes some parts of Simpson’s game, he called the Crimson Tide quarterback’s arm strength “average.”
“Simpson is mechanically sound from a footwork and release perspective, providing a favorable foundation to work from,” wrote Zierlein. “He’s above average as a processor and decision-maker, but timing and anticipation remain works in progress.
“Arm talent and velocity are average, which limits his success.”
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah was more complimentary of Simpson’s arm strength.
“Simpson is a slightly undersized quarterback with sound mechanics, touch and accuracy. He primarily operated out of the shotgun at Alabama,” wrote Jeremiah. “Simpson has quick feet in his setup and marries his feet with his eyes to stay on platform as a passer.
“He has a compact delivery and enough arm strength to make all the throws.”
Jeremiah, though, ranked Simpson the No. 38 prospect on his newest 2026 NFL Draft big board this month.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. hasn’t been overly critical of Simpson for his arm strength, but he hasn’t raved about it either. Kiper has hyped the Alabama quarterback’s pocket presence and accuracy.
On April 2, Kiper predicted Simpson to land with the New York Jets at No. 33 overall in the second round.
Will the Steelers Target Simpson at No. 21 Overall?
GettyAlabama quarterback Ty Simpson argued the draft narrative around him is “flat out wrong.”
Polarizing might be the best way to describe Simpson’s 2026 NFL Draft stock. The consensus around him, though, is there’s risk in selecting him as a first-round pick.
If Simpson develops into a starter, the question is whether he can reach an elite level. Pundits have also preached that it could take a few years of developing for Simpson to become even a starter.
The Steelers badly need a long-term solution behind center. That makes them a team that could target Simpson at No. 21 overall in the first round.
Steelers insiders such as Gerry Dulac and Mark Kaboly, though, have predicted the team to pass on Simpson. Dulac reported in March that the earliest the Steelers could take a quarterback is the third round.
If the Steelers pass on Simpson, it will be interesting to see where he lands. The quarterback could be plenty motivated to prove he could have been Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback.
Ty Simpson Puts Steelers, Other QB Suitors on Notice Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft