Jets’ Dream Scenario: Tannenbaum Eyes Simpson at No. 25

Jets’ Dream Scenario: Tannenbaum Eyes Simpson at No. 25

The NFL draft buzz is heating up, and one name generating plenty of discussion is Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. While many wonder if he’ll be a first-round pick, the general consensus among league insiders suggests it’s unlikely. “I can’t find the team that would take him there,” one source commented, indicating Simpson might be a Day 2 selection. This sentiment echoes what multiple reporters are hearing, with teams admitting they think someone will take him in the first round, just not them.

This situation reminds some of the chatter around Shedeur Sanders last year, where expectations didn’t quite match the draft-day reality. However, the possibility of Simpson falling out of the first round presents a fascinating “dream scenario” for the New York Jets, according to former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum. He envisions the Jets trading up from the top of the second round, perhaps using their picks at 33 and 44, to acquire pick 25 from Chicago. This move would allow them to select Simpson and let him develop for a year behind current starter Geno Smith, securing a valuable fifth-year option on his contract.

Tannenbaum highlighted that Simpson played only 15 games, making that extra year of development crucial. “Imagine if you’re the New York Jets and you get a pass rusher, let’s say a corner, Ty Simpson, and now you still have three first-round picks next year,” he explained. This strategy would give the Jets flexibility and a chance to groom their potential future quarterback without immediate pressure.

Why the Draft Slide?

Dominique Foxworth offered insight into why Simpson might be slipping down draft boards. He believes it’s a case of “traditional wishcasting” around the draft, with many teams already excited about the quarterbacks in next year’s draft class. “Next year’s draft is always better than this year’s draft, especially at the quarterback position,” Foxworth noted. This outlook suggests that teams needing a quarterback might be hesitant to use a valuable first-round pick on Simpson when a potentially stronger class awaits.

The betting odds reflect this uncertainty. The over/under for Simpson’s draft position is set at 24.5. Betting the over means you believe he’ll be selected 25th or later. The Arizona Cardinals are currently the favorites to land him at +135, holding an early second-round pick. The value of securing that fifth-year option, especially for a team not expecting their rookie quarterback to start immediately, cannot be overstated. It provides an extra year for development, a critical factor for a player like Simpson with limited starting experience.

AJ Brown Trade Speculation Heats Up

Meanwhile, the NFL owner meetings in Phoenix also brought significant chatter about Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. Sources suggest that after June 1st, when his cap hit decreases, the Eagles might consider trading him. The New England Patriots are the team most frequently linked to Brown in these discussions.

While Eagles GM Howie Roseman and coach Nick Sirianni have repeatedly stated that Brown is an Eagle, the financial implications of a post-June 1st trade are substantial. “The cap hit drops significantly for Philadelphia if they wait until after June 1st,” a source confirmed. This suggests that if a team doesn’t make an overwhelming offer before the draft, the trade speculation will likely resurface in the summer, with New England being a team to watch.

What a Brown Trade Means for Philly

Trading Brown would undoubtedly raise questions for the Eagles, a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Dominique Foxworth acknowledged that the immediate reaction would be that the team got worse. However, he also pointed out potential adjustments. “With the new offensive coordinator, they’ll try to construct an offense around DeVonta Smith as their number one,” Foxworth said. The addition of Hollywood Brown and the presence of Saquon Barkley could help offset the loss, but it would lessen the overall offensive firepower.

Mike Tannenbaum, however, firmly believes the Eagles should hold onto Brown. “Nope. I’m calling in AJ Brown, Jalen Hurts, Nick Sirianni, and Sean [DeCosta]… we’re going to sit there and say, ‘Hey, we’re going to either succeed together or we could all be gone,'” he argued. Tannenbaum stressed Brown’s talent at 29 years old and his ability to be a difference-maker. He also cited the Tennessee Titans’ ongoing struggle to replace Mike Vrabel after trading him, emphasizing the difficulty of finding such talent.

Patriots’ Window of Opportunity

If A.J. Brown were to land in New England, it would significantly boost their offense. Foxworth noted that Brown is a “top-line playmaker” who still has plenty left in the tank, particularly with his ability to make contested catches and run deep routes. For the Patriots, acquiring a player of Brown’s caliber would align with their current window of opportunity. With Drake Maye entering his third year on a rookie deal, and having recently moved on from Stefon Diggs, adding Brown alongside Rhamondre Stevenson and Hunter Henry could make them immediate Super Bowl contenders.

“If a team’s going to pay a premium, New England’s the ideal spot,” one analyst stated. The team was arguably ahead of schedule last year and now has a chance to go for it while their current financial structure allows.

Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Question

Turning to the Cleveland Browns, the quarterback situation remains a major talking point. Despite the presence of Deshaun Watson, sources indicate that Dorian Thompson-Robinson is the most likely candidate to start the season as the Browns’ quarterback. Watson has played a limited 19 games over the last five seasons, and his future with the team is uncertain due to his contract and injury history.

The financial implications of cutting Watson are staggering. A post-June 1st cut would result in $131 million in dead money, making his release highly improbable. “I would expect him to be on the team. I don’t know about starting,” one insider commented. Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick last year, appears to have a clear path to the starting job, especially with a new offensive-minded head coach who reportedly asked potential candidates about starting him.

The Browns are in a position where they need to evaluate what they have in Thompson-Robinson. With Watson’s long-term viability as a question mark and the knowledge that other potential quarterbacks like Dillon Gabriel might not be the answer, giving Thompson-Robinson a real shot is crucial. “This isn’t the worst situation in the league for a quarterback,” one analyst noted. “This is the best chance that you’re going to get probably in his career at a chance at establishing himself as a starter.” He is expected to receive the majority of offseason reps and be the day one starter, offering a legitimate opportunity to prove his NFL potential.

Source: Mike Tannenbaum’s ‘dream scenario’ for Ty Simpson + Should Shedeur Sanders be QB1? | Get Up (YouTube)