Ty Simpson’s Draft Stock Soars: Top 15 Lock?

Ty Simpson’s Draft Stock Soars: Top 15 Lock?

The NFL Draft landscape is buzzing, and one name generating significant traction is Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. While Caleb Williams is widely expected to be the undisputed number one pick, the conversation around Simpson is shifting dramatically, with analysts now debating whether he could sneak into the top 15 of the first round. This isn’t just idle speculation; it’s a narrative fueled by a deeper look at his tape and a comprehensive understanding of the challenging circumstances he navigated throughout his collegiate season.

From Underdog to Rising Star

Louis Riddick, a respected voice in NFL evaluation, emphatically dismisses the notion that a top-15 projection for Simpson is “ridiculous.” He argues that a thorough review of Simpson’s performance, when factoring in the “level of health that he had throughout the course of the season,” the “offensive line play,” the “efficiency of the run game,” and the “inconsistency of the wide receivers,” paints a compelling picture of a quarterback who overcame significant adversity.

“When you take all that into consideration and really break down his play from start to finish… you look at this kid and you go, ‘Hey, man, this is someone who I think we’re going to have to go ahead and play a little bit of a higher price for him if we want to secure his services than maybe that we thought and it’s going to be justified,” Riddick stated.

Riddick anticipates that Simpson’s performance at the NFL Combine will further solidify his impressive talent, particularly his arm talent. He also believes Simpson will excel in the crucial interview portion, further impressing potential suitors.

Simpson’s Own Words: A Dream Come True

Adding to the rising momentum, Ty Simpson himself expressed his eagerness to showcase his abilities at the Combine. In a recent interview with Laura Rutledge, he revealed his lifelong aspiration to compete on this stage.

“I grew up watching the combine. So, you know, watching guys throw. I It was a dream come true to be able to one get invited and two, I was like, you know, why not, right? Like I I love to throw the football… and if I had a chance to, if I was healthy enough, like I definitely was. So, you know, being able to come out here and uh and wanting to throw and wanting to throw against good, you know, quarterbacks and uh to good players, like why not? like I’m a quarterback. I love to throw. If we, you know, wanted to throw in the parking lot, I would. So, I I’m a I’m super excited and I can’t wait for the opportunity,” Simpson said.

His enthusiasm and competitive spirit are palpable, suggesting a player who is not only talented but also driven to prove himself.

Evaluating the Numbers and the Doubts

Mike T weighs in, fully endorsing Simpson’s potential, stating, “Absolutely. He had a better year than people realize.” He highlights Simpson’s impressive stat line of 28 touchdowns to just five interceptions. While acknowledging that the Alabama team “ran out of steam” and that the loss to Indiana was “aberrational,” T agrees with Riddick that Simpson’s performance warrants a high draft selection.

However, the narrative isn’t without its counterpoints. The common refrain of this being a “one quarterback draft class” is challenged. Mike T posits a significant drop-off after the top two signal-callers, suggesting teams like the Rams or Jets might consider trading up for Simpson. He also points to Simpson’s decision to work out with unfamiliar receivers at the Combine as a positive sign of his competitiveness, predicting he’ll “throw the ball extremely well” and receive credit for his “competitor” mindset, even if his performance isn’t flawless.

A key point of contention for some evaluators is Simpson’s relative lack of starting experience. Despite being an older player, he was only a one-year starter. Dan Graciano confirms that while quarterback evaluation is subjective, Simpson is indeed impressing “people here this week.” He notes that while the Jets at pick two and Cardinals at pick three might not be showing explicit interest in a quarterback, the buzz around Simpson as the second quarterback taken is undeniable.

The Cowboys’ Contract Conundrum: A Separate Drama Unfolds

In parallel, the NFL world is also closely watching the contract situation unfolding with the Dallas Cowboys, specifically concerning wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. While not directly related to the draft, the potential for a franchise tag and a subsequent standoff is creating significant tension.

Coach Brian Shottenheimer acknowledged the business side of these negotiations, comparing it to past situations with players like Dak Prescott. However, the sentiment among analysts is that this situation is far from simple.

“This is going to play out the way it’s supposed to play out. Uh GP loves football and uh my relationship with GP doesn’t change just like it didn’t change with CD or Dak or those guys that were going through certain things and it’s all part of the process. It’s the business side of it,” Shottenheimer said.

Mike Tannenbaum expressed strong doubts about a smooth resolution, predicting a “disparate point of view” between the team, who may view Lamb as a great number two receiver, and Lamb himself, who likely sees himself as a number one talent worthy of a significantly higher salary. The potential $12 million per year gap between the two sides could lead to Lamb missing offseason programs and even training camp, with Tannenbaum predicting he won’t be seen until after Labor Day.

Louis Riddick concurs, highlighting the financial implications for the Cowboys. While they will likely franchise tag Lamb, the $29 million cap hit is undesirable. Riddick points out that Lamb will likely seek a deal in the $35-$38 million per year range, a figure that presents a significant challenge for Dallas’s salary cap, especially with other high-priced stars like Dak Prescott. “You can’t have all of them. You can’t have all the good players. I mean, you can you can sign them if you want, you’re just going to have to take some losses other places,” Riddick observed.

Dan Graciano suggests that while the Cowboys will franchise tag Lamb and remain open to long-term talks, it might not be their top priority, especially after a strong year from Lamb following some past off-field concerns. He posits that Lamb could choose to play on the tag and prove his value further, potentially earning a larger deal in the future.

Defensive Priorities Loom Large

The looming contract disputes and the financial strain they place on the Cowboys underscore a critical point for their future success. With Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb already accounting for a significant portion of the salary cap, and the potential addition of Lamb’s franchise tag, the team faces immense pressure to address defensive needs. Mike T emphasized that the team’s priorities “clearly should be on one side of the ball. Yes, absolutely. It’s defense, defense, and defense.” The need for a pass rusher, a linebacker, and at least one more cornerback to remain competitive in the NFC is paramount, making the resolution of these offensive contract situations even more critical.

Source: Louis Riddick REVEALS if Ty Simpson could go top 1️⃣5️⃣ in the NFL Draft | Get Up (YouTube)