Debunking Theories About Why Dan Orlovsky Thinks Ty Simpson is Better Than Fernando Mendoza

Dan Orlovsky believes that former Alabama QB Ty Simpson is a better quarterback compared to Fernando Mendoza.

Debunking Theories About Why Dan Orlovsky Thinks Ty Simpson is Better Than Fernando Mendoza

Ty Simpson and Dan Orlovsky inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/Get Up)

For months, NFL mock drafts have projected Fernando Mendoza as the first overall pick in the upcoming draft in April. More often than not, the quarterback with the best stats in their final college year gets selected first overall. Mendoza clinched the CFP championship and snagged the Heisman Trophy, pretty much cementing his status as the best player in college football. Dan Orlovsky, though, shares a different opinion. Despite Mendoza’s success, Orlovsky believes that Ty Simpson has a higher ceiling than the Indiana graduate.

Simpson shone during the recently concluded NFL Combine, forcing scouts and draft experts to take notice. Orlovsky spent days reviewing film of both Mendoza and the former Alabama quarterback before deciding that Simpson is the better quarterback. According to his assessment, Simpson’s skill set is better suited for the NFL.

I would tell you that [Ty] Simpson is more consistent in that regard. There’s not a ton of moments of panic from Fernando Mendoza, and then there’s moments where he immediately drops his eyes and becomes a runner. Ty Simpson is more consistent with that. Which guy was asked to do more NFL throws? When I say NFL throws, I’m talking [15- to 25-yard] in routes, crossing routes, deep corner or sail routes – Ty Simpson, and it’s not even close in that regard.

Orlovsky said in Monday’s episode of Get Up

Orlovsky is perfectly fine with the Las Vegas Raiders selecting Mendoza with the first pick in the draft. But if it were up to him, Orlovsky would select Simpson around the 15-25 pick range.

This got fans buzzing on social media. They wondered why Orlovsky kept pushing the “Simpson is the better quarterback” narrative on live television, especially when draft experts clearly view Mendoza as number one. After some digging, a few noticed a pattern. As it turns out, both Orlovsky and Simpson are represented by CAA (Creative Artists Agency).

Even if the coincidence seems minor, it’s best not to rush to any conclusions. Orlovsky has been in the media game for years, and as a former quarterback, he is more qualified to evaluate future signal callers. That said, only time will decide who is the better quarterback between Mendoza and Simpson.

Dan Orlovsky’s ESPN colleague shares encouraging news for Ty Simpson

With Mendoza opting out of the Combine, the focus shifted to other quarterbacks. Drew Allar, Mike Gronowski, and Taylen Green racked up impressive Combine numbers. However, Simpson overshadowed his peers.

Debunking Theories About Why Dan Orlovsky Thinks Ty Simpson is Better Than Fernando Mendoza
Ty Simpson (Image via IMAGO)

Simpson measured at 6’1” and 211 pounds, with a 30 7/8″ arm span and 9 3/8″ handspan before slinging passes to wide receiver prospects. Bleacher Report‘s scouting expert Damian Parson described Simpson as “a highly accurate quarterback who fits passes between defenders.”

Orlovsky viewed Simpson’s film from his final season with Bama and concluded he is the best quarterback in the 2026 draft. His colleague at ESPN, Adam Schefter, believes that Simpson has done enough to be a first-round draft pick.

The one thing I can say confidently right now, [when] you talk to different offices, is I believe— and it’s not going on a limb— Ty Simpson will be a first-round draft pick. That’s all I’m comfortable saying right now.

Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show

Simpson led the Alabama Crimson Tide to an 11-4 record last season while passing for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. Bama were thoroughly humiliated 38-3 by Indiana in the Rose Bowl.

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