Team Picking Ty Simpson Should Focus on Development, Says Nick Saban

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is predicted to go either late in the first round, or early in the second.

Team Picking Ty Simpson Should Focus on Development, Says Nick Saban

Ty Simpson and Nick Saban (Image via Bryce DeGroat/Bleacher Report/X)

In Short
  • Nick Saban advises that Ty Simpson needs time to develop before playing in the NFL.
  • Concerns about Simpson's inexperience and physical size may hinder his success at the next level.
  • Draft expert Charles Davis believes the Arizona Cardinals should not select Simpson with the third overall pick.

In exactly a day, all eyes will be on the NFL Draft, and specifically, the quarterbacks remaining after Fernando Mendoza goes off the board. Even though there are a few teams in need of a signal caller, who among them selects Ty Simpson has been a matter of debate for some time.

It so happens that this year’s QB class is wafer-thin, and even saw a few prospects return to college just because they felt they could have a better chance next year.

With Mendoza clearly at the front, it was more a question of need rather than the fit with the Alabama Crimson Tide signal caller.

ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky stirred up a storm when he claimed Ty Simpson was better than Fernando Mendoza. It led many to question the analyst’s integrity.

But on a different note, there is no doubt that the 23-year-old will go to one of the QB-needy teams. But as per his former head coach, whoever picks Simpson has to be patient.

He needs to go someplace where he has a chance to develop, and not play right away.

Nick Saban said on The Pat McAfee Show

The legendary coach reiterated that his former understudy has the tools to become a good NFL quarterback. The only things he lacks are maturity, which is a direct result of his lack of experience leading a team.

Nick Saban believes that whichever team selects him should give him the time and opportunity to learn and develop. Only then can he be fully equipped to fulfil his potential.

Analyst points out another one of Ty Simpson’s flaws

While Nick Saban pointed out the inexperience as a major factor preventing Ty Simpson from taking off in the NFL right away, Mina Kimes had another major concern.

Ty Simpson is undersized for the NFL
Ty Simpson is undersized for the NFL (Image via Alabama Football/X)

There’s a lot to like in the first half of the season. … The hesitation is just that he would be such an outlier in a number of areas… He is undersized… It is harder to play the position when you are that small… The frame, the durability is a concern of mine watching him.

Mina Kimes said on NFL Live

As she was explaining her point, she referred to the small list of undersized quarterbacks who have played in the league. She pointed to the one area of concern they all have, and that is the lack of success.

Other than Russell Wilson, no other short quarterbacks have had a lot of success. But the veteran QB has been durable, unlike the others in the league. That concerned Mina Kimes.

When Dan Orlovsky tried to suggest that Ty Simpson makes up for the lack of size with quick throws and fast reads, Kimes interjected and suggested that it is still not enough to make up for his physical flaws.

Draft expert dismisses Ty Simpson’s chances of going No. 3 overall

Other than these criticisms, there is a growing belief that the Arizona Cardinals will be interested in picking Ty Simpson. But since they hold the third-overall pick, many are not convinced whether they should select him that high.

Ty Simpson is not going 3… I think Simpson and Arizona is a very natural fit… I think the best thing in the world for Ty Simpson is if he goes in the 2nd round.

Charles Davis said

ESPN’s draft expert explained to Rich Eisen that he knows the Alabama alum and the Cardinals are a good fit, just because of the way the new head coach, Mike LaFleur‘s system is.

However, Davis hopes they do not make the mistake and draft him third overall, and instead wait until the second round, where they will get the chance to secure him.

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