Even after trading for Geno Smith, it’s no secret the New York Jets still need a quarterback.
Fortunately for them, they hold the No. 2 and 16 overall picks in the 2026 NFL draft, which opens the door for them to use one of those picks on a passer.
With Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza expected to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, Alabama’s Ty Simpson is the consensus No. 2 passer in the draft class. The Jets even hosted Simpson for a workout recently, which ESPN’s Jordan Rodgers says was done for one specific reason.
“Here’s the interesting part about the workout with the Jets, and what was important about the pro day,” Rodgers stated on “Get Up” on Friday. “There’s not a lot of him throwing off-platform in the pocket, ripping it down field with the comeback or a dig route. Because he’s so good with his feet, because he’s so good at getting set in a line — that was the design of the pro day.”
Many have wondered with the Jets doing their homework on Simpson if he’s a realistic target for them next month. With so much smoke around Simpson to New York, Rodgers sent the Jets a warning about passing on Simpson in Round 1.
“If the Jets pass on him TWICE in the top 16 they are crazy. Someone is gonna get their future franchise QB. Kid is a baller,” Rodgers posted on X.
While most analysts agree that Mendoza is the clear-cut top signal-caller in the draft, there’s been a small groundswell in favor of Simpson in recent days. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky recently hyped up Simpson as being better than Mendoza, and it seems Rodgers shares a similar sentiment.
“He’s got the best footwork and pocket presence int his draft and he plays with an elite suddenness,” Rodgers stated. “… If he doesn’t go in the top 16, these teams are going to miss on someone who’s really special. … The reason he is so accurate and so consistent is because his base, his feet, and his eyes are always together — and that’s what makes him special.”
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