Position: QB
Height: 6’2
Weight: 210
Stats: 2025 (6 games) – 71%, 1678 yards, 16 TD, 1 INT, 31 att, 136 yds, 2 TD, 2 fumbles
Class/Age: RS Junior, 22
Team: Alabama
Positives:
Simpson has been tested in his career thus
far, originally sitting behind Bryce Young then Jalen Milroe. The near 23 year old didn’t see the field in more than 6 games through 2022-2024 but remained with Alabama despite not getting playtime. Simpson showed potential and the traits that have made him a potential round 1 pick in those games. Simpson has smooth consistent mechanics, he has a quick short release math that gets the ball out fast and with good velocity. Simpson showed the ability to work the pocket, step up and evade pressure while also showing traits as a scrambler. He’s quick with light feet and has a knack for understanding pressure and the pocket, which allows for him to navigate quick blitz packages or collapsing EDGE rushers. Simpson has made a variety of off-platform throws where he’s shown good velocity and the ability to maintain his eyes downfield through the play in order to find an open receiver. Simpson posses high caliber arm strength, with good velocity and zip on throws, Simpson uses his entire body throughout the throw driving the ball with his hips. Despite limited playtime, Simpson shows advanced skills in the mental aspect of a quarterback with exceptional ball security, the ability to work between reads, and he’s shown the ability to diagnose presnap coverages and find openings. Simpson layers the ball well, has good touch on intermediate and short throws while also having a phenomenal deep pass that is put in front of his receivers to create additional separation or contested catch situations is put outside the receivers frame consistently. Simpson shows advanced traits as a quarterback with the ability to drive the ball outside a receivers body to give them a chance on additional YAC while also understanding leverage with the ability to put the ball opposite the cornerback. Additionally, Simpson showcases toughness and strength consistently working through contact in the pocket, making off platform throws, and as a runner consistently looking for additional yardage. Simpson showcases elite anticipation on throws across the middle along with on break concept routes, where he’s able to be in perfect rhythm with his receivers.
Weakness:
The glaring issue is Simpson’s limited playtime, having only been a full time starter for 6 games now. Despite that, Simpson has been flawless in his play and extremely advanced. Simpson doesn’t possess an overly NFL ready frame, and he will need to add weight in order to maintain health and strength in the NFL. His 6’2/210 stature is undersized for an NFL quarterback, but doesn’t seem to deter him much especially in terms of his arm strength. Simpson can tend to flutter the ball beyond 35+ yards and his arm strength downfield does get inconsistent at times where he’ll overshoot or under throw receivers. Simpson needs to get better at setting his feet, working on scissoring footwork, and at times under pressure maintaining composure in his mechanics where he tries to speed up an already exceptionally fast release which can cause haywire throws. Simpsons touch on deep shot throws is inconsistent, but will develop with coaching. Additionally, there’s times where Simpson will drift in the pocket, notably vs Mizzou which resulted in a strip sack. Simpson has the tendency to drift into a sack or take extra hitches/steps before the throw which result in errant passes or completions that limit YAC. In addition, Simpson will need to develop a sense for the clean pocket and prevent himself from bailing too early instead of standing in and taking the hit before letting the ball go. Limited experience when pressured is a concern as well.
Grade: 1.86 – Late Round 1
Pro-Comp: Sam Darnold
Simpson is going to translate to the NFL immediately, despite his limited snaps the quick release and mental aspects are NFL ready. Simpson possess the ability to work -5 to 15 yards of the LOS with exceptional poise, completing numerous throws and displaying NFL caliber anticipation, layering, and accuracy. His smooth mechanics are advanced for a quarterback with limited play time, allowing him to at the minimum function in an RPO heavy system where he’ll be able to develop additional traits while excelling within the minimum aspects. Simpson will need to get more aggressive at times, where he tends to limit himself and doesn’t seem to fully trust his arm yet. In addition, Simpson will need to work on his minor mechanics to eliminate issues, but the mechanics, timing, decision making, and pocket awareness are all showing of an NFL caliber quarterback.
