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Should the Dolphins Draft Star SEC Quarterback?

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Mike Roberts | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 6:58 PM ET

Alabama’s Ty Simpson is projected to one of the first quarterbacks taken in the 2026 NFL Draft. Could he wind up with the Miami Dolphins? Brian Miller of Phin Phanatic wrote about five potential first-round draft picks Dolphins’ fans should get familiar with. He listed Simpson as one of the five:

“Ty Simpson – QB – Alabama

Dolphins fans might throw up if the team drafts another Alabama quarterback, but consider this: he isn’t a product of Nick Saban. Simpson is likely to be the second QB taken in this year’s draft and may not be picked until the late 20s. If the Dolphins look at Simpson as a potential franchise QB, I might expect them to trade back and take him later. He is worth keeping an eye on, and some see him as the best “ready now” QB in this class.”

The Dolphins hold the 11th overall pick in the draft, which is two high to select Ty Simpson. But as Miller pointed out, the team could trade back to get him.

Should the Dolphins Draft Alabama Quarterback Ty Simpson?

His Career Thus Far

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Ty Simpson attended Westview High School in Martin Tennessee. During his senior year, he passed for 2,827 yards and 41 touchdowns against three interceptions. He also rushed for 862 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Simpson was rated a five-star recruit coming out of high school. He received college offers from schools like Clemson, Tennessee, and Ole Miss. Yet, he ultimately committed to Alabama.

In 2022, Simpson redshirted his freshman season at Alabama. Bryce Young was the starter that year. Simpson then served as a backup the following two years.

Simpson was named the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback in 2025. This past season, he threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions while completing 64.5 percent of his passes. Simpson had several big-time games like his 382-yard, four-touchdown performance against Wisconsin. He also threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns versus Vanderbilt.

Simpson led Alabama to an appearance in the SEC championship and earned a 34-24 win over Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff. However, they lost 38-3 to Fernando Mendoza’s Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl.

Ty Simpson later opted to enter the 2026 NFL Draft over returning to Alabama – or entering the Transfer Portal.

Yes, Simpson Makes Sense

One of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Dan Marino spent his entire career 17-year career with the Dolphins. The nine-time Pro Bowler retired in March of 2000

Miami has never replaced Marino. Tua Tagovailoa, whom the Dolphins drafted fifth overall in 2020, has shown flashes of becoming a superstar. Yet, he was benched in favor of Quinn Ewers in 2025.

The Dolphins could part ways with Tagovailoa this offseason. They could then choose to start Ewers in 2026, who showed promise this past season. However, it’s unclear whether he’ll emerge as the Dolphins’ franchise quarterback.

Perhaps Miami should draft Ty Simpson, who could compete with Ewers for the starting job. Simpson has a ton of potential. He possesses a strong arm, poise, and flashes of pinpoint ball placement to thread tight windows. Despite rushing for only 93 yards this season, he is athletic enough to make plays with his legs.

ESPN’s Matt Miller said Simpson didn’t have a Round 1 grade on his board. With that said, the Dolphins should still look to draft him, but just not in the first round. While Ty Simpson isn’t going to be Marino 2.0, he could eventually be a star in South Beach.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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