Adam Schefter addresses big Ty Simpson NFL Draft narrative

Regardless of all that former NFL quarterback and current analyst Dan Orlovsky has had to say about Alabama Crimson Tide signal-caller Ty Simpson throughout the offseason, some have suggested that Simpson could slide to the bottom of or all the way out of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

During a Monday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter offered quite an update on how teams around the league currently view Simpson. 

Will Ty Simpson be a first-round draft pick? 

"The one thing I can say confidently right now, 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," Schefter explained, per Justin Smith of Touchdown Alabama Magazine. "That’s all I’m comfortable saying right now." 

Orlovsky previously made it known he was higher on Simpson than some others. On Monday morning, Orlovsky directly said that he thinks Simpson "is the best quarterback" in this year's draft class. 

The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, and there's no indication they agree with Orlovsky's assessment. Las Vegas is widely expected to take Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first choice of the player-selection process. 

Is Adam Schefter confident regarding his latest Ty Simpson prediction?

Conflicting stories have emerged regarding whether or not teams such as the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns or Pittsburgh Steelers like Simpson enough to select him in the draft's first round. Schefter wasn't ready to call his shot while speaking about Simpson's future, but he seemingly has reasons to believe that the prospect won't be available for clubs by the time the draft's second round gets underway. 

"We will revisit this topic many times as the draft marches closer," Schefter added. "We’re one month out exactly. The draft is one month from today. And again, I think that’ll probably be one of the central focal storylines of the first round of the draft. Where does Ty Simpson go? All I feel comfortable saying right now is I’m confident he’ll be a first-round pick."