Ty Simpson sends message to teams that may draft, pass on him after pro day

Thanks to former NFL quarterback and current analyst Dan Orlovsky, conversations have arisen regarding whether or not the Las Vegas Raiders should at least consider making Alabama Crimson Tide star Ty Simpson and not Indiana Hoosiers signal-caller Fernando Mendoza the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

There's no indication the Raiders will go down such a route. Following his pro-day workout on Wednesday, Simpson seemed to speak directly with teams that could either draft him or pass on him in April. 

Ty Simpson is "ready" to prove Dan Orlovsky right, doubters wrong

"I know I’m ready," Simpson said about his mindset, per Jeff Howe of The Athletic. "Wherever I go, whether I have to sit or play, just know I’m going to give it my all."

Orlovsky has stunningly said on multiple occasions that he believes Simpson "is the best quarterback" in this year's draft class ahead of Mendoza. Mel Kiper Jr., Mike Tannenbaum and Field Yates are among the ESPN personalities who clearly disagree with Orlovsky's take. 

On Thursday, The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner ranked Simpson as the 34th-best prospect in this year's draft class. To compare, Baumgardner had Mendoza second on the list. 

Some have suggested that Simpson could slide to the bottom third or even out of the draft's first round on the night of April 23. Simpson hopes his pro-day performance will cause at least one quarterback-needy team to want to spend a first-round pick on him.

Ty Simpson had a big goal for his pro-day workout

"This was something that was fun, being able to show off my arm, show off my feet," Simpson added about his pro-day workout. "It’s something I wanted to do. That was something I emphasized with [throwing coach David Morris]: Let’s go show out and have the best pro day ever, and I felt like I really did."

As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the New York Jets and the Arizona Cardinals as the co-betting favorites at +140 odds to draft Simpson. The Jets could take Simpson at pick No. 2 or pick No. 16, while the Cardinals possess the draft's third overall choice.