The countdown to the NFL Draft is just about over, and all 32 teams will line up to select the next class of rookies to bring into their organization. Reports, rumors, and gossip season is in full swing as each team attempts to gain an edge and clear a path to selecting their desired player. One of the players set to draw plenty of attention is Alabama QB Ty Simpson.

The 23-year-old led the SEC last season with 305 completions and 473 passing attempts. Simpson threw for 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while adding two rushing scores on the ground. He spent four seasons at Alabama, with this past season being his sole opportunity as the starter. Simpson had some mid-season Heisman buzz before fading down the stretch, and will now turn his attention to the NFL.

Looking at the odds on DraftKings Sportsbook, Ty Simpson holds -250 odds of being selected in the first round.

Simpson also holds an over/under for his draft selection at 24.5, with the over heavily favored at -270 odds.

Where will Ty Simpson get drafted?

The consensus top quarterback in this year’s class is Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. He holds -20,000 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook of being the number one overall pick. This selection will be made by the Las Vegas Raiders, barring any surprising trade.

Beyond Mendoza, the outlook for quarterbacks opens up a bit. Simpson is widely viewed as the next-best quarterback. But there are some differing opinions here and a fairly wide gap in what Simpson’s exact draft range is projected.

Quarterback is arguably the most important position of any player in any sport. Organizations prioritize getting “their guy” at the QB spot more than any other position, and investing in this specific player can make or break the future of a team.

Last year, Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart were the only two quarterbacks selected in the first round. The year before, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Pennix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix each heard their name called in the first round. Three quarterbacks were drafted in the first round in 2023, Kenny Pickett was the lone quarterback selected in the first round in 2022, five QBs went off the board in the opening round in 2021, and four quarterbacks were first-round selections in 2020. There have been an average of 3.3 quarterbacks taken in the first round over the past 12 drafts.

The need for another quarterback in this draft class is clear, and Simpson has a worthy case based on the film he put on display this season. Largely a question mark coming into his first season as a starter and fourth at Alabama overall, the 6-foot-1 quarterback has the mind for the game and showed some really impressive flashes. He largely operates as a pocket passer, but moves around the pocket well and has really impressive anticipatory accuracy.

If the season had stopped after the first nine or 10 games this season, Simpson very well may have been in a conversation for a top 10 pick. But he skidded down the stretch, throwing four interceptions across his final six games and regressing in his decision-making. It is also not particularly common for a quarterback to be selected in the first round with just one season of game tape as a starter under their belt.

Given the combination of need in this draft and the flashes that Simpson has shown, expect him to hear his name on the opening night of the NFL Draft. Teams like the Cardinals, Jets, Brown, and Steelers are each likely searching to add to improve their quarterback outlook and will at least give the Alabama product serious consideration.

I am also backing Simpson’s selection to go under the 24.5 prop line on DraftKings Sportsbook at +195 odds. The Steelers making the selection at 21 is a pick that makes a lot of sense for Simpson to land. It will also create a sense of urgency for other teams in the league, and don’t be shocked if another organization moves up in the draft to ensure they bring in the best available quarterback once Mendoza is off the board. Expect a team to make it a priority to target a quarterback in the midpoint of the first round and for Simpson to be the beneficiary.