Many around college football expected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson to either transfer to another competitive school for his senior year or finish at ‘Bama to build on his breakout redshirt junior campaign. Not so fast. After leading the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff, polled NFL general managers agreed that the 23-year-old had solidified a first-round draft grade after just one full season as a starter.

“Nobody said second round,” Ty’s dad, Jason Simpson (head coach, UT-Martin), said of every NFL general manager they contacted. The quarterback had already fielded transfer offers from schools including Oregon, Miami, and Tennessee. In the end, the draw of striking while the iron is hot was the decision-maker. Several analysts, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., already had Simpson penciled in as the third-best prospect at the position, just behind Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) and Oregon’s Dante Moore. While those two have not yet declared for the draft, they are expected to do so in the coming days.

Simpson established a strong presence in his only season as the starter. He completed a cool 64.5% of his throws, racking up 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns against just five picks. He took over under center when Jalen Milroe (SEA) was drafted in the third round of last year’s draft. Clearly ready to take the reins, Simpson led Alabama to an 11-4 record and a berth in the CFP. Unfortunately for the Tide, the run ended there when the quarterback suffered a fractured rib in the early going against No. 1 Indiana.

With a collection of first-round grades levied on him, Simpson will turn his attention to the combine and attempt to raise his stock further still.

Author: Samwise (@BuyAndSellYou)