The NFL Draft process is a labyrinth of meetings, interviews, and evaluations, but few steps carry the weight of a private workout. It's the equivalent of a final, in-person exam before a team makes a multi-million dollar investment. For the New York Jets, that exam is now scheduled with a notable prospect under center.
According to a report from the New York Post, the Jets have scheduled a private workout with University of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. This move signals a deliberate and focused effort by General Manager Darren Mougey and his scouting department to thoroughly vet potential quarterback options as the 2026 NFL Draft draws nearer.
While the Jets' starting quarterback situation is firmly established, the NFL's relentless march forward demands constant roster evaluation, especially at the sport's most critical position. A private workout is a significant investment of time and resources, reserved for players a team is seriously considering drafting. For Simpson, a talented but experience-limited passer from one of college football's premier programs, this represents a crucial opportunity to make a final impression on an AFC franchise.
Who is Ty Simpson?
Ty Simpson arrives at this pre-draft juncture as one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects. A highly-touted recruit, his career at Alabama was spent in the shadow of other starters, resulting in limited game action. His physical tools, however, have never been in question. Scouts point to his strong arm, capable of making all the necessary NFL throws, and his above-average athleticism, which allows him to extend plays and pick up yards with his legs.
The knocks on Simpson's profile are primarily related to that lack of extensive starting experience. The transition from Alabama's practice field to an NFL game plan is a steep one, and teams will be meticulously evaluating his processing speed, pocket presence, and command of an offense during these private sessions. The Jets' workout will be designed to push Simpson in these exact areas--testing his ability to digest information, make quick decisions, and deliver accurate passes under simulated pressure.
The Jets' Quarterback Landscape and Draft Strategy
On the surface, the Jets' interest in a quarterback might raise eyebrows. The team is built around its veteran star, and the backup position is typically viewed through a short-term lens. However, this is where the nuance of roster construction and draft strategy comes into play.
The modern NFL has made the backup quarterback role more important than ever. A competent, cost-controlled QB2 is not just an insurance policy; it's a strategic asset. Drafting a quarterback in the mid-to-late rounds allows a team to develop a player within its system for multiple years on a rookie contract. This provides stability behind the starter and, in a best-case scenario, can yield a valuable trade asset down the line if the player develops.
For the Jets, Simpson fits the profile of a developmental quarterback with a high ceiling. His athletic profile and pedigree from playing under Nick Saban are significant positives. The private workout allows the Jets' coaching staff, led by Head Coach Aaron Glenn and Offensive Coordinator Frank Reich, to get hands-on. They can put Simpson through drills tailored to their offensive concepts, assess his footwork and mechanics firsthand, and gauge his intangible qualities like leadership and coachability in a more intimate setting than the Combine or a Pro Day.
This due diligence is a hallmark of Darren Mougey's approach as GM. He has consistently emphasized building through the draft and leaving no stone unturned in the evaluation process. Scheduling a top-30 visit or a private workout with a player does not guarantee they will be selected, but it confirms a level of interest that surpasses casual scouting. It means the Jets' decision-makers believe Simpson has traits worth exploring further and a potential fit within their organization.
What a Private Workout Entails
For fans wondering what exactly happens behind closed doors, these sessions are comprehensive. They are far more detailed than a public Pro Day script. The Jets' offensive staff will likely design a series of passing drills that test Simpson's arm strength on deep outs and go-routes, his touch on intermediate crossing patterns and seam throws, and his accuracy on short, timing-based routes. They will also work on play-action footwork, movement throws, and his ability to execute when rolling out of the pocket.
Perhaps more importantly, the workout includes classroom time. Simpson will be given portions of the Jets' playbook to study and will be quizzed on his understanding of protections, route concepts, and defensive recognition. This mental evaluation is often as critical as the physical one, especially for a quarterback who needs development. How quickly can he learn? Can he communicate what he sees? These are questions the Jets will seek to answer.
The Bigger Draft Picture
The report of the Jets' interest in Simpson should be viewed as one piece of a much larger puzzle. The team holds picks across the draft, and quarterback is just one of several needs they will look to address. A successful workout could make Simpson a target on Day 3 of the draft, where the value of selecting a high-upside quarterback is often at its peak.
It also reflects a league-wide trend of teams constantly surveying the quarterback market, regardless of their current starter's status. The position is too valuable, and the career timelines are too unpredictable to ignore. By doing their homework on prospects like Ty Simpson now, the Jets are not planning for immediate change; they are planning for long-term organizational health and stability.
For Ty Simpson, the invitation to Florham Park is a golden chance. It's an audition to show he has grown beyond the "raw talent" label and is ready for the professional grind. For the New York Jets, it's a standard but vital piece of pre-draft protocol--a deep dive on a player who could very well hear his name called by the team come draft weekend. As the report confirms, the evaluation is officially underway.