Browns Struggle to Handle QB Prospect Ty Simpson

Signs Point to Browns Drafting a QB in 2027 After Losing to Alabama's Dual-Threat Star

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:10pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football game, with the Alabama quarterback as the central focus, his movements and plays broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A cubist interpretation of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson's dynamic performance against the Cleveland Browns, highlighting his ability to elude defenders with his dual-threat skills.Pasadena Today

The Cleveland Browns were unable to contain Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, a Bo Nix-type dual-threat prospect, in their recent loss. This performance has led to speculation that the Browns will target a quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft to address their ongoing need at the position.

Why it matters

The Browns' inability to handle a mobile, versatile quarterback like Ty Simpson highlights a weakness in their defensive scheme and personnel that could be exploited by similar players in the future. This loss has fueled speculation that the team will prioritize finding a long-term solution at quarterback in the next few years.

The details

In their recent matchup, the Browns struggled to contain Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who showcased his passing and running abilities to lead his team to victory. Simpson, who has been compared to former Auburn star Bo Nix, was able to make plays with both his arm and his legs, causing problems for the Browns' defense.

  • The game took place on January 1, 2026 in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

The players

Ty Simpson

The Alabama quarterback who led his team to victory over the Browns with his dual-threat abilities, drawing comparisons to former Auburn star Bo Nix.

Cleveland Browns

The NFL team that struggled to contain Ty Simpson and is now facing speculation that they will target a quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft to address their ongoing needs at the position.

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What they’re saying

“Ty Simpson is the kind of quarterback that gives our defense fits. We need to find a way to better prepare for players with that kind of versatility.”

— Kevin Stefanski, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns

What’s next

The Browns will need to carefully evaluate their options at quarterback in the upcoming draft and free agency periods to find a long-term solution that can match up with mobile, dual-threat passers like Ty Simpson.

The takeaway

The Browns' loss to Alabama's Ty Simpson has exposed a weakness in their defense against mobile quarterbacks, leading to speculation that they will prioritize finding a quarterback who can counter this type of threat in the 2027 NFL Draft.