Dolphins Gamble on Alabama QB Ty Simpson in 2026 NFL Draft

Can the young signal-caller become Miami's next franchise quarterback?

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:42am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented and overlapping shapes in shades of blue, aqua, and orange, representing the complex and multi-faceted nature of the Dolphins' decision to draft quarterback Ty Simpson.The Dolphins' bold gamble on Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft represents a high-risk, high-reward move that could shape the franchise's future.Today in Miami

In a surprise move, the Miami Dolphins have selected Ty Simpson, a quarterback out of the University of Alabama, with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The decision to target Simpson, a player whose collegiate career didn't set the world on fire, immediately raises questions about the Dolphins' quarterback development strategy and their vision for the future of the franchise.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' pick of Simpson reflects a desire to avoid repeating past mistakes with young quarterbacks, as the team looks to build a stable foundation before committing to a franchise signal-caller. However, the risk involved in this selection is substantial, as Simpson's collegiate performance has not necessarily showcased the traits the Dolphins are hoping for.

The details

The Dolphins' decision to select Simpson is seen as a bold move, as the young quarterback's arm strength and overall production at Alabama have been questioned by some analysts. The team is banking on Simpson's potential, with the plan being to have him sit and learn behind incumbent starter Malik Willis. This approach, similar to the Packers' development of quarterbacks, is aimed at allowing Simpson to absorb the nuances of the professional game without the immediate pressure of being the starter.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft took place on April 12, 2026.

The players

Ty Simpson

A quarterback out of the University of Alabama, selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Malik Willis

The incumbent starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, who is expected to mentor Ty Simpson during his rookie season.

Francis Mauigoa

A highly-touted offensive tackle prospect, who was considered as an alternative pick for the Dolphins in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What’s next

The Dolphins will now focus on developing Ty Simpson behind Malik Willis, with the hope that he can eventually become the team's long-term franchise quarterback.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' selection of Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft represents a bold gamble, as the team looks to avoid past mistakes with young quarterbacks and build a stable foundation for the future. However, the risk involved in this pick is substantial, and the team's ability to develop Simpson into a successful NFL quarterback will be closely watched.