Ty Simpson and Garrett Nussmeier: The NFL Draft's 'Other Two' QBs

A deep dive on the two quarterbacks behind the presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:49pm

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After Alabama's Ty Simpson and LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, the 2026 NFL Draft class lacks consensus at the quarterback position. While not projected as highly as presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, these two signal-callers offer intriguing skill sets and potential as mid-round selections.

Why it matters

With the top quarterback prospect seemingly locked in, the debate around Simpson and Nussmeier highlights the uncertainty and varied opinions surrounding the rest of this year's QB class. Their differing playing styles and physical profiles make them polarizing prospects, raising questions about how NFL teams will evaluate and value them.

The details

Simpson is an advanced processor with some limitations, including his lack of ideal size at 6-foot-1 and 211 pounds. He's a quick and accurate thrower on quick game concepts but can hang on to the ball too long, leading to sacks and batted passes. Nussmeier, on the other hand, is a gunslinger with a small frame at 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds. He's adept at avoiding sacks by getting the ball out quickly, but his aggressive style can also lead to risky throws.

  • Ty Simpson started 15 games for Alabama in 2025 after previously seeing limited action.
  • Garrett Nussmeier has 1,000 career pass attempts over the past two seasons as LSU's starting quarterback.

The players

Ty Simpson

A quarterback from the University of Alabama who is known for his advanced processing skills and quick decision-making, though his lack of ideal size and tendency to hold the ball too long are concerns.

Garrett Nussmeier

A quarterback from Louisiana State University who plays with an aggressive, gunslinger mentality, getting the ball out quickly to avoid sacks, but also taking risks that can lead to turnovers.

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What they’re saying

“Nussmeier wins at quarterback by putting the football in play. Muddy pocket? That football is coming out. Under pressure? That football is coming out. Clean pocket? That football is getting launched.”

— Nate Tice, Author

“Simpson's lack of starting experience and his size are outliers as well. While Simpson was over 210 pounds at the combine, his frame and build makes me think his season weight is something a notch below that.”

— Nate Tice, Author

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This quarterback class lacks the consensus at the top that is often seen, with Simpson and Nussmeier representing intriguing but polarizing prospects who will likely be mid-round selections. Their differing playing styles and physical profiles raise questions about how NFL teams will evaluate and value them, adding an element of unpredictability to this year's draft.