Former NFL QB Warns Jets About Drafting Ty Simpson Early

Analyst Danny Kanell believes Alabama QB Simpson is a second-round talent, not a first-rounder.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a quarterback dropping back to pass, with the figure broken into overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange.Kanell's warning about drafting Ty Simpson too early highlights the complex geometry of navigating the NFL Draft for a quarterback-needy team.NYC Today

Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Danny Kanell shared a warning for the New York Jets regarding Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Kanell believes Simpson is the second-best QB in the draft but that it would be a reach to take him in the first round, suggesting he is more of a second-round talent. Kanell also thinks Simpson would struggle playing behind veteran Geno Smith, who the Jets recently re-signed, and that the team should instead focus on drafting a top wide receiver at 16th overall.

Why it matters

The Jets have been linked to Simpson in the draft, but Kanell's comments suggest they may be better off passing on him in the first round and waiting to address the quarterback position later. This could impact the team's draft strategy and the development of their future signal-caller.

The details

Kanell believes Simpson would be better off being drafted in the second round rather than the first, as the pressure to play right away would be less. He also thinks Simpson would have a hard time developing behind Geno Smith, who the Jets recently re-signed. Kanell suggests the Jets should instead focus on drafting a top wide receiver at 16th overall, and potentially look at quarterbacks like Carson Beck in the third or fourth round as better options.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Ty Simpson

A quarterback prospect from the University of Alabama who is projected to be one of the top quarterbacks selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Geno Smith

A veteran quarterback who the New York Jets recently re-signed, and who Kanell believes would make it difficult for a young quarterback like Simpson to develop.

Danny Kanell

A former NFL quarterback who is now an analyst, and who provided the warning about the Jets drafting Ty Simpson early.

Drew Allar

A quarterback prospect from Penn State who the Jets have also been linked to in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Carson Beck

A quarterback prospect from the University of Miami who Kanell believes could be a better option for the Jets than Ty Simpson in the later rounds of the draft.

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What they’re saying

“He's the second-best quarterback in the draft, but I think it is a reach to take him at 16 or really anywhere in the first round. I think he's a second-rounder all day long. I also think that would be helpful for Ty Simpson.”

— Danny Kanell, Former NFL quarterback and analyst

“You brought Geno Smith in there to be the bridge quarterback who's going to mentor a young quarterback, but you know how it goes, especially in New York. There's going to be an immense amount of pressure for Ty Simpson to play. If he's a second-round pick, it's a little bit easier to say we're going to take the longer, patient road than it is with 16th overall.”

— Danny Kanell, Former NFL quarterback and analyst

“I would rather have a guy like Carson Beck in maybe the third or fourth round. He's won everywhere he's been. I know the injury is a concern, but that is a surgery that takes some time to come back from when you have that ulnar nerve that he's come back from. I think he could be somebody. He's got the frame. He's got the size. He's big, he's physical, and I actually think his style of play is closer to Geno Smith's, where he could watch a guy like Geno Smith, and you don't have to reach for him in the draft.”

— Danny Kanell, Former NFL quarterback and analyst

What’s next

The Jets will have to weigh Kanell's advice against their own evaluation of Ty Simpson and other quarterback prospects as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Kanell's warning highlights the potential risks of the Jets drafting Ty Simpson too early, especially with veteran Geno Smith already on the roster. The team may be better served addressing other needs in the first round and looking for a quarterback prospect with more long-term potential in the later rounds.