Browns Should Pass on Ty Simpson in NFL Draft, Sit Him for a Year Instead

A unique approach could pay dividends for the Cleveland Browns in the long run.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:08pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football game broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the multifaceted challenges of nurturing a young quarterback's talent.A conceptual illustration captures the strategic complexities of developing a young NFL quarterback prospect.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Browns are considering drafting quarterback Ty Simpson, a young talent with limited college experience. However, the article argues the Browns should take a patient approach and sit Simpson for a full redshirt season, allowing him to develop physically and master the playbook before putting him on the field. This strategy is supported by historical examples of quarterbacks who struggled when rushed into starting roles, as well as the successful approach taken by the Minnesota Vikings.

Why it matters

The Browns have a history of starting rookie quarterbacks quickly, which has not yielded consistent results. Adopting a more patient, long-term development plan for Simpson could be a risky but potentially rewarding strategy to break the team out of its mediocrity and build a stronger foundation for future success.

The details

The article suggests the Browns should consider drafting Simpson later in the first round, which would allow them to protect him from the immediate pressures of performance and give him the time he needs to physically develop and master the playbook. This approach is supported by historical examples of quarterbacks with limited college experience, such as Cam Newton, Dwayne Haskins, and Mitch Trubisky, where rushing their development led to struggles.

  • The Browns are considering drafting Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Ty Simpson

A young quarterback prospect with limited college experience who has caught the eye of NFL scouts.

Cam Newton

A quarterback who was able to make multiple Pro Bowls despite having limited college experience similar to Ty Simpson.

Dwayne Haskins

A quarterback who struggled despite initial promise, highlighting the importance of a well-structured development plan.

Mitch Trubisky

Another quarterback who struggled despite initial promise, further emphasizing the need for patience in developing young quarterbacks.

Kevin O'Connell

The head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, who believes organizations often fail young quarterbacks by rushing their development.

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What they’re saying

“Organizations often fail young quarterbacks by rushing their development.”

— Kevin O'Connell, Head Coach, Minnesota Vikings

What’s next

The Browns will need to decide whether to draft Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft and, if so, how to approach his development and integration into the team.

The takeaway

Drafting Ty Simpson could be a bold move for the Cleveland Browns, but it requires a long-term vision and a willingness to invest time and resources into his development. By adopting a patient approach and allowing Simpson to redshirt for a year, the Browns could create a more stable environment for his growth and potentially break free from their recent mediocrity.