Jets Likely to Pass on Polarizing QB at No. 16

The New York Jets shouldn't take Ty Simpson out of Alabama with the No. 16 pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) runs against Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Rolijah Hardy (21) in the first half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Will the New York Jets select a quarterback with the No. 16 pick in the first round of the 2026 National Football League Draft?

Arguably, they should not. The Jets obviously have a long-term question at quarterback. Geno Smith is the solution for the 2026 season. He's not under contract beyond the 2026 season and he's 35 years old. This has led to a lot of chatter about the 2026 NFL Draft class of quarterbacks, starting with Alabama's Ty Simpson. He's expected to be the No. 2 quarterback in the draft class and there's a real chance that he comes off the board in the first round. Arguably, the No. 16 pick would be too high to take him with the other roster holes that the Jets have.

Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic shared a similar point and fortunately said that he's "pretty confident" that New York will not be taking Simpson at No. 16.

The Jets shouldn't take Ty Simpson at No. 16

March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Quarterback Ty Simpson throws during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama. | Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"I feel pretty confident he won't be their No. 16 pick," Rosenblatt said. "I could be wrong, I just don't see how any team could draft him that high. ... [No. 33] is where it gets interesting if he falls that far. ...

"I do think the Jets are not going to draft somebody who is that much of a wild card that early. I just don't think this regime can afford to do that. Like, if you're the Eagles or you're the, I don't know, the Rams. Or one of these teams that can like afford to like take a flyer on a guy that. You do it. But I just don't think the Jets are that team."

This would be for the best. New York could easily take a quarterback in the second round or beyond, like Drew Allar or Carson Beck. Arguably, the differences between Simpson, Allar and Beck aren't very large. New York could use a long-term answer at quarterback, but Simpson shouldn't be the guy if he needs to be picked at No. 16. Instead, the Jets should take a guy later on in the draft and see what they can find. If New York doesn't find a long-term solution in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jets will have three shots to do so in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft.

The Jets should draft a quarterback in the middle rounds. Right now, New York is already in a better place with Smith under center. There's no need to take a risk on Simpson.