PHOENIX — The Arizona Cardinals are officially on the clock, and the name coming across the ticker isn’t who you’d expect. In his latest mock draft for NFL.com, lead analyst Charles Davis has Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson going No. 3 overall to the desert. The move signals a massive shift in the 2026 NFL Draft board, vaulting the Crimson Tide star into the elite tier of prospects alongside Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.
The Rise of the Crimson Tide Signal-Caller
Simpson didn’t just wait his turn at Alabama; he seized the moment. After three seasons of studying from the sidelines, he took the reins in 2025 and put on a clinic. He shredded defenses for 3,567 passing yards and 28 touchdowns while maintaining a crisp 64.5% completion rate. More impressively, he protected the football with elite precision, throwing only five interceptions in 473 attempts.
The buzz started as a whisper in Tuscaloosa and turned into a roar at the Combine. Scouts are enamored with his “fast eyes.” He doesn’t just look at his first read; he scans the entire field before the pocket even ripples. While Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza often gets the nod for pure physical traits, many insiders believe Simpson has the higher ceiling because of his processing speed. The stadium air in Tuscaloosa felt different during his final home game—you could tell the fans knew they were watching a top-five pick in the making.
“This year, I think Simpson ends up with the Cardinals, even if this is not the spot where they pick him. Last year, I thought Jaxson Dart would go to the Giants at three, but they moved back and got him at 25. Arizona is in a similar spot—they need the leader, and Simpson fits the bill.”
— Charles Davis, NFL Media Analyst
Comparing the 2025 and 2026 Quarterback Classes
Last year, the New York Giants played a high-stakes game of poker, eventually landing Jaxson Dart after a trade with the Texans. Arizona might not have the luxury of waiting. With the Cardinals splitting from their long-time franchise passer earlier this offseason, the hole at the position is a cavern. Bringing in Gardner Minshew provided a temporary patch, but Simpson is the long-term solution the fan base is screaming for.
- Ty Simpson (Alabama): 3,567 yards, 28 TD, 5 INT, 64.5% Comp.
- Fernando Mendoza (Indiana): Heisman winner, projected No. 1 to Raiders.
- Jaxson Dart (Giants, 2025): 2,272 yards, 15 TD in 14 rookie games.
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh is less than a month away, and Simpson’s stock is still climbing. If Arizona pulls the trigger at No. 3, it forces teams like the Jets and Titans to rethink their entire strategy. Those teams were likely hoping Simpson would slide into the mid-teens. Instead, we are looking at a potential QB-run in the first five picks. Alabama’s Pro Day was the final proof many needed—Simpson’s arm talent is undeniable, and his poise under pressure makes him the most pro-ready prospect in this cycle.
