Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson believes he made a strong final statement to NFL scouts after an extensive throwing session at his pro day in Tuscaloosa.
The 21-year-old worked out for more than 40 minutes, choosing to throw again despite already participating in the NFL Combine in February.
Simpson is viewed as one of the top quarterbacks available in the upcoming draft, with many tipping him as a first-round pick.
“Absolutely,” Simpson said when asked about his first-round chances. “I feel like I’ve done everything I can, but it’s not up to me. I just know that wherever I go, I’m going to give it my all and make sure I’ll put my best foot forward.
“There’s going to be a lot of questions around my name. I know what I’m capable of, and I know whoever gets me is going to get a good player and a guy who loves football and a guy who loves the team and loves being a part of something bigger than himself.”
Simpson shows his talent
Simpson completed 64.5% of his passes last season for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns, although his form dipped late in the year. He later revealed he had been dealing with multiple injuries, including gastritis that affected his weight, as well as a rib issue sustained during Alabama’s play-off defeat to eventual champions Indiana.
Now fully fit, Simpson weighed in at 211 pounds at the combine and says he is back to full strength heading into the final stages of the draft process.
“I feel great,” he said. “Just getting back to normal, sleep, recovery. Things in the season you get caught up in because you’re watching tape, you’re practicing, you’re trying to cram everything in to make sure you’re ready for Saturday. I feel healthy as an ox.
“When I go into a program, I’m program-changing, I don’t just make myself better, I make other people better. If you draft me, and you want me to be your franchise quarterback, I’m not just coming in to look after myself. I’m looking after the whole team and making sure I leave it better than I left it.”
Interest in Simpson continues to grow, with meetings already held with the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Jets. The Jets are also set to hold further talks, including a private workout, as they assess their quarterback options.
