Overview
- Simpson’s momentum jumped after Monday TV appearances in which Dan Orlovsky called him the class’s best quarterback and Adam Schefter said he will be a first‑round pick.
- Veteran evaluator Mel Kiper Jr. countered Tuesday that Fernando Mendoza remains his No. 1 prospect and placed Simpson 25th on his board, reinforcing Mendoza’s status as the Raiders’ likely top pick.
- New York is exploring parallel paths as GM Darren Mougey met Miami quarterback Carson Beck and planned to attend the Hurricanes’ pro day, signaling interest in a cheaper mid‑round passer while Geno Smith holds the short‑term job.
- Skeptics cite Simpson’s 15 college starts and note that most first‑round quarterbacks with fewer than 17 starts since 2011 struggled, a data point Rich Cimini highlighted to argue against a high pick on a light‑resume passer.
- Alabama’s upcoming pro day looms as a swing factor for Simpson, with ESPN’s Louis Riddick predicting a showing that could ease arm‑strength concerns, while broader coverage still casts Mendoza as the safer, Heisman‑winning, title‑leading option.