Jets Projected to Gamble on Cellular QB After Passing on Ty Simpson

[ad_1] It’s no secret the New York Jets want a quarterback.

The issue is after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, there doesn’t appear to be many gamers price risking a Day 2 decide on, outdoors of Alabama’s Ty Simpson.

It’s doable the Jets may take Simpson with their second first-rounder (No. 16 total), but when they don’t, it’s probably he gained’t be on the board the following time New York is on the clock.

ESPN analyst Ben Solak believes Simpson will land with the Arizona Cardinals, who he thinks will commerce again up into the again half of the primary spherical to make sure they seize the Crimson Tide signal-caller.

<img id="11310073" alt="Alabama QB Ty Simpson" caption="Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to throw the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter in the 2025 SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)" credit="" sourcealt="" sources="[]" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" width="4883" height="3255" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" src="color:transparent;aspect-ratio:inherit;object-fit:cover" sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 1536px, (min-width: 768px) 768px, 100vw" srcset="https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GettyImages-2250421486.jpg?w=640&quality=80&webp=1 640w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GettyImages-2250421486.jpg?w=750&quality=80&webp=1 750w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GettyImages-2250421486.jpg?w=1000&quality=80&webp=1 1000w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GettyImages-2250421486.jpg?w=1200&quality=80&webp=1 1200w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GettyImages-2250421486.jpg?w=1360&quality=80&webp=1 1360w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GettyImages-2250421486.jpg?w=1600&quality=80&webp=1 1600w" bad-src="https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GettyImages-2250421486.jpg?w=1600&quality=80&webp=1"/> If Simpson is out of the image, there isn’t a lot else left when it comes to potential starting-caliber QBs left within the draft, save for LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Penn State’s Drew Allar — each of whom started final season projected to be first-round picks however fell to the Spherical 2-4 vary after accidents and developmental setbacks.

Nevertheless, there may be one passer Solak states may very well be price playing on as a low-risk, high-reward developmental participant within the later rounds of the draft: North Dakota State’s Cole Payton.

“I'm uncertain that the Jets will make an early funding at quarterback on this draft,” Solak wrote. “… Coach Aaron Glenn likes quarterback mobility. … Payton was a Taysom Hill-like playmaker for North Dakota State over his faculty profession.

“… I actually like Payton as a Day 3 choice accordingly. He supplies short-yardage worth as an choice quarterback, with a cumbersome body and nice tackle-breaking means. Most QB runners are lengthy striders who keep away from contact, however Payton can truly run by means of it like a goal-line again.”

<img id="11816325" alt="North Dakota State QB Cole Payton" caption="Cole Payton #15 of the North Dakota State Bison reacts after rushing for a first down in the fourth quarter of a game against the Montana Grizzlies at the FARGODOME on December 03, 2022 in Fargo, North Dakota. (Photo by Tommy Martino/University of Montana/Getty Images)" credit="" sourcealt="" sources="[]" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" width="6472" height="4315" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" src="color:transparent;aspect-ratio:inherit;object-fit:cover" sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 1536px, (min-width: 768px) 768px, 100vw" srcset="https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-1446578140_0a7e79.jpg?w=640&quality=80&webp=1 640w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-1446578140_0a7e79.jpg?w=750&quality=80&webp=1 750w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-1446578140_0a7e79.jpg?w=1000&quality=80&webp=1 1000w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-1446578140_0a7e79.jpg?w=1200&quality=80&webp=1 1200w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-1446578140_0a7e79.jpg?w=1360&quality=80&webp=1 1360w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-1446578140_0a7e79.jpg?w=1600&quality=80&webp=1 1600w" bad-src="https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-1446578140_0a7e79.jpg?w=1600&quality=80&webp=1"/> With Geno Smith taking up because the starter subsequent 12 months, it’s doable the Jets may work in some goal-line or short-yardage packages for Payton to expire of the wildcat.

The issue the Jets would have on their fingers then is educating Payton learn how to do away with the ball faster to make up for his lack of arm power. He’s proven he could make the quick and intermediate throws, however Payton will probably by no means be an above-average deep-ball thrower within the NFL.

“He is not prepared for a full drop-back menu proper now, however there is a legit ceiling right here for a man who has flashed pro-style throws in restricted alternatives,” Solak added. “Payton is unlikely to see sufficient sport motion (or produce sufficient if he does) to discourage the Jets from investing early in a 2027 draft class QB1. If he does hit, he has a excessive dual-threat ceiling profile within the mould of Jalen Hurts. Of all of the gambles a crew may tackle Day 3, Payton is my favourite.”