Mel Kiper Jr. Projects Ty Simpson to Jets in Latest 2026 Mock Draft

In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, analyst Mel Kiper Jr. projects the New York Jets to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 16th overall pick. Kiper suggests that drafting Simpson would allow the Jets to secure a high-potential successor to veteran Geno Smith while using their earlier No. 2 overall pick to address defensive needs. Simpson is widely considered the second-best quarterback prospect in this year's draft class.