QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Rising quarterback? Well, it depends on who you ask. Alabama’s Ty Simpson isn’t necessarily rising on any draft boards, but with the nature of the quarterback position, a team might stretch to acquire him. In Charles Davis’ mock draft, he has the Cardinals taking Simpson at No. 3. That opinion is in the minority. However, the hype surrounding Simpson acquisition via trading back into the first round is starting to pick up some steam. Field Yates has the Cardinals trading with the Bills. The Cardinals would trade their second- and third-round picks in 2026, and a third-round pick in 2027. If the Cardinals believe Simpson is the quarterback of the future, a deal like that could be worth entertaining.
What some of the experts are saying:
“Last year, I opined in one of my early mocks that Jaxson Dart would go to the Giants with the third overall pick, but I didn’t stick with the pairing as the process unfolded. Dart, of course, ultimately ended up with New York after Big Blue traded back into the first round and selected the quarterback at No. 25. This year, I think Simpson ends up with the Cardinals, even if this is not the spot where they pick him.” – Charles Davis, NFL.com
“Arizona can execute its own version of what the Giants accomplished in 2025. New York landed edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3 before trading up to take quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25. After taking Arvell Reese up top, the Cardinals can land the clear-cut second-best quarterback in this class here. Through the early part of the 2025 season, Simpson stood out with his ability to navigate the pocket and throw with accuracy and power when he can set his feet. With Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew on Arizona’s depth chart, the team can bring Simpson along methodically. All 15 of his collegiate starts came this past season.” – Field Yates, ESPN (via trade with Buffalo)
“A move back into Round 1 for Simpson would align with the growing smoke around his fit in Mike LaFleur’s offense, giving the Cards a play-action-friendly passer they can develop behind a veteran bridge. Meanwhile, the Bills are strong trade-down candidates, as they don’t have a second-round pick and rank 27th in draft capital over the next two years, according to NFL IQ.” – Mike Band, NFL.com (via trade with Buffalo)
“The Cardinals use their second pick of the first round to acquire him as their quarterback of the future — one selection before where he has been heavily mocked, to the Pittsburgh Steelers… Jacoby Brissett can start for as long as necessary until the Cardinals are ready to transition to the rookie.” – Jordan Plocher, PFF (via trade with Dallas)