Arizona Cardinals new head coach Mike LaFleur at a news conference on Feb. 3, 2026, at Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe. Syndication: Arizona Republic
GLENDALE – NFL expert believes that the Arizona Cardinals have one of the best fits in the NFL draft at the 34th pick if they select Alabama’s Ty Simpson. ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote about the top 20 fits in the 2026 NFL Draft, with Arizona being the first team listed in the second round. Simpson has been connected to the Cardinals this entire draft process, with the connection making too much sense.
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Bowne explained that the 23-year-old in head coach Mike LaFleur’s system could unlock a new level that wasn’t seen at Alabama.
Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Bowen on Simpson working in LaFleur’s system:
“Under new coach Mike LaFleur, the Cardinals will likely use pre- and post-snap movement — with reduced formations — to give Simpson more defined reads on middle-of-the-field throws and play-action concepts. He can operate as a rhythm and timing passer, and he has the mobility to get to the edge of the formation on boot concepts. Simpson completed 64.5% of his passes at Alabama last season, throwing for 28 touchdowns and five interceptions.”
Arizona Cardinals new head coach Mike LaFleur at a news conference on Feb. 3, 2026, at Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Simpson has the upside to be taken in the first round, but to reach his full potential, 34th overall under LaFleur seems like the right move. The first-year head coach is come from a system with the Los Angeles Rams under Sean McVay that had the best scoring offense in the NFL. A massive part of that is because of the passing game and MVP Matthew Stafford under center.
While not being the play caller in L.A., LaFleur worked closely under McVay and could implement the same system to develop system into his first NFL offense. Bowen highlighted that the work pre-snap could be increase to help confuse the defense, as LaFleur won’t want to install so many formations too soon for a prospect with limited starting reps in college.
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (QB17) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Having weapons like Michael Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride certainly help a rookie quarterback. The franchise invested heavily into its offensive line with plenty of veteran pieces, which could be a sign that it’s preparing to protect a new, young starting QB.
LaFleur hasn’t been a play caller since New York in 2022, but his time under McVay should make him equipped to put Simpson in the best position to develop than many other teams looking for a QB in the 2026 NFL draft.
Should Cardinals believe in the Ty Simpson hype ahead of 2026 NFL Draft?
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
