Jets drafting a 28-TD quarterback with 16th pick would be a 'surprise'

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Jets drafting a 28-TD quarterback with 16th pick would be a 'surprise' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Jets have a ton of different paths they could go down during the 2026 NFL Draft, including trades up and down the board, as well as aggressive moves ahead of the draft consensus.

But, just as there are a ton of possible routes the Jets could go down, there are a few scenarios that are not likely, or would be a surprise if they were to occur.

According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, it would be a "surprise" if the Jets drafted a 28-touchdown quarterback 16th overall. That player is, as expected, Alabama's Ty Simpson.

Jets drafting Ty Simpson 16th would be a surprise​

"The Jets have done a lot of homework on Simpson, including a dinner and private workout," Cimini writes. "Word is they came away impressed with him as a person and his football character. Of course, it takes more than that to get drafted in the first round. It would be a surprise if the Jets take him with the 16th pick."

While the Jets might be in the market for a new quarterback in this year's draft class to be a developmental option behind Geno Smith, the Jets are more likely to wait until later in the draft for this quarterback.

Even if Simpson, who threw for 28 touchdowns and only five interceptions for Alabama last year, makes it to the 16th pick, it would be a surprise if he were the pick.

More: Jets predicted to trade up for Ty Simpson like Giants did for Jaxon Dart

The Jets are more likely to explore other additions down the board, even if it winds up being Simpson in the second round or later in the first round.

But, based on this report from Cimini, it doesn't look like the Jets are going to be taking Simpson at the 16th draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Smith is the starter for the Jets at quarterback, and Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey seem more likely to wait on QB depth than take an early chance on Simpson or any quarterback in this year's draft class.

More Jets news:​

• Jets predicted to trade for one more QB trade after Geno Smith deal
• Zachariah Branch would be ideal round 2 fit for Jets
• Jets ideal pick at No. 2 overall is Arvell Reese out of Ohio State
• Aaron Glenn believes Geno Smith can lead Jets to 'the promised land'
• Aaron Glenn announced Geno Smith as Jets starting QB for 2026
• Garrett Wilson named Jets most overpaid player

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