A rising draft prospect is already drawing comparisons to Jared Goff, and it’s turning heads ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Could the next version of Goff already be on the way?

As reported by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Alabama Football program is again in the spotlight with another developmental prospect. This time, it is quarterback Ty Simpson. The NFL executive and scouts hold him in high regard and compared him to Jared Goff. 

“A mix between Jared Goff and Mac Jones," an anonymous NFL Scout said to Fowler.  

Simpson’s production backs that evaluation. Known for his high football IQ, quick processing, and precise passing mechanics. Simpson started his football career in 2022 against the Utah State Aggies. 

The former Alabama Crimson Tide Quarterback sits at a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 87.7 while covering 3,567 yards from the line of scrimmage and scoring 28 touchdowns with just 5 interceptions last season.

At the combine, he earned a 6.30 grade, placing him firmly in the conversation as a potential early-round pick.

But this is where opinions split!

He combines high-level "coach's quarterback" intelligence and elite, polished mechanics with a lack of experience and inconsistent deep-ball accuracy.

"I don't think anything about him other than him being a one-year player is supremely polarizing," an AFC executive said. "There's not a good history of it, but I think you've got to take each guy as an individual case.

Some NFL Scouts believe he is a first-round pick, but due to his opinions and lesser experience, his pick may range between the 10th and 30th overall pick in the first round. 

Simpson is one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2026 NFL, but his resume may intrigue many evaluators.

Fernando Mendoza Comparison With Jared Goff Highlights Similar Playing Style

It is not just Ty Simpson who is compared to Jared Goff, but also the Indiana Hoosiers’ QB Fernando Mendoza. 

The Heisman-winning QB is known for high-level accuracy, poise in the pocket, and elite back-shoulder fades. He is considered a top-tier passing prospect.

His PFF data backs the evaluation. Mendoza holds an 87.9 PFF grade, with 3,535 passing yards and 41 touchdowns last season, numbers that reflect efficiency and control.

Albery Breer compared Mendoza to Goff, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The reason comes down to how Mendoza plays the position. He’s a rhythm passer, built on timing, structure, and precision.

Fernando Mendoza isn’t getting the Jared Goff comparison by accident; his traits line up, and NFL evaluators are seeing it clearly.

Who do you think will gain more spotlight at the upcoming draft? Ty Simpson or Fernando Mendoza? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Kalp Thaker