Seven biggest NFL draft takeaways from Daniel Jeremiah's pre-combine conference call

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</think># The Jets' Quarterback Dilemma and Ty Simpson's High-Stakes Draft Journey: Insights from Daniel Jeremiah's Pre-Combine Briefing

The NFL draft conversation officially heats up as we approach the 2026 Scouting Combine, and Daniel Jeremiah's annual media session delivered exactly the kind of draft взбудораживание (buzz) that has fans glued to their mock drafts. The NFL Network draft guru spent two hours fielding questions on Thursday, and his insights painted a fascinating picture of a draft class defined by uncertainty at the most important position in professional sports. Here are the most compelling threads to emerge from Jeremiah's conference call, focusing on two storylines that could reshape how we think about April's proceedings.

## The Jets' Impossible Choice: Draft a Quarterback or Build for the Future?

The NFL draft's opening night drama will be heavily influenced by what happens with the second overall pick, and Daniel Jeremiah believes the New York Jets face a decision that could define their franchise's trajectory for years to come. While mock draft projections have settled on Indiana's Fernando Mendoza as the likely target for the Raiders at No. 1, the Jets' positioning at No. 2 has become the true epicenter of draft speculation. Jeremiah's diagnosis of their situation, however, might surprise those expecting the Jets to grab a passer with their premium selection.

The veteran analyst expressed significant skepticism about this year's quarterback class beyond Mendoza, and his evaluation cuts to the heart of New York's dilemma. Jeremiah doesn't see another draftable quarterback worthy of the No. 2 selection, and frankly, he's not convinced that using any of the Jets' next three picks—numbers 16, 33, and 44—on a passer makes strategic sense either. This is a stark assessment that suggests the Jets might be better served playing the long game rather than reaching for a solution at the sport's most scrutinized position.

Instead, Jeremiah floated an intriguing alternative path: the veteran trade market. Specifically, he mentioned two backup quarterbacks who could provide temporary stability while the Jets stockpile assets for a more promising quarterback class in 2027. The Eagles' Tanner McKee and the Texans' Davis Mills represent exactly the kind of low-cost, high-upside fliers that could bridge the gap for a franchise that needs to be methodical in its approach.

"Those are a couple guys I'd be curious about taking a flyer on for a year if you can trade a mid-round pick," Jeremiah explained. "I don't think I would lean in the direction of the draft for their quarterback this year. I think they will be all in for that next year."

The logic here is sound when you consider the Jets' broader organizational needs. Their offensive and defensive lines require attention, and their quarterback room needs more than just a developmental project. By trading for a veteran backup like McKee or Mills, the Jets could create competition for their current roster while simultaneously accumulating draft capital. This approach acknowledges a harsh truth about the 2026 quarterback class: it simply doesn't offer the caliber of talent that warrants using premium picks when the foundation of the team remains unstable.

Jeremiah painted a picture of what success would look like for New York if they choose patience over urgency. "If you go into next year with a bunch of picks, and your offensive and defensive lines are in good shape, and you can find your quarterback of the future at that point in time, I think that's the right way to go," he said. "Who knows, maybe you hit the lottery on one of these younger veterans you could try to get."

The phrase "hit the lottery" captures the essence of why this strategy makes sense. McKee and Mills are young enough (24 and 25, respectively) that they could still develop into starting-caliber quarterbacks. Both have been in NFL systems that have developed quarterbacks effectively, and neither would cost significant draft capital to acquire. For a franchise that has cycled through quarterbacks unsuccessfully for over a decade, the modest investment could yield outsized returns while the Jets build a foundation capable of supporting whoever lines up under center in 2027.

## Ty Simpson: The Prospect With Everything to Prove

If the Jets decide to follow Jeremiah's advice and pass on quarterback opportunities in the early rounds, they would effectively be passing on Alabama's Ty Simpson—the consensus No. 2 quarterback in this class and a player Jeremiah believes has more riding on the pre-draft process than any other prospect available.

Simpson's profile is genuinely compelling despite the questions surrounding his 2024 season. He led the Crimson Tide to the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff in his first season as a full-time starter, showcasing the arm talent and football IQ that made him a five-star recruit coming out of high school. Jeremiah has him ranked as the No. 40 player overall in this draft class, but he explicitly left the door open for that evaluation to change dramatically between now and April's draft.

"I wouldn't be stunned if he ended up going in the first round because there are enough teams in need at the position," Jeremiah noted, highlighting the desperation factor that often drives quarterback prices upward regardless of on-field performance.

The red flags in Simpson's profile are real and cannot be ignored. His play tailed off significantly during the second half of the season as he battled through injuries, and scouts will be meticulously examining tape from that stretch to determine whether his struggles were purely physical or if they revealed fundamental flaws in his game. This is the crucial evaluation period for Simpson, and how teams interpret his injury-affected stretch could determine whether he becomes a top-10 pick or slides into the second round.

Jeremiah mentioned one factor that could work in Simpson's favor: his pedigree and preparation for the NFL spotlight. The son of a college head coach, Simpson has been immersed in football culture his entire life and understands what it takes to succeed at the highest levels. This background typically translates to strong performances in team interviews, which can significantly influence draft day slides or rises.

The teams with genuine quarterback needs watching Simpson's evaluation closely include the Jets, Cardinals, Browns, Dolphins, and Steelers—all franchises that could be in the market for a new passer depending on how free agency unfolds. Each of these organizations faces the same central question about Simpson that Jeremiah framed: did injuries cause his late-season struggles, or did he get exposed when the competition level intensified?

For Simpson, the combine and individual workouts represent his opportunity to answer those questions definitively. A strong showing in athletic testing, combined with impressive interviews and medical updates confirming he's fully recovered, could silence the doubters and propel him into the first-round conversation. Conversely, any red flags during the evaluation process will only amplify concerns about his durability and ability to handle the physical demands of professional football.

## The Bigger Picture: A Draft Defined by Uncertainty

Jeremiah's insights reveal a draft class that presents both opportunity and risk for quarterback-needy teams. The consensus top pick in Mendoza appears safe, but everything beyond that remains fluid. For teams like the Jets, the temptation to force a solution at quarterback must be weighed against the reality that this class simply doesn't offer the caliber of talent that justifies reaching.

The strategy Jeremiah outlined for New York—accumulate assets, build the trenches, and attack the quarterback position next year when a stronger class emerges—represents the kind of patient approach that has worked for franchises that successfully rebuilt around elite quarterback talent. It requires resisting the pressure that comes with holding the No. 2 pick and trusting that the foundation can be laid before the franchise quarterback arrives.

For prospects like Simpson, the pre-draft process becomes a referendum on everything from durability to mental toughness. His draft range could span from the top 10 to the second round depending on how teams interpret his inconsistent 2024 season, making every workout, interview, and medical check an inflection point in his professional trajectory.

As we approach the combine and the madness of draft season intensifies, Jeremiah's analysis serves as a reminder that the most compelling storylines often emerge not from who's projected to go where, but from the strategic decisions franchises make when facing imperfect options. For the Jets and for Ty Simpson, the coming weeks will be defined by how they navigate uncertainty—and whether they can transform questions into answers that change their fortunes.