Prospects who suddenly start rising a month before the NFL Draft are always tricky to evaluate. Is this draft analysts catching up to the teams, or is it simply the analysts falling in love with a player? When it comes to Ty Simpson, the New Orleans Saints would be best served if the hype it’s the real deal. It could land them a superstar.
It’s been a one quarterback class for months, led by Fernando Mendoza. Dan Orlovsky has recently been pushing Simpson in that tier as well. He even went as far as to call Simpson the best in the class. All the Saints need is for one team in the top 10 to feel like Orlovsky. In a league centered around quarterback, a team viewing Mendoza and Simpson close could force a team to jump the gun and pick Simpson higher than expected.
“I think Ty Simpson is the best quarterback in this class.”
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 23, 2026
—@danorlovsky7 makes a strong claim ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Kgj0Z9Rgtc
Ty Simpson may give the Saints the defensive superstar they need
Under normal circumstances, the Saints are in a great position. They have the eighth overall pick, and they don’t need a quarterback. The 2026 NFL Draft, however, is lacking in top end quarterbacks and offensive tackles. Even the wide receivers have question marks if they’re worth a top-10 pick.
It’s not inconceivable to see a future where Fernando Mendoza and Jeremiyah Love are the only offensive players drafted before the Saints. That could quickly thin out the top defenders. If that's the route the Saints want to go, opposed to wide receiver, it puts New Orleans in an interesting spot.
You start laying out the top defenders in the class, and it feels more likely someone will be there regardless. Mathematically, Arvelle Reese, David Bailey, Rueben Bain, Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles or Mansoor Delane have to be available if two offensive players go. That's good, but it also puts the Saints in a place where they could miss their guy. It also means they have to like the guy still on the board.
A team getting antsy about Simpson isn't the only way to push a defender down. A wide receiver or offensive tackle could go as well. A second quarterback or offensive tackle going ahead of the Saints would be best, just in case the Saints are interested in a wide receiver.
If your mind is getting one of the best defensive prospects in the draft, a team falling in love with Simpson is a pipe dream that needs to come true. It gives the Saints a significant better chance at getting an impact defensive prospect they want.
Let's briefly close with what may a bigger long shot than Simpson going in the top 10. Simpson's stock rising also means a team may call the Saints to trade up and grab Simpson. Saints don't trade back, but the return on a draft day trade for a quarterback could be enough to break the mold.