That gap between projection and proven production has colored Simpson’s draft narrative this season. Analysts have tended to emphasize what he could become rather than what he’s consistently shown on tape, leaving a mix of intrigue and doubt about how his college performance translates to the NFL.
Simpson has not shied away from the criticism, addressing questions about his readiness and athleticism in recent media appearances. In a candid exchange, he pushed back on the notion that he’s not an athlete, underscoring that his early tape showed him as a playmaker with mobility and burst.
“I really get upset when people say that I’m not athletic,” he said, stressing that the evaluation often overlooks his development from his freshman year onward. He also noted that his tape demonstrates the athletic components many question.
Beyond the athleticism debate, Simpson champions a chip-on-his-shoulder mindset as a competitive edge. He says this mentality helps him prove doubters wrong and fuels his preparation and execution on game days, a theme he reinforced when discussing his approach to the draft process.
During the 2025 season, Simpson posted steady production that highlighted his leadership and resilience. He earned second-team All-SEC honors and was a Manning Award finalist, with 305 completions on 473 attempts (64.5%), 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and only five interceptions across 15 starts, while adding two rushing touchdowns as the Tide’s captain.
