NFL.com Mock Draft Projects Philadelphia Eagles Selecting Quarterback Ty Simpson in 2026 First Round

Overview

NFL.com's Rhett Lewis has released a 2026 NFL mock draft that includes the Philadelphia Eagles making a significant selection in the first round. The mock draft projects the Eagles to select quarterback Ty Simpson from Alabama as the 23rd overall pick. This projection has garnered attention due to the Eagles' current quarterback situation with Jalen Hurts, who recently signed a long-term contract extension. The inclusion of a quarterback in the first round of a future draft suggests a long-term strategic view by the mock draft's author.

This specific mock draft, labeled as '1.0,' indicates an early assessment of potential future NFL talent and team needs. The Eagles' hypothetical selection of Simpson is presented as a notable move, described as making the "biggest splash" in the first round of this particular projection. The context of this mock draft is purely speculative, offering an early look at how team rosters might evolve several years into the future.

Background & Context

The Philadelphia Eagles signed quarterback Jalen Hurts to a five-year, $255 million contract extension in April 2023, making him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history at the time. This contract was widely seen as solidifying Hurts' position as the franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future, following his MVP-caliber performance in the 2022 season which led the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII. The team also has backup quarterback Marcus Mariota under contract.

Mock drafts, especially those projecting several years into the future, are inherently speculative tools used by analysts to anticipate future team needs and player development. They often serve as discussion points for fans and media, exploring various hypothetical scenarios for team building. A 2026 mock draft, in particular, is an extremely early projection, considering the significant roster changes and player development that will occur between now and then.

Key Developments

The central development is Rhett Lewis's projection in his NFL.com 2026 mock draft 1.0. Within this projection, the Philadelphia Eagles are slated to draft Ty Simpson, a quarterback from the University of Alabama, with the 23rd overall pick. The article explicitly highlights this as the Eagles making the "biggest splash" in the first round of the mock draft.

Ty Simpson is currently a collegiate quarterback, and his inclusion in a 2026 first-round mock draft indicates a high level of potential in the eyes of the analyst. The specific details of why Simpson was chosen for the Eagles are not extensively elaborated upon in the provided content, beyond the fact of his selection and the position he plays.

Perspectives

The primary perspective presented is that of Rhett Lewis's mock draft, which envisions a scenario where the Eagles could prioritize a quarterback in the 2026 draft. This perspective is notable because it contrasts sharply with the current reality of Jalen Hurts' long-term contract and established role as the team's starting quarterback. The mock draft implicitly suggests a long-term strategic view, perhaps anticipating a future need for a successor or a high-value trade asset.

While the article does not present explicit reactions from Eagles management or fans, the inclusion of a quarterback in a future first round, despite the current franchise QB, is designed to provoke discussion. It encourages consideration of how teams plan for the distant future, even when their present situation appears stable. The phrase "R-E-L-A-X" accompanying the pick suggests an acknowledgement that such a projection might initially seem surprising or even alarming to some.

What to Watch

As this is a 2026 mock draft, the immediate implications are minimal. However, observers will continue to monitor the development of collegiate quarterbacks like Ty Simpson and assess the long-term performance and contract status of current NFL quarterbacks, including Jalen Hurts. Future mock drafts and expert analyses will provide further insights into potential team strategies and player valuations as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches.