The NFL Combine is officially under way, and the buzz surrounding the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room just hit a new gear. Alabama signal-caller Ty Simpson took the podium today and poured fuel on the rumor fire of him coming to northeast Ohio.
When asked about the possibility of landing in Cleveland, Simpson couldn’t hide his enthusiasm, particularly regarding the Todd Monken connection. His father, Jason Simpson, has ties to the new Browns’ head coach dating back to their days at Southern Miss.
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“I’m ready. I’m a franchise quarterback,” Simpson told reporters. “Alabama gets you most ready for the NFL.” When the topic shifted to Cleveland, he noted he would be “super excited” to play for Monken, noting that his system is QB friendly. “It would be a dream come true to play for the Browns, I know I would be in great hands.”
Monken, for his part, returned the interest during his own media availability. “I like Ty a lot. Really good football player,” Monken said. “His father was a Southern Miss alum, where I was head coach, so got to know him.”
The chemistry is clearly there, and Simpson’s confidence is exactly what you want in a leader. However, despite the “franchise QB” talk, the Browns have a reality check waiting for them back in Berea.
There are glaring holes across the offensive line and a desperate need for dynamic playmakers at wide receiver. Cleveland simply cannot afford to spend a premium pick on another young, developmental quarterback. Simpson’s limited college starts, and lack of an elite trait, add up to not being worth the risk of muddying up an already crowded starter competition.
