Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Limited starting experience creates questions about sustained performance against top-level competition week after week in pressure-packed environments.
• Occasional accuracy lapses on short-range throws, particularly on quick slants and bubble screens where placement needs to be precise.
• Frame could use additional bulk to withstand the punishment that comes with extending plays and taking hits in the pocket.
• Deep ball placement can be inconsistent, sometimes floating passes that allow safeties to close on receivers in contested situations.
• Needs to improve pre-snap recognition and audible frequency when facing complex defensive looks and exotic blitz packages from coordinators.

Scouting Report: Summary

Simpson's release will translate beautifully to the NFL level, where pocket time shrinks and windows close faster than college. However, his inconsistent accuracy on routine throws raises concerns about completing the high-percentage passes that keep drives alive and field goal drives moving. The arm strength is there, but the deep ball placement issues that plagued him in limited college action could become magnified against NFL safeties who read quarterbacks like open books.

His mobility creates legitimate problems for pass rushers who can't simply pin their ears back and rush upfield, yet the lack of extensive starting experience means he's never had to manage a full game's worth of hits and pressure situations. The pocket awareness looks natural on film, but maintaining that composure over 16-plus games while learning to process NFL-speed defenses represents a significant developmental curve. His ability to extend plays keeps broken coverages alive, though he'll need to add functional weight to survive the punishment that comes with scrambling against bigger, faster defenders.

The 2025 season carries enormous weight for Simpson's draft stock, as evaluators need extensive tape against elite competition to separate projection from production. His quick release and dual-threat ability make him intriguing for offensive coordinators looking to attack defenses multiple ways, but the accuracy concerns and limited sample size create reasonable doubt about his ceiling. Simpson has the physical foundation to develop into a solid NFL prospect, though his path likely includes time learning behind an established veteran rather than immediate insertion into a starting role. The tools are legitimate, but the refinement process will determine whether he becomes a reliable starter or remains a backup with upside.