Jets to have extensive pre-draft meetings with 28-TD quarterback prospect

The New York Jets are coming out of the first few weeks of the NFL offseason with a few big additions offensively and defensively, including Geno Smith at quarterback.

Smith won't be the only quarterback the Jets add this offseason, with another veteran and a rookie both likely to come to the team. With the NFL Draft class being weak at quarterback, there are reasonable questions about what the team will do at the position.

Their plans might've been hinted at this offseason, as according to ESPN, the Jets are going to have extensive meetings with 28-touchdown QB Ty Simpson ahead of the draft. The Alabama QB might be an early pick for the Jets this season.

Jets draft plans take turn with Ty Simpson reports

"The quarterback-needy Jets will have their top decision-makers in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Thursday night to have dinner with Simpson, followed by a private workout on Friday morning, a source told ESPN," Rich Cimini of ESPN reports.

This is a very interesting report, as the Jets are taking a very strong look at Simpson, investing time and resources into the top quarterback expected to be available after the Las Vegas Raiders take Fernando Mendoza first overall.

Simpson had 3,567 yards passing and 28 touchdowns last season on 64.5% completion percentage last season. He struggled at the end of the year, but he was dealing with a litany of injuries that significantly impacted his play.

Also in this report is that Aaron Glenn, Darren Mougey, offensive coordinator Frank Reich, and quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave will all be in attendance for these meetings.

If the rumors all offseason didn't make it clear, this strong contingent scouting the Alabama quarterback is a clear indication that the Jets' interest is very real.

More: Aaron Glenn predicted to add three QBs to NFL roster this offseason

They have four picks inside the top 44 spots, starting at No. 2 overall. The Jets are not likely to take Simpson second overall, leaving the 16th, 33rd, and 44th picks as draft slots where the Jets could take the Alabama quarterback.

He's a late first-round caliber quarterback prospect, and the Jets will have a good chance at 16th overall to take him if there's significant interest. If Simpson makes it to 33rd overall in Round 2, it would be a worthwhile pick for the Jets to take a flier.

Even if Simpson struggles for the Jets, spending a second rounder wouldn't be a big waste. But, using the 16th pick, or a first-round trade-up, would be a risky move.

There's clear interest in Simpson from the Jets, as their strong contingent and the need at quarterback make this player and team fit make a lot of sense.

This report is one to keep in mind as the draft approaches, as the Jets' strong interest in Simpson could turn into a very expensive draft pick in late April.

More Jets news:

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• Jets deny Aaron Glenn was asleep at NFL Combine
• Geno Smith returning to Jets is ‘full circle’ moment for veteran QB
• Nahshon Wright agrees to $5.5 million deal with Jets in steal by Darren Mougey
• Jets get bad news as Jaguars don’t look poised to trade Brian Thomas Jr. despite trade rumors
• Jets traded for Geno Smith instead of signing him in free agency to avoid worst-case-scenario
• Jets predicted to draft David Bailey No. 2 overall after offseason spending