Full Breakdown
Rams Draft Alabama QB Ty Simpson at No. 13
4/24/2026, 12:08:12 PM
Why the Rams Chose…
The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a “Super Bowl ready” roster that includes MVP Matthew Stafford, receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, and a defense led by Jared Verse and Trent McDuffie. With Stafford, 38, hinting at retirement, the team used its 13th-overall pick to secure a potential successor, the first-round quarterback selection since the 2016 Jared Goff trade-up.
Key Players and Draft Context
- Ty Simpson – Alabama quarterback; 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 11-4 record, 15 starts.
- Matthew Stafford – Starting MVP, potential final season.
- Les Snead – GM, Alabama native.
- Sean McVay – Head coach, offensive architect.
- Brock Huard – Former NFL QB, analyst.
Simpson’s College Production
Simpson threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2025 but started only 15 games, missing time after a rib injury and a benching in the second half of the game against Indiana. Draft analysts largely projected him as a second-round talent, yet the Rams selected him at No. 13, making him the only quarterback taken on Day 1 besides No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.
Rams Leadership’s Rationale
GM Les Snead praised Simpson’s perseverance, recalling his rebound after Alabama’s early loss to Florida State. Coach McVay said the pick doesn’t diminish Stafford’s role and that team will “make decisions that are best for the short and the long term.” Both framed the move as a developmental investment, positioning Simpson as an understudy who will learn from Stafford and existing quarterback group that includes Stetson Bennett and Jimmy Garoppolo.
Critics Question the Selection
Former QB Brock Huard argued that “there’s been nobody with 15 or less starts in their college career that has thrived in the NFL.” The New York Post noted McVay’s unusually subdued demeanor at the press conference, while Fox News called the pick a surprise given expectations that the Rams would address immediate needs.
Divergent Media Reactions
The Los Angeles Times described the announcement as “subdued,” whereas USA Today called the move “the biggest surprise of the night.” Both outlets agree the selection signals a long-term plan, but the tone of coverage varies from cautious to astonished.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was just super blessed and super excited,” — Ty Simpson, Alabama quarterback
- “let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew’s team.” — Sean McVay, Rams head coach
- “There’s been nobody with 15 or less starts in their college career that has thrived in the NFL,” — Brock Huard, former NFL quarterback
- “We’re always going to make decisions that we think are best for the short and the long term, but we’ll be excited to able to get to work with him.” — Sean McVay, Rams head coach
Looking Ahead
Simpson will attend offseason quarterback meetings while Stafford negotiates a new contract. The Rams retain second- and third-round picks, and Simpson’s progress will determine whether veteran Garoppolo returns or retires, shaping the team’s quarterback transition for the 2026-27 season.
