Full Breakdown
Rams Draft Ty Simpson 13th Overall: A Surprising Quarterback Selection
4/24/2026, 8:02:58 PM
Core Event: First-Round Selection of Ty Simpson
On the opening night of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams chose Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. The decision marked the team’s first first-round quarterback choice since the 2016 selection of Jared Goff and came despite the Rams entering the draft with a reigning MVP, Matthew Stafford, at quarterback.
Background & Context: Rams’ Quarterback Landscape and Draft Assets
The Rams entered the draft holding the 13th pick acquired from Atlanta in a prior trade. With a 12-5 regular-season record, a recent NFC Championship appearance, and no pressing roster deficiencies, the organization possessed flexibility to address the future at quarterback. Matthew Stafford, 38, had confirmed a return for the 2026 season but had not extended his contract beyond that year. Backup options included Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett, while the team had previously added cornerback Trent McDuffie and signed Jaylen Watson to shore up the secondary.
Data & Statistics: Simpson’s College Production and Draft Position
Simpson entered the draft after a single season as Alabama’s starter (2025), compiling 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 64.5 % completion rate. He finished the year at 6 ft 2 in, 211 lb, and had started 15 collegiate games. Draft analysts placed him between the 34th and 44th overall spots, making his selection at 13th a notable reach.
Why It Matters: Succession Planning and Short-Term Implications
General manager Les Snead framed the pick as a long-term investment, emphasizing the desire to “engineer as competent a team as possible” rather than chase an immediate Super Bowl. The move positions Simpson as a developmental backup who could learn behind Stafford before potentially assuming the starter role. Critics argue the selection sacrifices a player who could contribute this season, potentially weakening the Rams’ current championship window.
Official Statements & Responses
Sean McVay emphasized that the roster remains “Matthew’s team” and highlighted the extensive evaluation process that led to Simpson’s selection, noting the similarity between Alabama’s offensive concepts and the Rams’ system. Les Snead explained the decision as a strategic use of the “extra pick” to secure a quarterback for the post-Stafford era, while also underscoring the lack of urgent needs at other positions. Ty Simpson expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating he is “super pumped to be in the room with” Stafford and eager to learn from the coaching staff.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts from CBS Sports and Bleacher Report labeled the pick a “massive reach” and questioned its fit within a team positioned as a Super Bowl favorite. They noted the rarity of a reigning MVP’s team drafting a quarterback in the first round and warned that Simpson’s limited experience could hinder immediate competitiveness. Some observers suggested the Rams might have been better served by selecting a player who could contribute right away.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Simpson described his pre-draft contact with the Rams as “really brief,” mentioning only a few scout meetings. In contrast, other reports highlighted a “very strong relationship” between Les Snead and Simpson’s father, Jason Simpson, who received draft-entry advice from Snead. Additionally, while the organization presented Simpson as a future starter, the press conference featured McVay’s reluctance to commit to a backup role, leaving the exact short-term plan ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “[L]et’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew’s team,” — Sean McVay, head coach
- “I hate sitting here and going, 'You're a player away in a draft from the Super Bowl,'” — Les Snead, general manager
- “I mean, he's always first class in every sense of the word.” — Sean McVay, on Matthew Stafford
- “I met with some scouts at Bama and that was really it.” — Ty Simpson, quarterback
- “According to CBS Sports Research, the Rams are just the third Super Bowl favorite over the past 50 years to select a QB in the first round, joining the 1980 Steelers (Mark Malone) and the 1999 Vikings (Daunte Culpepper).” — CBS Sports analyst
What’s Next: Simpson’s Role and Future Outlook
The Rams intend to keep Simpson on the active roster as the primary backup, allowing him to develop under Stafford’s mentorship and within McVay’s offensive scheme. The organization’s next moves include a second-round selection at 61st overall and continued roster adjustments aimed at maintaining competitiveness while preparing for a post-Stafford transition at quarterback.
