Full Breakdown
Rams Draft Alabama Quarterback Ty Simpson with 13th Overall Pick
4/25/2026, 4:57:39 AM
The Decision
On April 23, 2026, the Los Angeles Rams used the No. 13 selection—acquired from Atlanta in a prior trade—to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. The move marked only the second first-round pick by GM Les Sneak in the past decade and surprised analysts who expected a position player or a quarterback ready to start immediately.
Background & Context
Los Angeles entered the draft after a 12-5 season that ended with a loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship. The team’s starting quarterback, 38-year-old Matthew Stafford, had just earned MVP honors and was under a two-year, $84 million restructured contract. With Stafford’s future still open, the Rams have historically traded first-round picks for veteran talent, a strategy epitomized by Sneak’s “--them-picks” mantra.
Key Figures & Groups
- Les Sneak – General Manager, architect of the Simpson selection.
- Sean McVay – Head Coach, emphasized continuity with Stafford.
- Matthew Stafford – Current starter, MVP (2025).
- Ty Simpson – Alabama quarterback, one-year starter (2025).
- Jason Simpson – Ty’s father, UT-Martin head coach; long-time contact of Sneak.
Data & Statistics
- Simpson: 3,567 passing yards, 28 TDs, 5 INTs, 64.5 % completion, 15 collegiate starts.
- Draft contract: four-year, $25.4 million total with a $15 million signing bonus.
- Stafford (2025): 4,707 yards, 46 TDs, 109.2 passer rating, $40 million salary for 2026.
- Rams draft assets: additional picks at No. 61, 93, 207, 232, 251, 252.
Official Statements & Responses
Sneak highlighted Simpson’s “perseverance” and mobility, noting the quarterback’s “maturity” and the organization’s need to secure a future signal-caller. He also referenced a personal connection with Simpson’s father, describing the advisory role his staff played. McVay stressed that the selection does not alter Stafford’s status, stating the team will “address the backup quarterback” and that Simpson will “compete with Stetson Bennett.” Both officials framed the pick as a long-term investment rather than an immediate starter.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts such as Colin Cowherd and Brock Huard questioned the lack of enthusiasm from McVay, describing his press-conference demeanor as “subdued” and “awkward.” Media commentary noted the risk of drafting a quarterback with limited starting experience and suggested the Rams might have maximized their Super Bowl window by selecting a position player instead. Fan sentiment on social platforms was largely negative, citing concerns over the team’s win-now timeline.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Simpson reported he never met McVay before the draft, while other sources claim the coach was “in lockstep” with Sneak. McVay’s public remarks downplayed excitement, yet insiders said he was “fully on board.” Reports also differ on whether the pick influences Stafford’s contract negotiations, with some suggesting no impact and others indicating potential leverage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Let's make one thing clear: this is Matthew's team,” — Sean McVay, Head Coach
- “He was great. He’s a stud. He’s always first class in every sense of the word.” — Sean McVay on Matthew Stafford
- “The fact that an organization like the Los Angeles Rams believed in me and took a chance on me is just something that I’m so grateful for,” — Ty Simpson, QB prospect
- “I hate sitting here and going, ‘You’re a player away in a draft from going to the Super Bowl,’” — Les Sneak, GM
- “We’ll see. He’s going to compete with Stetson [Bennett].” — Sean McVay on Simpson’s role
What’s Next
Simpson will enter training camp to vie for the backup role behind Stafford, while the Rams continue to evaluate their remaining draft selections. The organization’s ability to develop Simpson could shape the quarterback succession plan beyond Stafford’s eventual retirement.
