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Rams Draft Alabama QB Ty Simpson, First Since 1967

4/25/2026

48 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams chose Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.
General manager Les Snead said Simpson’s perseverance, mobility and upside justified the pick.
It is the first first-round quarterback pick by a team with a reigning MVP since the 1967 Packers.
Ty Simpson said his first conversation with Snead was about competing for the backup quarterback role.

Summary

Rams Target Simpson

Rams view Simpson as a trade-up target at No. 32 owned by Seattle.
Dane Brugger of The Athletic projected Simpson as a second-round pick, a starter with upside who shows command but needs experience to improve reads and decisions.
Rams GM Les Snead’s tie to Simpson’s father, UT-Martin coach Jason Simpson, shaped the Rams’ assessment.
Jourdan Rodrigue, a Rams scouting veteran, said the team pursued Simpson despite little pre-draft contact.

History

Historical Context

In 1967 the Green Bay Packers, coming off Bart Starr’s MVP season, used their first-round, 25th-overall pick to select quarterback Don Horn in the NFL’s first common draft after the AFL-NFL merger. The addition helped extend a three-peat that concluded with a Super Bowl II win, Lombardi’s final championship. This draft practice, rooted in the league’s 1936 draft system, still guides teams with recent MVPs.

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Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams chose Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.
General manager Les Snead said Simpson’s perseverance, mobility and upside justified the pick.
It is the first first-round quarterback pick by a team with a reigning MVP since the 1967 Packers.
Ty Simpson said his first conversation with Snead was about competing for the backup quarterback role.

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