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Rams Take Alabama QB Ty Simpson 13th Overall

4/25/2026

Summary

Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams chose Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick on April 23, 2026.
Simpson had not spoken with coach Sean McVay or GM Les Snead before the draft, posting 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns at Alabama and ranked No. 44 by Bleacher Report.
Snead said he trusted the pick as a backup after speaking with Simpson’s father, while McVay’s press conference and Snead’s demeanor raised concern about a developmental quarterback.

Summary

Rams Trade Pick

The Rams traded the No. 29 pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for cornerback Trent McDuffie, completing a secondary revamp in 2026.
Los Angeles has already swapped nine of its last ten first-round picks for veterans, leaving six selections for wide receiver, offensive line and linebacker needs.
Les Snead said the team has a long-term quarterback succession plan and will focus on the Super Bowl window with Matthew Stafford, a view echoed by Sean McVay.

History

Historical Context

The Patriots selected Michigan quarterback Tom Brady with the 199th overall pick in the sixth round of the April 15-16 2000 NFL Draft. Though the team finished 5-11 that season, Belichick’s hiring earlier that year set a rebuilding tone, and Brady later led New England to a record seven Super Bowl championships.

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Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams chose Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick on April 23, 2026.
Simpson had not spoken with coach Sean McVay or GM Les Snead before the draft, posting 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns at Alabama and ranked No. 44 by Bleacher Report.
Snead said he trusted the pick as a backup after speaking with Simpson’s father, while McVay’s press conference and Snead’s demeanor raised concern about a developmental quarterback.

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