Full Breakdown
Rams Draft Ty Simpson: Future Quarterback Amid a Win-Now Window
4/25/2026, 9:53:28 AM
Core Event – No. 13 Pick
On April 23-24 2026 the Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft. The selection was announced in a joint press conference with General Manager Les Sneak and Head Coach Sean McVay.
Background & Context – Stafford’s MVP Season and the Rams’ Super Bowl Push
The Rams entered the draft after a 12-5 2025 season, a loss in the NFC Championship, and a historic campaign by 38-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford, who posted 4,707 passing yards, 46 touchdowns and earned the league MVP award. With Stafford still under contract and the team positioned as a Super Bowl favorite for 2026, the organization faced a choice between an immediate contributor and a long-term successor at quarterback.
Key Figures & Groups
- Matthew Stafford – Starting quarterback, MVP, projected Hall-of-Fame trajectory.
- Sean McVay – Head coach, responsible for offensive scheme and quarterback development.
- Les Snead – General manager, primary decision-maker in draft strategy.
- Ty Simpson – Alabama quarterback, 2025 SEC champion, 3,567 passing yards and 28 touchdowns in his lone full season as starter.
Timeline of Decisions
- April 23, 2026 – Rams trade No. 29 pick to Kansas City for cornerback Trent McDuffie.
- April 24, 2026 (early) – Rams select Ty Simpson at No. 13.
- April 24, 2026 (press conference) – Snead and McVay address the pick; McVay’s demeanor noted as subdued.
- April 24, 2026 (post-pick call) – Simpson receives the draft call, becomes emotional, and confirms he had never spoken with McVay before the selection.
Data & Statistics
- Stafford (2025): 4,707 yards, 46 TDs, 8 INTs, MVP.
- Simpson (2025): 3,567 yards, 28 TDs, SEC championship appearance, one year as starter.
Official Statements & Responses
Snead emphasized that the Rams are “in lockstep” with McVay, that the pick addresses the “most urgent need” of a backup quarterback, and that the organization aims to “make the most of this time with Matthew” while “there’s no timeline on this.” McVay reiterated that “this is Matthew’s team,” noted Simpson will compete with Stetson Bennett for the backup role, and highlighted the quarterback’s “body of work” and ability to read defenses with his feet.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts and fans described the selection as a “reach” and questioned its fit with a roster built to win now. Critics pointed out that Simpson’s limited starting experience and undersized frame make him unlikely to contribute in 2026, potentially sacrificing a pick that could have bolstered the immediate roster. Comparisons were drawn to historic first-round quarterback selections made by teams with reigning MVPs, noting mixed outcomes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on McVay’s level of enthusiasm: some insiders claim he was “absolutely on board,” while multiple observers noted his muted body language and brief answers. Simpson also stated he never met McVay before the draft, whereas other reports suggest a pre-draft conversation occurred. The extent of Snead’s personal relationship with Simpson’s father, Jason, remains variably described.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think Sean had a chat with Matthew before last night, and that's one thing that Matthew's definitely earned,” — Les Snead
- “Let’s make one thing clear: This is Matthew’s team,” — Sean McVay
- “He was great. He’s a stud. He’s always first class in every sense of the word.” — Sean McVay (on Stafford)
- “super pumped” — Ty Simpson
What’s Next
The Rams retain six draft picks, including a second-round selection at No. 61 and a third-round pick at No. 93, to address other roster needs such as wide receiver, offensive line, and linebacker. Simpson is expected to serve as the backup in 2026, learning behind Stafford while competing with Bennett and potentially Jimmy Garoppolo for the role. The organization’s success will hinge on balancing immediate Super Bowl aspirations with the development of its projected long-term quarterback.
