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Rams Draft Ty Simpson No. 13, Keep Stafford Starting

4/25/2026

28 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams chose Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Head coach Sean McVay said his “grumpy” demeanor stemmed from off-field issues and that he and general manager Les Snead made the draft choice together.
Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford will stay the 2026 starter, while Simpson will develop behind him on Stafford’s terms, though contract talks could postpone his debut.

Summary

Simpson Arrives

Ty Simpson, drafted by the Los Angeles Rams, arrived in Los Angeles with his parents and siblings.
Simpson is the son of longtime UT Martin head coach Doug Simpson, a detail the Rams highlighted after the draft.
He turned down several lucrative name-image-likeness deals to pursue an NFL career after just one season as Alabama’s starter.
Kelly Stafford, wife of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, sent Simpson a welcoming message upon his arrival.

Summary

Snead Advises Simpson

Rams general manager Les Snead disclosed a close personal tie to UT-Martin head coach Jason Simpson during a press interview.
Snead said he personally advised Jason Simpson’s family while quarterback Ty Simpson weighed entering the 2026 NFL draft.
Snead described the relationship with Jason Simpson as “very strong,” linking his guidance to the Rams’ selection of Ty Simpson.

History

Historical Context

When the Rams drafted quarterback Vince Ferragamo in 1979, the franchise—relocated to Los Angeles in 1946 and preparing to move to Anaheim in 1980—had posted a 9-7 record and reached Super Bowl XIV, illustrating the growing value of home-grown quarterbacks. This mirrors the league-wide shift since the 1950s toward prioritizing the quarterback position.

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Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams chose Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Head coach Sean McVay said his “grumpy” demeanor stemmed from off-field issues and that he and general manager Les Snead made the draft choice together.
Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford will stay the 2026 starter, while Simpson will develop behind him on Stafford’s terms, though contract talks could postpone his debut.

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