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Rams draft Alabama QB Ty Simpson as backupRams draft Alabama QB Ty Simpson as backup

4/26/2026

35 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams selected former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford, the 2025 MVP with 46 touchdowns, remains the Rams’ starter.
Coach Sean McVay said the selection adds a backup and emphasized that it is Matthew’s team.
Ty Simpson will compete with Stetson Bennett for the backup role and is expected to see limited action next season.

Summary

McVay Goes Viral

Sean McVay’s press conference went viral after his grumpy expression, prompting a flood of texts.
He said he and general manager Les Snead are in lockstep, touching Snead’s shoulders and calling him his buddy.
He opened with a smile and asked reporters if he seemed angry.
He warned that drafting a future starter while a star remains, as seen with the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love, could backfire.

Summary

Rams Acquire Simpson

The Rams acquired the No. 13 pick from Atlanta Falcons in a 2025 trade.
They traded the No. 29 pick to the Chiefs in March for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, a move analyst Colin Cowherd said showed the Rams needed a backup like Ty Simpson.
Simpson posted 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 145.2 rating in 2025, leading Alabama to a playoff win over Oklahoma before a loss to Indiana.

History

Historical Context

In the 2000 NFL Draft, held April 15-16 in New York, the New England Patriots chose Michigan quarterback Tom Brady with the 199th overall pick in the sixth round. The draft, instituted in 1936 to give weaker teams a chance at top talent, has since seen late-round selections become stars, a pattern the Los Angeles Rams echoed in 2026 by drafting backup quarterback Ty Simpson behind MVP Matthew Stafford.

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Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams selected former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford, the 2025 MVP with 46 touchdowns, remains the Rams’ starter.
Coach Sean McVay said the selection adds a backup and emphasized that it is Matthew’s team.
Ty Simpson will compete with Stetson Bennett for the backup role and is expected to see limited action next season.

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