Full Breakdown
Rams Draft Ty Simpson at No. 13: A Contested Succession Move
4/28/2026, 12:24:50 AM
The Selection
On April 27 2026, the Los Angeles Rams chose Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. The move places Simpson behind MVP-quarterback Matthew Stafford, signaling a planned future transition.
Context and Rationale
The Rams finished the 2025 season one play from a Super Bowl, but Stafford’s back injury and retirement chatter prompted a succession plan. Rather than addressing immediate needs at receiver or defense, the front office opted for a long-term quarterback investment.
Key Players
- Ty Simpson – Alabama QB, 15 starts.
- Matthew Stafford – Starting QB, 2025 MVP.
- Sean McVay – Head coach, says team remains “Stafford’s.”
- Andrew Brandt – Former Packers exec.
- Jason Simpson – Ty’s father.
Draft Grades & Metrics
Grades: USA TODAY C, NFL.com B+, CBS Sports A, The Athletic C, PFF Poor, The Ringer C-. Simpson had 15 starts, 48% completion under pressure in 2025, and 12 turnover-prone plays (PFF).
Impact Assessment
Choosing a quarterback at No. 13 moves the Rams from a “win-now” stance to a multi-year rebuild, potentially delaying roster upgrades and extending the timeline for Stafford’s exit, affecting the NFC West balance.
Official Reactions
Coach McVay said the Rams remain “Stafford’s team” and view Simpson as a future option. Former exec Brandt warned that “Matthew Stafford will sit in quarterback meetings every day of the season next to his replacement… it’s tough to manage.” The team has not addressed trade-back rumors.
Criticism
Analysts called the pick a “massive reach,” noting that receivers like Makai Lemon were still available at No. 13. Simpson’s limited starts and pressure-handling stats raise doubts about his Super Bowl impact while Stafford remains.
Conflicting Reports
Jason Simpson said multiple teams discussed taking his son earlier, implying the Rams blocked a Cardinals trade-back. Other sources say the pick was to prevent that scenario, but no evidence confirms the Cardinals’ intent.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We had multiple conversations with multiple teams for him to go potentially even earlier [than 13th],” — Jason Simpson, father of Ty Simpson
- “ "Matthew Stafford will sit in quarterback meetings every day of the season next to his replacement," Brandt said.” — Andrew Brandt, former Packers executive
- “I didn’t love the Simpson pick, especially at No. 13. But of the Rams’ five selections, he was probably my favorite — there is a very realistic path for him to become a quality NFL starter,” — Dane Brugler, The Athletic
- “For starters, Simpson made just 15 starts in college after sitting behind Jalen Milroe for two seasons.” — ClutchPoints analysis
Outlook
Simpson reports to July camp as the primary backup. The Rams will assess his development in preseason, with the quarterback succession slated for 2027 or later, depending on Stafford’s health and retirement.
