Full Breakdown
Los Angeles Rams Draft Alabama Quarterback Ty Simpson with 13th Overall Pick
4/28/2026, 5:30:30 AM
Draft Selection of Ty Simpson
The Los Angeles Rams chose Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, becoming the first team since the 1967 Green Bay Packers to draft a quarterback in the first round after a quarterback had won the league MVP the previous season.
Context of the Pick
The selection follows two seasons with veteran Matthew Stafford, the 2025 NFL MVP, approaching retirement. Critics argued the Rams should have used the pick on a proven playmaker, noting the missed opportunity to draft wide receiver Makai Lemon.
Key Figures
Key figures include head coach Sean McVay, general manager Les Snead, starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, rookie Ty Simpson, and veteran backup Jimmy Garoppolo, who is currently unsigned and considering retirement.
Draft Details and Additional Picks
Simpson started 15 games at Alabama and was ranked the second-best quarterback prospect behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. The Rams also drafted TE Max Clare (Round 2), tackle Keagen Trost (Round 3) and WR C.J. Daniels (Round 6).
Official Statements
McVay said the pick resulted from a collaborative process with Snead and fits a long-term succession plan that keeps Stafford as the starter while developing Simpson. He also noted that Garoppolo remains a viable option, describing him as a starting-caliber quarterback.
Criticism
Media and fans labeled the move a ‘waste,’ arguing the Rams squandered a first-round asset on a developmental player instead of a proven talent like Makai Lemon, and questioned Simpson’s immediate impact.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on when Simpson might assume a meaningful role; the organization has not provided a specific timetable, and Stafford’s view on sharing the quarterback room has not been disclosed.
Impact
The draft creates a three-quarterback depth chart, providing insurance against Stafford’s injury history and allowing Simpson to learn under both Stafford and possibly Garoppolo. Analysts highlight Simpson’s mental-processing ability as a potential fit for McVay’s system.
What’s Next
Simpson will join offseason workouts and compete for reps alongside the veterans. Garoppolo’s contract status remains pending, and the final roster will be set during training camp before the 2026 season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Am I angry right now?” — Sean McVay, Rams head coach (post-draft press conference)
- “McVay said: “We (general manager Les Snead) couldn’t be in more lockstep in every decision that we make.” — Sean McVay
- “I’m super ecstatic because I just want to pick his brain about everything and soak up all that knowledge.” — Ty Simpson, Alabama quarterback
- “I don’t want to say completely closed, but I would say this. You guys know how much I appreciate Jimmy and what he could really do. I always viewed him as a starting-caliber quarterback.” — Sean McVay
