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Rams Draft Alabama QB Ty Simpson, 13th Overall

4/28/2026

38 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after secret meetings with head coach Sean McVay.
He entered the draft after posting 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and guiding Alabama to an 11-4 record and a playoff quarterfinal.
The Rams will have Simpson learn behind veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and project a four-year, $20.5 million contract with a $12 million signing bonus.

Summary

Simpson Keeps Secret

Simpson told ESPN Radio the meeting with Coach Sean McVay was kept secret to stop other teams from trading up.
Rams staff instructed him not to mention the conversation, stressing strict confidentiality.
He said the interview lasted hours, covering only football topics.
Experts warn early disclosure could have left Los Angeles vulnerable to a trade-up, noting McVay’s sulky demeanor beside GM Les Snead on draft night signaled lingering doubts.

History

Historical Context

The NFL’s annual draft, created in 1936 to equalize talent, took place April 26-27 1983 in New York. The struggling Baltimore Colts used the first overall pick to select quarterback John Elway, then on May 2 traded him to the Denver Broncos for guard Chris Hinton, backup Mark Herrmann and a 1984 first-round pick. The deal reshaped both franchises.

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Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after secret meetings with head coach Sean McVay.
He entered the draft after posting 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and guiding Alabama to an 11-4 record and a playoff quarterfinal.
The Rams will have Simpson learn behind veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and project a four-year, $20.5 million contract with a $12 million signing bonus.

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