Full Breakdown
Rams Draft Ty Simpson After Secret Pre-Draft Meeting With Coach Sean McVay
4/29/2026, 1:23:57 AM
Core Event: No. 13 Selection and Secret Meeting Reveal
On April 23, 2026 the Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft. The pick stunned analysts because the Rams already had reigning MVP Matthew Stafford at quarterback. Five days later Simpson told ESPN Radio’s Ian Fitzsimmons that, contrary to his earlier post-draft comment that he had only met scouts, he had a “secret meeting” with head coach Sean McVay before the draft. Simpson said the meeting lasted “hours and hours” and focused exclusively on football.
Background & Context: Rams’ Quarterback Succession Strategy
The Rams entered the draft intent on securing a long-term successor to Stafford, who was returning for his 18th season after a 2025 MVP campaign (4,707 passing yards, 46 touchdowns). General manager Les Snead and McVay have a reputation for secrecy in draft scouting, often avoiding combine visits and top-30 player trips. In December 2025 the Rams met Simpson’s family at the Rose Bowl to discuss his potential as a “franchise quarterback,” then kept any further contact off the record to avoid alerting rival teams.
Key Figures
- Ty Simpson – Alabama quarterback, 23, drafted 13th overall.
- Sean McVay – Rams head coach, known for quarterback development.
- Les Snead – Rams general manager, orchestrated the secret outreach.
- Matthew Stafford – Current Rams starter, 2025 NFL MVP.
Timeline of Key Moments
- Dec 2025: Snead meets Simpson’s parents at the Rose Bowl facility.
- Early April 2026: Unreported private meeting between Simpson and McVay.
- April 23, 2026: Rams select Simpson at No. 13.
- April 28, 2026: Simpson reveals secret meeting on ESPN Radio.
Data & Statistics
- Simpson’s senior season: 15 games, 64.5 % completions, 3,567 yards, 28 TD, 5 INT.
- Stafford’s 2025 season: league-leading 4,707 yards, 46 TD, MVP award.
- Draft: 257 total selections; Rams held the 13th pick.
Official Statements & Responses
McVay told reporters he “couldn’t be more excited about being able to add Ty” while stressing that “Stafford will be the team’s quarterback for as long as he wants to play.” Snead praised Simpson as a “football junkie” with a “coach’s son” pedigree and highlighted his love of quarterback play. Simpson reiterated that the Rams asked him to keep the meeting private and that the conversation was “just football.”
Criticism & Opposition
Observers noted McVay’s subdued demeanor at the post-draft press conference, interpreting it as possible hesitation about the pick. Analysts questioned whether a developmental quarterback at No. 13 was the optimal use of a high first-round asset, given the Rams’ immediate Super Bowl aspirations. Some fans argued the Rams should have traded down for more picks rather than selecting a player unlikely to see significant snaps in his rookie year.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Simpson initially claimed he only met scouts at Alabama’s Pro Day, then later admitted the secret meeting with McVay. The Rams have not issued a formal confirmation of the meeting beyond the coach’s general enthusiasm. Details of any additional pre-draft contacts with other Rams staff remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We tried to keep this under wraps as long as we could.” — Ty Simpson, Alabama quarterback
- “It was just straight football, and it was like a kid in a candy store.” — Ty Simpson
- “It was something to where I was told to not say anything because they didn’t want anybody to know.” — Ty Simpson
- “Whenever that time comes for [Simpson] to get an opportunity to be Matthew's successor will be on Matthew's terms,” — Sean McVay
- “So being with him, and then getting to know him, and then just seeing a little bit of how I would get coached if I was fortunate enough to go there was something that I couldn’t have asked for a better situation.” — Ty Simpson
What’s Next
Simpson will enter training camp as Stafford’s backup, learning under McVay’s quarterback system. The Rams have indicated that any transition to a starter role will occur “on Matthew’s terms,” suggesting a multi-year development timeline. The organization’s next draft moves may focus on supporting pieces for the offense while Simpson matures into the projected heir apparent.
