Full Breakdown
Rams Draft Ty Simpson in Secret: Inside the 13th-Overall Pick
4/29/2026, 11:45:55 AM
The Draft Decision
On Thursday night of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. The move surprised analysts because the Rams already have MVP Matthew Stafford at starter and were expected to address immediate needs. The selection followed a private, hours-long meeting between Simpson and head coach Sean McVay that the player later described as “secret.”
Background & Context
The Rams entered the draft in a win-now window, having reached the NFC Championship game in 2025 and retaining Stafford, who earned the league MVP. General manager Les Snead and McVay have historically avoided public pre-draft visits, opting instead for low-profile scouting trips—such as sending a southeast-area scout to Simpson’s pro day and not attending the combine. Their strategy aimed to conceal interest and prevent rival teams from trading up for the quarterback.
Key Figures & Groups
- Ty Simpson – Alabama quarterback, 15 collegiate starts, 3,567 passing yards, 28 TDs, 5 INTs, 64.5 % completion.
- Sean McVay – Rams head coach, noted for quarterback development.
- Les Snead – Rams general manager, orchestrated the secret meeting.
- Matthew Stafford – Starting Rams quarterback, 2025 MVP.
- Kelly Stafford – Matthew’s wife, who welcomed Simpson via Instagram.
Timeline
- Late December 2025 – Snead meets Simpson’s family at the Rose Bowl.
- Early January 2026 – Rams scout attends Simpson’s pro day in Tuscaloosa.
- Mid-April 2026 – Private meeting at the Rams facility; Simpson and McVay discuss “hours and hours” of football.
- April 27, 2026 – Simpson tells ESPN Radio the meeting was kept private.
- April 28, 2026 – Rams draft Simpson at No. 13; McVay and Snead address the pick on the post-first-round press conference.
Data & Statistics
Simpson was the second quarterback taken in the draft, after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza (1st overall). His college production included a 145.2 passer rating and leading Alabama to the SEC championship game and a College Football Playoff appearance. The Rams’ 13th-overall pick was acquired via a prior trade with Atlanta; their own slot would have been No. 29.
Why It Matters / Impact
The selection secures a potential successor for Stafford, aligning with the Rams’ long-term quarterback plan while sacrificing a high-value pick that could have addressed immediate roster holes. The secrecy surrounding the meeting underscores the franchise’s willingness to employ “gamesmanship” to protect draft strategy, a tactic that may influence future front-office negotiations league-wide.
Official Statements & Responses
- McVay emphasized that Stafford remains “Matthew’s team” and any succession will occur “on Matthew’s terms.”
- Snead explained the need for confidentiality, noting that revealing interest could have prompted other clubs to trade up.
- Kelly Stafford sent a welcoming text to Simpson, indicating a supportive environment for the rookie.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts, including Adam Schefter, argued the Rams attempted to trade back but received no offers, forcing a “reach” at No. 13. Some observers interpreted McVay’s subdued press conference demeanor as reluctance, contrasting with his later statement of excitement about adding Simpson.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Simpson initially told reporters he had only brief contact with the Rams, mentioning scouts in Alabama. He later clarified the secret meeting, creating a discrepancy between early and later accounts. The exact date of the meeting and the full content of the discussion remain undocumented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “crazy is, we tried to keep this under wraps as long as we could.” — Ty Simpson, quarterback
- “Whenever that time comes for (Simpson) to get an opportunity to be Matthew's successor will be on Matthew's terms.” — Sean McVay, head coach
- “So we emphasized, 'keep it quiet.' I feel really bad for Ty; he stayed on script.” — Les Snead, general manager
- “It was just straight football. And it was like a kid in a candy store,” — Ty Simpson, describing the meeting
What’s Next
Simpson will begin his rookie season as Stafford’s backup, learning under McVay’s system. The Rams expect him to develop over the next one to two years before any succession discussion, with training camp and preseason performance likely determining his timeline.
