Full Breakdown
Rams Draft Ty Simpson at No. 13: Strategic Succession Move
4/30/2026, 8:16:17 AM
The Pick
On April 23, 2026, the Los Angeles Rams used the 13th overall selection to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, citing developmental upside and a desire to keep the player from a rival NFC West team.
Context
The Rams entered the draft as a Super Bowl-contending club led by MVP Matthew Stafford, who turned 38. With his contract under review, the front office sought a long-term successor. The Arizona Cardinals (34th pick) and the New York Jets were also reported to be interested.
Official Statements
Head coach Sean McVay said the pick came from “a combination of the work” and highlighted Simpson’s potential to develop into a starter. GM Les Snead called the selection a “blessing” for Simpson to learn from Stafford, while Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur confirmed the Rams’ long-standing interest.
Data
Simpson’s sole season as Alabama’s starter produced 3,567 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions, plus four straight wins over AP Top-25 teams and the program’s first College Football Playoff appearance. Draft analysts ranked him the No. 2 quarterback prospect behind Fernando Mendoza.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts questioned the pick’s immediate value. Bucky Brooks called the move “shocking” for a Super Bowl contender. Former Giants executive Marc Ross argued that “there’s a Ty Simpson every year… his track record, with the lack of starts, his size—there’s nothing really about him to like.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Simpson later claimed he never met McVay or Snead, a statement contradicted by Snead’s admission of a private meeting with the quarterback. The Rams also stressed “gamesmanship” in keeping those meetings secret, leaving pre-draft communication unclear.
Why It Matters
By drafting Simpson, the Rams not only deny the Cardinals a potential franchise quarterback but also secure a developmental asset that could sustain the team’s competitiveness after Stafford’s eventual retirement, preserving roster continuity.
What’s Next
Securing Simpson blocks a rival acquisition and creates a clear succession path behind Stafford. Simpson will compete with Stetson Bennett IV for the primary backup role during OTAs, while contract talks with Stafford continue. The team will also evaluate free-agent options to complement the quarterback group.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was surprised at Mr. Grumpy that night because I know how excited he is about that quarterback. He always really liked that quarterback,” — Mike LaFleur, Arizona Cardinals head coach
- “Excited to be able to add Ty [Simpson]. What a blessing it is for him to be able to learn from Matthew, to be able to come into this atmosphere and environment. But whenever that time comes for him to get an opportunity to be Matthew's successor, it will be on Matthew's terms.” — Les Snead, Rams GM
- “There wasn’t that a-ha moment, it was a combination of the work,” — Sean McVay, Rams head coach
- “His track record, with the lack of starts, his size – there’s nothing really about him (to like).” — Marc Ross, former Giants VP of player personnel
