Full Breakdown
Rams Draft Ty Simpson: Long-Term Gamble Amid Immediate Success
5/1/2026, 12:35:54 AM
The Draft Decision
The Los Angeles Rams used the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, despite having MVP Matthew Stafford under contract through at least 2025.
Recent Rams History
The Rams won Super Bowl LVI in 2021, fell to 5-12 in 2022, then reached the 2025 NFC Championship, losing 21-17 to Seattle while Stafford posted 4,707 yards, 46 TDs and an MVP award.
Decision Makers
Head coach Sean McVay, GM Les Snead, scouting director Nicole Blake and assistant GM John McKay evaluated Simpson, citing his intelligence, pro-style throws and perseverance learned at Alabama.
Data & Statistics
Simpson entered the draft after one season as Alabama’s starter (3,567 yards, 30 TDs, 5 INTs, 15 career starts). Stafford’s 2025 line featured a 109.2 passer rating, 4,707 yards and 46 TDs. The Rams also considered USC WR Makai Lemon (79 catches, 1,156 yards, 11 TDs) and Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq (51 catches, 560 yards, 8 TDs).
Official Statements & Responses
McVay said the Rams are “trying to win now” while planning for the future, noting no rookie guarantees a Super Bowl and that the team met with Stafford before finalizing the pick. Snead described Simpson as “super-smart” and affirmed the decision was made “in lockstep” with the coaching staff.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts such as Rob Rang called the selection “the gutsiest pick of the first round,” questioning its immediate impact. Nate Atkins noted the Rams also evaluated impact players Lemon and Sadiq, suggesting the pick does not address the team’s short-term need for a playmaker.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Simpson claimed he never met McVay, yet Snead’s interview and internal reports describe secret pre-draft meetings, leaving the exact timing of Stafford’s contract extension undisclosed.
Why It Matters
Choosing Simpson signals a deliberate quarterback succession plan, balancing the Rams’ desire to stay competitive now with securing a long-term heir, while sacrificing a potential immediate impact player.
Verbatim Quotes
- “‘ Well here’s what I would tell you: If you could’ve guaranteed me that us taking a great player like (Makai) Lemon or another skill player would have ensured us (the Super Bowl), you’re damn right that’s what we would’ve done.” — Sean McVay, Head Coach
- “You can tell just watching the film that he knows how to play the position. He's a super-smart quarterback. He obviously grew up with a dad as a coach so he's lived and breathed it for his entire life.” — Les Snead, General Manager
- “He was under a lot of pressure up front and things were really just moving fast.” — John McKay, Assistant GM
- “Once you then settle on that would be the direction that we go if he’s there at 13, then you say, ‘Hey, let’s sit down with our quarterback. Make sure he understands why we’re doing this.’ You articulate the thought process so that there’s clarity and there’s an understanding of the intent. And he was a total stud about it.” — Matthew Stafford, Quarterback
What’s Next
Simpson will compete with Stetson Bennett for the backup role in OTAs and training camp, while Stafford’s contract extension remains under negotiation.
