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Rams Draft QB Ty Simpson, Block Cardinals, Named Stafford Backup

5/1/2026

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Summary

Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Coach Sean McVay and GM Les Snead said they chose Simpson early to block rival Arizona Cardinals from trading up.
Simpson will begin 2026 as Matthew Stafford’s backup while developing alongside Stetson Bennett IV.
Topps reported Simpson’s rookie card ranked third in demand behind No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza and No. 3 pick Jeremiyah Love.

Summary

Rams Reveal Simpson

Rams released a PR explainer on Simpson, which NFL executives called “genius.”
Assistant GM John McKay said Sean McVay’s frustration was staged to shield Matthew Stafford, who posted 4,707 yards, 46 TDs and is negotiating a deal through 2027.
Analysts likened the drama to Green Bay’s handling of Jordan Love, noting lift and citing scouting director Nicole Blake’s praise of Simpson’s football IQ and his father Jason Simpson’s coaching influence.

History

Historical Context

In the 2000 NFL draft, the New England Patriots selected Tom Brady with the 199th overall pick, a sixth-round choice that sparked a dynasty and is widely cited as the greatest draft steal. That success has driven modern teams to value early-round picks within the NFL’s seven-round, reverse-order draft system.

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Rams Draft Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Coach Sean McVay and GM Les Snead said they chose Simpson early to block rival Arizona Cardinals from trading up.
Simpson will begin 2026 as Matthew Stafford’s backup while developing alongside Stetson Bennett IV.
Topps reported Simpson’s rookie card ranked third in demand behind No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza and No. 3 pick Jeremiyah Love.

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