Full Breakdown
Los Angeles Rams Draft Ty Simpson 13th Overall: Succession Strategy and Reactions
5/1/2026, 4:35:00 PM
The Draft Decision
On April 23 2026, the Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft. General manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay framed the move as a long-term investment behind reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, who remains the starter on a one-year-by-year basis. The pick was made despite Simpson’s limited college experience—15 career starts, the fourth fewest among first-round quarterbacks in the past 25 years.
Recent Team History
The Rams won Super Bowl LVI in 2021, then posted a 5-12 record in 2022 despite signing former All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner and receiver Allen Robinson. Matthew Stafford earned MVP honors in the 2025 season (4,707 passing yards, 46 touchdowns, 8 interceptions) and led the team to the NFC Championship Game. The franchise has repeatedly traded away first-round picks (2019, 2022) while seeking to balance immediate competitiveness with future stability.
Primary Decision-Makers
- Sean McVay – Head coach, emphasizes system fit and long-term planning.
- Les Snead – General manager, oversaw the draft strategy and trade discussions.
- Matthew Stafford – 38-year-old quarterback, MVP, expected to remain starter pending yearly contract decisions.
- Ty Simpson – Alabama quarterback, noted for intelligence and pro-style experience.
- Nicole Blake – Director of scouting, highlighted Simpson’s “super-smart” traits.
- John McKay – Assistant GM, stressed Simpson’s learning period at Alabama.
Key Numbers
- Simpson: 3,567 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, 5 interceptions in his lone starting season; 15 career starts.
- Stafford (2025): 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, 8 interceptions.
- Simpson’s start total ranks fourth-fewest for a first-round quarterback in the last 25 years (behind Anthony Richardson Sr., Mitchell Trubisky, Dwayne Haskins).
- The Rams held five selections in the 2026 draft, using only one on a quarterback.
Strategic Implications
Selecting Simpson secures a potential heir apparent while preserving the current roster’s competitive window. The move also preemptively blocks NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals, who reportedly showed “heavy interest” in the prospect. By targeting a quarterback who fits McVay’s pro-style offense, the Rams aim to maintain continuity should Stafford retire or decline a contract extension.
Official Statements & Responses
McVay explained that the decision was not a “a-ha moment” but the result of months of evaluation, noting the need to balance short-term win-now goals with long-term quarterback development. Snead described the pick as a macro-level response to an anticipated future need, emphasizing that the organization has always known a successor would be required. Blake and McKay both stressed Simpson’s intelligence, pro-style throw repertoire, and ability to process complex reads, asserting that those attributes align with the Rams’ offensive system. The coaching staff reiterated that any playing time for Simpson will be determined by Stafford’s terms.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts questioned the value of a first-round selection on a quarterback with limited game film, suggesting alternatives such as wide receiver Makai Lemon or tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Former Giants personnel director Marc Ross described Simpson as “nothing special” and highlighted concerns about his size and lack of starts. Some observers argued the Rams missed an opportunity to address immediate needs on the offensive line or receiving corps.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether the Rams drafted Simpson primarily to block the Cardinals or as a genuine succession plan. ESPN noted the Cardinals held the 34th pick and were rumored to consider trading up, while The Athletic’s Nate Atkins emphasized the “secret meetings” with Simpson. Details of Stafford’s forthcoming contract extension remain undisclosed, creating uncertainty about the timeline for Simpson’s promotion.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Simpson said he told teams during the predraft process that the years he sat at Alabama” — Ty Simpson, quarterback
- “‘ 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.” — Nicole Blake, director of scouting
- “If they planned this to play out the way it did, it was genius,” — Anonymous NFL executive
- “At the macro level, to keep it simple, we've always known that there will be a time when we need our future quarterback, and the way the stars aligned in this draft, that was an opportunity we felt like we should take.” — Les Snead, general manager
What’s Next
Simpson is expected to begin the 2026 season as Stafford’s backup, competing with Stetson Bennett for the second-string role during organized team activities. The Rams will negotiate Stafford’s contract extension in the coming weeks, while the front office evaluates additional roster moves to address depth on the offensive line and at receiver. The success of the Simpson selection will be measured against both his development trajectory and the team’s performance in the 2026 campaign.
