The Los Angeles Rams made the most shocking move of the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
The Los Angeles Rams made the most shocking move of the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
Although Simpson was widely regarded as the second-best quarterback in the draft, many were shocked to see the Rams select him with the 13th overall pick. It was a selection that surprised many and for good reason.
While there was a chance the Rams were going to select a quarterback in the draft, the chances of that quarterback going 13th overall were not on many people’s bingo card.
Nonetheless, Simpson is now slated to be the quarterback of the future after Matthew Stafford calls his career quits. When that will be is unclear.
Ty Simpson Draft Grade: D
Overall, I am not a fan of the Rams taking Simpson, and it could come back to bite them in a major way.
There are many problems with the Rams' choosing Stafford’s successor in Simpson.
While Simpson has intriguing traits and is widley ivewed a a strong schematic fit in Sean McVay’s offense, the timing and value of the selection raise valid concerns.
For starters, the Rams selected him with their first-round pick. There was a good chance that Simpson would go later in the draft or possibly even on Day 2. Using their top pick on him at 13, without trading down, is a shock in itself.
In addition, the Rams had far bigger and more pressing needs, particularly at wide receiver and along the offensive line — positions that could have delivered more instant impact for a team still operating in a competitive window with Stafford under center.
Sure, we’ve seen examples of quarterbacks being taken early to be prepped like Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers; however, the Rams are in a win-now window. Unless the Rams hit with their other six picks that are slated for, this pick would be a catastrophe for Los Angeles.
There is a ton wrong with this selection as it does not maximize the Rams' current window and raises questions about Simposon being a sure thing (especially given McVay’s track record for quarterback selections in the draft).
If Simpson hits, no one will care that the Rams took him at 13; however, if it doesn’t, McVay and general manager Les Snead will not hear the end of it.
The pick of Simpson is certainly a head scratcher; nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how the Rams utilize him this upcoming season and for years to come.