The Los Angeles Rams made one of the more polarizing picks of the 2026 NFL Draft when they selected Ty Simpson at No. 13 overall. In a class without many clear-cut first-round quarterbacks, the Rams took a swing on traits, projection, and long-term development. The reaction from PFSN’s “Football Debate Club” was harsh, handing Los Angeles a D- grade and labeling the move a major reach.
Simpson’s production at Alabama shows why he was in the conversation. He threw for 3,268 yards with 26 touchdowns and just five interceptions, flashing control and efficiency in key stretches. He also earned a B grade and ranked No. 25 overall in PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Metrics. But for many evaluators, the gap between solid production and first-round value was too wide to ignore.
Rams Reach for Ty Simpson Despite Major Red Flags
Once the pick came in, the biggest pushback centered on whether Simpson should have even been in this range. That’s where the D- grade really took shape.
“He’s only a one year starter, so it is a small sample size, but I don’t see an elite physical skill set,” said Ian Cummings.
That concern kept coming up throughout the evaluation. While Simpson showed growth during his lone year as a starter, the lack of elite traits raised questions about his ceiling. He has solid mechanics and can operate within structure, but the flashes did not consistently translate into high-end play.
“Not quite the prototypical frame, not quite the prototypical elite arm strength or athleticism,” Cummings added.
The critique goes beyond physical tools. There are also concerns about how Simpson handles pressure and processes the game snap to snap. At times, his mechanics and decision-making can speed up, hurting his accuracy.
“Sometimes he gets a little frantic and will miss reads,” Cummings said.
That inconsistency showed up on tape, even in games where Simpson put up strong numbers. It is part of why some evaluators believed he would have benefited from another year in college before making the jump.
“So he wasn’t a first round prospect,” Cummings said.
For a Rams team with Matthew Stafford still under contract, the expectation from some was that Los Angeles could have waited or addressed another position before circling back to quarterback in a stronger class.
Rams Bet on Simpson Development Behind Matthew Stafford
Not everyone was completely out on the pick. There is a path for Simpson to develop into a steady starter, especially given the situation he is walking into.
“I like this landing spot a lot for Simpson,” said Jacob Infante.
With Stafford in place, Simpson will not be rushed onto the field. That gives him time to clean up some of the inconsistencies in his game while learning under a veteran quarterback and an offensive coach known for maximizing talent.
“I mean, this is a really good opportunity for Simpson for the Rams,” Infante said.
Even with the fit context, the value at No. 13 is steep. The concerns about sample size and overall upside did not disappear just because of the landing spot.
“This has been too high for me,” Infante said.
The concern is what Simpson ultimately becomes. He has shown the ability to read the field and deliver accurate throws when in rhythm, but his physical profile does not suggest a high-end ceiling.
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“Average size average arm strength. Average athleticism,” Infante said.
That combination makes him more of a developmental, high-floor option than a player teams typically target this early. The Rams took a significant gamble that the environment, coaching, and time behind Stafford can unlock more.
