The Los Angeles Rams shocked the NFL world by spending their No. 13 overall pick on a backup quarterback. In a draft that didn’t have an overly hyped up QB2, the Rams spent a high first-rounder on getting Alabama QB Ty Simpson to be NFL MVP Matthew Stafford’s understudy. The NFL world took note of Rams HC Sean McVay’s body language during the post-first-round press conference. He didn’t seem overly thrilled with his new addition.
NFL World Reacts to Sean McVay’s Reaction to Selecting Ty Simpson
The Rams made a bold move, perhaps the boldest pick of the night. Los Angeles is beginning to plan for a future without Stafford.
While the projected pick was someone like Makai Lemon, the Rams did what they usually do and built their roster their way, even if it’s not conventional.
Simpson is a potential future quarterback solution, but McVay’s body language in the press conference isn’t encouraging for Simpson.
“Sean McVay did not want Ty Simpson. Oh my goodness. Please watch that Rams presser,” said former Charger Breiden Fehoko.
NFL social media personality Stuckey shared Fehoko’s feelings about McVay’s body language.
“Had to sneak away to catch this Rams presser. McVay didn’t seem overly pleased with the pick,” said Stuckey.
McVay’s body language isn’t a good look for Simpson’s outlook in the immediate future.
The NFL world looked back at older press conferences between McVay and GM Les Snead after their past drafts. When they didn’t have any picks in the early stages in years past, they were giggling about the Patriots picking Cole Strange or bringing the energy.
LA Times reporter Gary Klein pointed out that this vibe was absent from this presser about selecting Simpson, especially from McVay.
“FWIW, of all the draft pressers with Snead and McVay, whether it involved a first-round pick or a second-round pick, this one lacked their trademark ebullience and sense of humor,” said Klein.
It was a much more monotone and serious scene at this year’s presser. Because of McVay’s energetic personality and past experiences at the podium, his body language stuck out.
“I just watched the entire Rams presser, and I can’t say Sean McVay was showing a ton of excitement about the Ty Simpson selection. Said he will compete with Stetson Bennett for the QB2 job. Not a bunch of smiles. Les Snead was way more fired up,” said NFL draft analyst Hayden Winks.
Simpson is going to compete with Stetson Bennett for the QB2 spot. This isn’t a common situation for a No. 13 pick. Competing for a backup job is unique as a first-round QB, but it’s the new reality for Simpson.
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With Stafford’s time running out, Simpson can learn from him and do his best to show why he should be the successor. He finished the 2025 season ranked No. 25 overall with an impact score of 85.4 on PFSN’s College Football Quarterback Impact metrics.
Yet, this justifies picking a more immediate need to maximize the Rams’ chances of winning a Super Bowl. Because of McVay’s body language, there is a chance, potentially a high chance, that he was hoping for a player who could impact the team from the first day of training camp.
