The Los Angeles Rams made one of the most surprising selections in the 2026 NFL Draft when they selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick.
Simpson’s range and draftability were shrouded in mystery entering Thursday, with his first-round odds trending upward in the ensuing days, a move upon which the Rams capitalized.
Why Did the Rams Decide to Draft Ty Simpson?
Even more amusing, the Arizona Cardinals, a fellow NFC West member, had been linked to Simpson over the last few weeks, with the connection intensifying with each passing day. Their desire to nab a quarterback of the future will have to fall elsewhere.
No. 13 pick is in: #Rams have selected Alabama QB Ty Simpson, per sources. https://t.co/Tjhn6uwJ28 pic.twitter.com/wAX0u7hbk6
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 24, 2026
While Arizona was a popular speculative location, the Rams were not without their own possible connections to the Alabama quarterback.
Ian Rappaport noted on the NFL Network broadcast prior to the announcement of the selection that when the Simpson family explored advice and guidance for Simpson’s probable entry into the draft, they specifically received feedback from the Rams that he was a first-round-caliber prospect.
It’s easy to question the decision given which prospects were available. There is a reason, however, that the Rams were even linked to Simpson, among other quarterbacks, entering the draft.
The roster is constructed in a manner that supports the hunt for a Super Bowl with an aging quarterback, reigning MVP, Matthew Stafford. And while Stafford hasn’t shown any notable signs of regression, Father Time will always have its day.
Of all the potential Ty Simpson landing spots, the one I just can’t get my head around is the Rams.
No doubt he’s a “scheme fit.” But the whole lesson of flipping Goff for Stafford was what superior traits unlocks for McVay’s offense. Simpson would be a U-turn IMO.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) March 27, 2026
Perhaps the most questionable aspect of the selection is how he fits within Sean McVay’s system, as noted by NFL analyst Ben Solak, in conjunction with Simpson’s lack of experience via 15 career starts. On the other end of the spectrum, it’s evident that a quarterback of the future is an acute need for the Rams.
The opportunity to draft one sans a trade within a draft is a rare occurrence; it is worth noting that the 13th pick was acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft, but didn’t require any additional movement.
Imagine the possible net value for a franchise that acquired a quality starting quarterback in such a fashion, the sidelined 2026 season notwithstanding: it’s bad practice to make a draft pick with a focus on the ensuing season. Particularly in the first round.
Simpson’s PFSN grade of 84.22 was second only to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza amongst quarterbacks in this draft class.
As our analysts note, “Simpson could’ve benefitted from returning to school, but in a scarce QB class, he’s the best positioned to benefit. He resembles Marc Bulger with his talent profile and good-not-great operational skill set, and while he may never elevate a team to Super Bowl contention, a quality starting career is on the table.”
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