The Los Angeles Rams surprised many by selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson 13th overall in the NFL Draft, focusing on future potential rather than immediate needs. This choice stood out as other teams prioritized current roster needs during the first round.
Key points
Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson 13th overall
Rams focused on future potential over immediate needs
Ty Simpson had minimal prior contact with the Rams
New York Jets had three picks in the first round
Matthew Stafford is the reigning NFL MVP
Mentioned in this story
Pittsburgh
Los Angeles RamsNew York Jets
Itās just like the Los Angeles Rams to go against the grain. While pretty much every other team addressed immediate needs while working the first round of the NFL draft ā including the New York Jets with their three picks ā Les Snead and Sean McVay looked to the future.
They nabbed an understudy for reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford.
There was no private workout with the Rams. He never talked to Snead, the crafty GM, until Thursday night. Ditto for McVay, his new QB whisperer. There was no āTop 30ā visit to Rams headquarters. Throughout the draft process, there was not much contact beyond visiting with scouts back on campus.
āI really had no clue,ā Simpson said during a video conference not long after he bear-hugged Roger Goodell on the stage in Pittsburgh.
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.
See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.
Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Q&A
Why did the Rams select Ty Simpson in the NFL Draft?
The Rams selected Ty Simpson to secure a future understudy for reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, prioritizing long-term potential over immediate needs.
What was unique about Ty Simpson's selection process by the Rams?
Ty Simpson had minimal contact with the Rams before the draft, including no private workouts or formal visits, making his selection a surprise.
Which team had three picks in the first round of the NFL Draft?
The New York Jets had three picks in the first round, focusing on addressing immediate roster needs.
What position does Ty Simpson play?
Ty Simpson is a quarterback, selected 13th overall by the Los Angeles Rams.
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Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Carnell Tate of Ohio State shakes hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell celebrates after being selected fourth overall pick by the Tennessee Titans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Mansoor Delane of LSU hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected sixth overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Sonny Styles of Ohio State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected seventh overall pick by the Washington Commanders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected eighth overall pick by the New Orleans Saints during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.
See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.
Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
1 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.
See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.
Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
2 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
3 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Carnell Tate of Ohio State shakes hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell celebrates after being selected fourth overall pick by the Tennessee Titans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
4 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Mansoor Delane of LSU hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected sixth overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
5 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Sonny Styles of Ohio State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected seventh overall pick by the Washington Commanders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
6 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected eighth overall pick by the New Orleans Saints during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Simpson is pegged to be the Quarterback of the Future. Check back in, say, 2029 to get a fair reading on the worthiness of the pick. Yet knowing the track records of Snead and McVay, the prediction market will lean heavily on the positive side.
And that possibility will be bolstered by the fact that Simpson, the only quarterback drafted on Day 1 besides No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, can go to school behind Stafford, 38, while trying to close the gap of starting just 15 games in college.
"I havenāt talked to Matthew yet but Iām super pumped to be in a room with him and learn from him,ā Simpson said. āHeās one of the greatest of all time. We watched his film all the time when I was at āBama, the stuff the Rams did and Coach McVay. So, the fact I get to be in a room and soak up all the knowledge, I couldnāt ask for a better situation.ā
It was no surprise that four Ohio State players were chosen at the top of the draft. But it was undoubtedly something of a shock that Downs, the superb safety, was the fourth one off the board. He lasted until the 11thĀ pick, which came after Dallas swung a trade with Miami to move up one spot.
This fills a major need, adding impact to Jerry Jonesā pledge to overhaul the NFLās worst defense. And they didnāt stop there in providing new coordinator Christian Parker with a talent upgrade. Malachi Lawrence, the defensive end from Central Florida (23rd overall), may not be another Micah Parsons, but he is sorely needed to juice the pass-rush.
Chiefs, Steve Spagnuolo have major reinforcements on the way
After dealing all-pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams and losing fellow corner Jaylen Watson to L.A. as a free agent, what did the Kansas City Chiefs need to get out of this draft? Cornerbacks.
The tone was set when K.C. swung a trade with Cleveland and jumped up three spots to sixth overall, snagging the top-rated cornerback on the board, LSUās Mansoor Delane. Then, later in the round, Chiefs GM Brett Veach landed Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods with the 29thĀ pick. Woodsā learning curve just accelerated because heāll line up alongside ultra-intense all-pro Chris Jones.
It was a great opener for the Chiefs. D-coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has proven to be adept at quickly grooming young talent to impact his schemes.
And with more ammo for Day 2 and 3, they could be just getting started with that theme. Remember 2022? Thatās when the Chiefs used seven of their 10 picks to restock the defense with a banner crop that included McDuffie, Watson, George Karlaftis, Bryan Cook, Leo Chenal and Joshua Williams ā all of whom made significant contributions to back-to-back Super Bowl championship teams.
Now, four years later, Karlaftis is the only one remaining from that class. Wanted: Reinforcements.
