6 things to know about Rams 1st-round QB Ty Simpson

TL;DR

The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson 13th overall in the first round of the draft. This unexpected pick aims to secure the team's future as Matthew Stafford approaches retirement.

Key points

Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson 13th overall in the draft
Simpson was the No. 3 QB in the 2022 recruiting class
He started for one season at Alabama
Rams aim for Simpson's early-season performance, not late-season struggles
Matthew Stafford is nearing the end of his NFL career

Ty SimpsonMatthew StaffordAlabamaLos Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams added to their quarterback room on Thursday night in the first round of the draft, selecting Alabama's Ty Simpson 13th overall. It was an unexpected pick for many, but one the Rams are confident in – especially with Matthew Stafford nearing the end of his NFL career.

Simpson only started for one season at Alabama and it was a tale of two halves, but the Rams are hoping they get the guy from the first eight games instead of the last seven.

Here are six things to know about Simpson.

He was the No. 3 QB in the 2022 recruiting class

Coming out of high school, Simpson was a well-regarded recruit. He was the third-ranked quarterback in the class, behind only Cade Klubnik and Conner Weigman. He committed to Alabama and stayed there all four years, despite having to wait his turn behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe.

He didn't do any athletic testing at the combine or his pro day

Simpson opted not to do any athletic testing at the combine or his pro day. He didn't run a 40, nor did he do the vertical or broad jumps. Nothing. Instead, he just did the usual weigh-in procedures, coming in at 6-foot-1 and 211 pounds at the combine with 9 3/8-inch hands and a 76.5-inch wingspan.

The Rams certainly have athleticism numbers on him from their GPS data and whatnot, but we don't know how fast or truly athletic he is because he didn't run the 40 – not that a quarterback is running 40 yards very often, if ever.

Q&A

Why did the Rams select Ty Simpson in the first round of the draft?

The Rams selected Ty Simpson to strengthen their quarterback position as they prepare for life after Matthew Stafford, who is nearing the end of his career.

What was Ty Simpson's performance like at Alabama?

Ty Simpson started for one season at Alabama, showing a mix of strong performances in the first half and struggles in the latter part of the season.

What ranking did Ty Simpson achieve in the 2022 recruiting class?

Ty Simpson was ranked as the No. 3 quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class.

How does Ty Simpson's selection impact the Rams' future?

Ty Simpson's selection is seen as a strategic move to ensure the Rams have a promising quarterback option as they transition away from Matthew Stafford.