The LA Rams surprised many by selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, instead of focusing on a receiver or lineman. This move signals a preparation for life after Matthew Stafford.
Key points
LA Rams selected Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick
Decision surprised many analysts and fans
Focus shifted from immediate needs to future planning
Sean McVay discussed importance of evaluating players
Mentioned in this story
Sean McVayMatthew Stafford
Los Angeles RamsNFL Draft 2026Ty Simpson
LA Rams NFL draft grades: How did Rams do in first round?
It was a masterful smokescreen by the Rams brass, who had increasingly been linked to USC wideout Makai Lemon. Earlier in the week, McVay discussed the possibility of drafting a quarterback in the first round with USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon.
"I think the first thing is you got to make sure that you really like the player, regardless of what the position is," McVay said. "You don't ever want to overreach for a need, hypothetically. The quarterback position is really important, as are a lot of ones.
"We could talk for days about that. But number one, it always goes back to who's the person? What's their skill set, and what's the vision we have for them?"
The Rams front office clearly felt good enough about Simpson to draft him, to the point where ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that they called Stafford earlier on Thursday to give him a heads up. But was it the right move? Here's how I grade the Rams after Day 1:
Q&A
Why did the LA Rams draft Ty Simpson instead of a receiver?
The Rams opted for Ty Simpson to prepare for life after Matthew Stafford, prioritizing the quarterback position over immediate needs.
What was the reaction to the Rams' first-round draft pick in 2026?
The selection of Ty Simpson was unexpected, as many anticipated the Rams would choose a receiver or lineman to support Matthew Stafford.
Who is Ty Simpson and what are his credentials?
Ty Simpson is a quarterback from Alabama, drafted by the LA Rams with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What did Sean McVay say about drafting a quarterback in the first round?
Sean McVay emphasized the importance of liking the player regardless of position, indicating that the quarterback position is crucial.
Related Articles
Sports
Los Nuggets vuelven a caer ante los Timberwolves en una mala noche de Jokic
Los Nuggets sufren una nueva derrota ante los Timberwolves, Jokic tuvo una mala noche.
Marca··1 min read
Soccer·Preview
How Southampton plan to end Man City’s treble hopes in FA Cup semi-finals
Can Southampton end Man City's treble hopes in the FA Cup semi-finals?
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
What channel is Braves vs. Phillies on today? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch MLB Friday Night Baseball game
Catch the Braves vs. Phillies game tonight at 7:20 PM ET on Apple TV+!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Soccer
The Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur News and Links for Friday, April 24
Latest Tottenham Hotspur updates: UEFA fine and more!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
2026 MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix – How to watch, session times & more
Catch the 2026 MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix from April 24-26! Find out how to watch and session times.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Soccer
Las claves de la operación Italia-Guardiola
Italia se ilusiona con Guardiola como seleccionador, pero su salario es un obstáculo.
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks, from No. 1 to No. 32
Chicago Bears − S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
26 / 32
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks, from No. 1 to No. 32
Houston Texans (from Bills) − G Keylan Rutledge
27 / 32
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks, from No. 1 to No. 32
Dolphins (from 49ers) − CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
28 / 32
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks, from No. 1 to No. 32
New England Patriots (from Texans via Bills) − OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
29 / 32
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks, from No. 1 to No. 32
Chiefs (from Rams) − DT Peter Woods, Clemson
30 / 32
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks, from No. 1 to No. 32
Jets (from Denver Broncos via Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers) − WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
31 / 32
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks, from No. 1 to No. 32
Titans (from Patriots via Buffalo Bills) − DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
32 / 32
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks, from No. 1 to No. 32
Seattle Seahawks − RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
Rams Day 1 NFL Draft Grades
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama - Grade: C+
Simpson had been linked to the Rams early in the draft cycle this year, but had fallen almost entirely out of the first round in most pundits' minds by the time Day 1 rolled around. The initial shock of the pick is a bit tough to get over, especially considering how much LA could've benefitted by grabbing one of the many quality receivers on the board at No. 13. But once you do, it's hard to find a better fit for Simpson. He'll sit behind Stafford for at least a year, which will give him exactly what he needs after just 15 career starts for the Crimson Tide: time.
He showed flashes in his lone season as the starter at Alabama with his pocket awareness, accuracy, timing, processing and quick release, all things that should translate to the NFL. He did struggle with consistency down the stretch, though; four of his five interceptions in 2025 were thrown in the final six weeks of the season.
Simpson is going to require patience, which McVay might have plenty of as long as Stafford is still around.
