Les Snead helped convince Ty Simpson to enter the draft

TL;DR

Les Snead reportedly convinced Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson to enter the NFL draft, suggesting he could be a first-round pick. This has intensified speculation about the Rams' interest in Simpson as a potential successor to Matthew Stafford.

Key points

Les Snead convinced Ty Simpson to enter the NFL draft
Simpson is viewed as a potential first-round pick
Rams may draft Simpson as a successor to Matthew Stafford
Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets are also interested
Simpson has only started 15 games in college

Mentioned in this story

Ty SimpsonLos Angeles RamsArizona CardinalsNew York JetsLes SneadMatthew Stafford

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Rumors that the Los Angeles Rams are interested in Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson got even hotter on Thursday after Ian Rapoport’s report that one of the people who convinced him to enter the draft was Les Snead. According to Rapoport, Snead told Simpson’s father that Simpson was good enough to be a first round pick and that’s one of the reasons he decided to forego another year in college and test the draft instead despite only starting 15 games. The number one criticism of Simpson’s resume is that he is not experienced enough, but that’s not the message Simpson’s family received from Snead. Does that mean that the Rams are interested in drafting Simpson in the first round or is it merely a small wrinkle in the story that is getting overblown because L.A. is rumored to be interested in the quarterback as a successor to Matthew Stafford? Rapoport still believes that the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Jets are the two teams most likely to draft Simpson, either at the top of the second round or after trading up into the back of the first round. If the Rams want Simpson, it would mean that they either draft him at 13 or trade back first. But how far back is too far back? There’s still a good chance Simpson doesn’t get drafted on Thursday night at all. Many, if not most, draft rumors have borne no fruit. This one, however, is too specific-and from too good of a reporter-to not be true. Snead told Simpson he was a first round pick. Will that hold true?

Q&A

Why did Ty Simpson decide to enter the NFL draft?

Ty Simpson decided to enter the NFL draft after Les Snead informed his father that he was good enough to be a first-round pick.

Which teams are likely to draft Ty Simpson?

The Arizona Cardinals and the New York Jets are considered the most likely teams to draft Ty Simpson, potentially in the second round or after trading up.

What is the Los Angeles Rams' interest in Ty Simpson?

The Los Angeles Rams are rumored to be interested in Ty Simpson as a successor to Matthew Stafford, but it's unclear if they will draft him at 13 or trade back.