Multiple SEC coaches were surprised by Rams' pick of Ty Simpson in Round 1
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson at pick No. 13 in the 2026 NFL Draft, surprising many, including multiple SEC coaches. This choice raises questions about the team's long-term quarterback strategy behind Matthew Stafford.
Key points
- Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson at pick No. 13
- Selection surprised multiple SEC coaches
- Rams aim for long-term quarterback strategy
Multiple SEC coaches were surprised by Rams' pick of Ty Simpson in Round 1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Rams made one of the more stunning selections of the entire 2026 NFL Draft, and in recent draft history, by taking Ty Simpson at pick No. 13 in the NFL Draft.
While adding a long-term quarterback plan behind Matthew Stafford isn't a bad idea at all, the cost at which the Rams addressed such a spot is questionable.
And it's not just the fans and media that were surprised. According to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN, multiple SEC coaches who got the chance to face Simpson in 2025 were surprised that he went as early as he did.
Multiple SEC coaches were surprised by Ty Simpson pick
"I was honestly surprised," one SEC defensive coordinator said. "I was surprised by the team, too."
Not only was this coach surprised that Simpson went in Round 1, but they were also surprised that the Rams were the team to make the move.
It's not a bad idea, in theory, to add someone like Simpson behind Stafford. It's a bit surprising, but there's a way to explain such a pick. But, to make such a selection in Round 1 in a year where the team is going all-in is a strange move.
But that SEC defensive coordinator wasn't the only SEC DC to be surprised by this pick. One DC, who believes Jalen Milroe and Bryce Young were tougher QBs to game-plan for, was also shocked at the Rams' pick.
"For him to go that high, I was a little bit like, 'Wow, OK,'" this SEC DC said. "I don't know how he practices, I don't know his mind. They were saying he was banged up in the back stretch, but he was just OK. Maybe he has those qualities that you can't coach that some of these [NFL team] fell in love with."
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Simpson had a strong first half of the season, but as the injuries began piling up, his play significantly regressed. As the year went on, he got worse.
But, as this SEC coach noted, Simpson being able to hang in there and fight through those injuries and stay in the game is a trait that not every QB has.
The Rams might've seen that, combined with his high upside he showed to begin the year, and believed it was worth taking him at the start of their draft class.
It was a bold move that shocked not just the fans, media, and likely other teams in the NFL, but even the college coaches who game-planned to face Simpson this past year in the SEC.
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Q&A
Why did the Rams select Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Rams aimed to establish a long-term quarterback plan behind Matthew Stafford by selecting Ty Simpson.
What was the reaction of SEC coaches to Ty Simpson's draft selection?
Multiple SEC coaches expressed surprise at Ty Simpson being picked as early as No. 13 in the draft.
How does Ty Simpson's selection impact the Rams' quarterback situation?
Ty Simpson's selection indicates the Rams are planning for the future at quarterback, potentially transitioning from Matthew Stafford.
