Multiple SEC coaches were surprised Ty Simpson went as early as he did

TL;DR

Ty Simpson was unexpectedly drafted 13th overall by the Rams, surprising many SEC coaches who viewed him as a fringe first-round prospect. His selection raised questions about team fit and expectations compared to previous Alabama quarterbacks.

Key points

Ty Simpson was drafted 13th overall by the Rams.
Many SEC coaches were surprised by his early selection.
Simpson was viewed as a fringe first-round prospect.
Coaches noted he was easier to prepare for than Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe.

Ty SimpsonLos Angeles RamsNew York JetsArizona Cardinals

For most of the pre-draft process, Ty Simpson was viewed as a fringe first-round prospect. There was a chance he could go Round 1, but finding a fit for the Alabama quarterback was difficult with the Rams, Jets and Cardinals all drafting in the first 16 picks.

The Rams had no problem taking him at No. 13 overall, which was much earlier than most people expected him to go. Coaches around the SEC were surprised Simpson went that high, with one telling Adam Rittenberg of ESPN that he was easier to prepare for than his two predecessors, Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe.

One SEC defensive coordinator said he “honestly was surprised” by both the spot he was drafted and “by the team, too.”

Another SEC defensive coordinator said Simpson was “just OK.”

"For him to go that high, I was a little bit like, 'Wow, OK,'" the coach 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 teams] fell in love with."

Other SEC coaches acknowledged that Simpson's profile has some clear concerns -- "He's not ready to go be a starter in the NFL right now, he's got work to do," one SEC coordinator said -- but noted that he performed well for much of last season, even with an offense that had limitations with its run game. Another SEC coordinator said he expected Simpson to go late in the first round, but interest from the sparked the Rams to select him earlier.

Q&A

Why were SEC coaches surprised by Ty Simpson's draft position?

SEC coaches were surprised because they viewed Simpson as a fringe first-round prospect, making his selection at No. 13 much earlier than anticipated.

Which teams were expected to draft Ty Simpson before the Rams selected him?

The Rams, Jets, and Cardinals were among the teams expected to draft early, but Simpson's fit with them was considered difficult.

How did Ty Simpson compare to previous Alabama quarterbacks in the eyes of SEC coaches?

Some SEC coaches found Simpson easier to prepare for than his predecessors, Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe, although opinions on his overall talent varied.