Nick Saban lauds Ty Simpson to Rams in NFL draft: 'Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.'

Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban gave quarterback Ty Simpson a glowing review after Simpson was selected No. 13 overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 23.

Simpson, a first-year starter at Alabama in 2025, was recruited by Saban. Simpson waited in the wings behind Jalen Milroe and Bryce Young before taking over as the Crimson Tide's signal-caller under second-year coach Kalen DeBoer, Saban's replacement.

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"This is the kind of player, the kind of person that you want in your organization," Saban said on ABC's NFL draft broadcast. "He's a good leader, he's a hard worker, he's got great ability, he's got a quick, smooth release. He's got a strong arm, he's accurate, he can throw the ball in short windows. I really like Ty. I think that the fact he only played 13 games - his best football is ahead of him.

"And he's getting in the best situation he can be in, going to an organization that has a veteran quarterback and he will not have to play immediately and have a chance to develop. It's perfect. Perfect. Perfect."

Simpson lands in a great situation, where he'll sit behind reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. He'll also learn from coach Sean McVay, one of the brightest offensive minds in football.