Rams decision to draft Ty Simpson makes sense. Here's why | Opinion

Yahoo Sports1h ago12 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, balancing immediate roster needs with future potential. This decision surprised many, as other positions like wide receiver and offensive line were also available.

Key points

Rams selected Ty Simpson No. 13 overall in 2026 NFL Draft
Decision balances current roster needs and future development
Other available players included Makai Lemon and Olaivavega Ioane
Ty Simpson is a quarterback from Alabama

Makai LemonOlaivavega IoaneBlake MillerLos Angeles Rams

Rams decision to draft Ty Simpson makes sense. Here's why | Opinion

There’s a balance between strengthening a Super Bowl-caliber roster and building toward the future. The Los Angeles Rams performed the tightrope walk between the two during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Rams delivered the first stunner of this year’s draft when they selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson No. 13 overall. They could’ve drafted a third wide receiver to work behind stars Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Wide receiver and local USC product Makai Lemon was available. Plus, athletic tight end Kenyon Sadiq was still on the board.

The Rams could’ve chosen to beef up their offensive line. Guard Olaivavega Ioane was selected one pick later by the Baltimore Ravens at No. 14. Tackle Blake Miller went 17th to the Detroit Lions.

Instead, the Rams chose to draft Matthew Stafford’s heir apparent in Simpson.

The Rams’ decision to draft Simpson rocked Round 1 of the draft like a 4.0 magnitude Southern California earthquake. Stafford is a Super Bowl champion, the reigning MVP and had the Rams a win away from Super Bowl 60.

But peel back the layers and one can decipher the why.

Rams QB succession plan

Stafford’s flirted with retirement as recently as this offseason, and the 38-year-old’s contract only runs through the 2026 season. The Rams and Stafford are negotiating an extension, but for now they are on a year-to-year basis.

“We've been like that,” Rams coach Sean McVay said to USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday when asked if Stafford is playing on year-to-year basis. “You'll probably see us put another year in there as kind of a placeholder, like we've done each of the last couple years. But he's earned the right to be able to be on a year-to-year basis, and that's something that we're comfortable with out of respect for him. And hopefully he continues to say, every year, ‘I'm ready to go again.’”