Rams given head-scratching NFL Draft grade for shocking Ty Simpson pick

TL;DR

The Los Angeles Rams surprised many by selecting Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft. This unexpected choice has led to a confusing grade from analysts.

Key points

Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick
Decision was unexpected and led to confusion among analysts
Matthew Stafford's age and Jimmy Garoppolo's retirement considerations influenced the pick

Mentioned in this story

Matthew StaffordJimmy Garoppolo

Ty SimpsonLos Angeles Rams

Rams given head-scratching NFL Draft grade for shocking Ty Simpson pick originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Rams really did it.

There was at least a bit of speculation that they may take a QB at some point during the 2026 NFL Draft. Matthew Stafford isn't getting younger, and Jimmy Garoppolo is contemplating retirement.

But at the 13th overall pick?

Their decision to use that spot on Ty Simpson was the shocker of Thursday night's first round.

It also wasn't a highly regarded selection by The Sporting News' senior NFL writer Vinnie Iyer, who gave the pick a 'D' grade.

"The Rams make the biggest early head-scratcher, going for a luxury QB stash pick behind reigning NFL MVP QB Matthew Stafford playing at the highest level of his career in Sean McVay's offense," Iyer writes. "Simpson has a lot of smarts and accuracy but he is a long way away from being a reliable and effective winning starter with his limited college starting experience. Even if Stafford would retire next year, it's a huge reach for a Super Bowl favorite that needed more immediate impact at several other positions."

It might be good that Simpson gets to sit and learn behind Stafford, but the larger point is fair: The Rams have a good team and didn't make it immediately better with this pick.

The Rams' point of view makes some sense, though, too.

This was a bit of a bonus pick that they got from the Atlanta Falcons. They had already traded their own first-rounder, No. 29, to the to get .

Q&A

Why did the Rams choose Ty Simpson in the NFL Draft?

The Rams selected Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick to address their future quarterback needs as Matthew Stafford ages.

What was the reaction to the Rams' pick of Ty Simpson?

Analysts have given the Rams a head-scratching grade for their surprising decision to draft Ty Simpson so early.

How does Ty Simpson fit into the Rams' plans for the future?

Ty Simpson's selection suggests the Rams are planning for a transition at quarterback, especially with Matthew Stafford's uncertain future.