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NFL
Rams make NFL history with aggressive Ty Simpson draft pick
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Rams made NFL history by drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round after Matthew Stafford's MVP season. This marks the first time a team has selected a quarterback in the first round the year after their starter won MVP.
Key points
- Rams drafted Ty Simpson in the first round
- Matthew Stafford won MVP before the draft
- First team to draft a QB after MVP season
- Previous highest draft position was 74th overall
- Concerns about Stafford's age and retirement rumors
Los Angeles RamsNew England Patriots
The Los Angeles Rams' bold move to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson didn't just shock the NFL world, it was also a first in league history.
L.A. became the first team to draft a quarterback in the first round the year after their starter (Matthew Stafford) won MVP and returned to the team (h/t @elmambablanco on X).
Before this, the highest a team had ever drafted a quarterback after an MVP campaign was in 2011, when the New England Patriots selected Ryan Mallett at No. 74 overall following Tom Brady’s 2010 MVP win. The Patriots actually did it two years early, too, when they also selected Kevin O'Connell at No. 94 in 2008 after Brady’s first MVP season.
While the Rams' drafting a quarterback wasn't entirely unexpected, given Stafford’s age and recurring retirement rumors, the price tag was. Spending the No. 13 overall pick is a massive investment, especially considering Stafford has no immediate plans to step aside.
The closest we came to this situation was in 2020, when the Green Bay Packers took Jordan Love with the No. 26 overall pick. However, that was six years after Aaron Rodgers won his second MVP. And, funny enough, Rodgers went on to win two consecutive MVPs in the season immediately following the Love pick. The Ravens took a quarterback in each of two drafts following 's MVP season, but both were late Day 3 picks.
Q&A
Why did the Rams draft Ty Simpson after Matthew Stafford's MVP season?
The Rams drafted Ty Simpson due to concerns about Stafford's age and retirement rumors, despite Stafford's current plans to continue playing.
What is the significance of the Rams drafting a quarterback in the first round?
The Rams' decision is historic as it marks the first time an NFL team has drafted a quarterback in the first round the year after their starter won MVP.
How does Ty Simpson's draft position compare to past quarterbacks drafted after MVP seasons?
Prior to Simpson, the highest a quarterback was drafted after an MVP season was 74th overall, when the Patriots selected Ryan Mallett in 2011.