Rams repeat Packers’ mistake with Ty Simpson pick

TL;DR

The Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson as the thirteenth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, mirroring a past mistake by the Green Bay Packers. This decision raises concerns about the Rams' strategy to maximize their current roster's potential, particularly with MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford still in play.

Key points

Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson thirteenth overall in 2026 NFL Draft
Decision mirrors Green Bay Packers' past mistake with Aaron Rodgers
Matthew Stafford is the reigning MVP, still capable of leading the team
Rams missed out on other potential contributors in the draft
Future quarterback draft class in 2027 is expected to be stronger

Mentioned in this story

Ty SimpsonMatthew StaffordAaron Rodgers

Los Angeles RamsGreen Bay Packers

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Ty Simpson of Alabama celebrates after being selected thirteenth overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images After spending this offseason going all in, the Los Angeles Rams did the exact opposite by selecting Ty Simpson. The Simpson pick proves general manager Les Snead learned nothing from the Packers, who made a similar mistake selecting a first-round quarterback during a Super Bowl window. Snead seems to have forgotten that the Rams were within striking distance of the NFC crown. Matthew Stafford is the reigning MVP, and instead of selecting a player to push them over the top on a roster built to win now, they chose his replacement. This is exactly what Green Bay did to Aaron Rodgers six years ago after they came off an NFC Championship appearance. History tends to repeat itself because no lives long enough, or in Snead’s case, pays attention long enough to see the pattern. And if he were thinking about long-term security, the timing makes far less sense in hindsight. In all fairness to the Packers, Rodgers wasn’t his typical elite self in the season before the team selected Love. He was learning a new offense under first-year head coach Matt LaFleur, yet still had enough juice left in the tank. Then after selecting the Utah State QB, Rodgers won back-to-back MVPs and fell short of bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown in each of those campaigns. Snead picking Simpson has destined the Rams to meet the fate of those Rodgers-led Packers squads. This is not meant to be a criticism of Simpson. The former Alabama star could prove to be a good fit in Hollywood. However, going with a young signal caller so early when there are more pressing needs to address is sheer stupidity, especially when the team is trying to maximize what’s left of Stafford’s career. Anyone who had the chance to watch last night’s presser with Snead and Sean McVay could tell something was off. Based on body language and his muted response, McVay didn’t seem to care for the pick. Maybe we’re reading too much into things here, but if McVay is indeed upset about the pick, he has every right to be. Again, the Rams were ONE GAME AWAY from the Super Bowl. Did I say that? Guess someone didn’t say it loud enough for Snead to hear. McVay likely wanted another weapon to help push the team over the top and get Stafford back to the big game. Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and USC wideout Makai Lemon went a few picks after Simpson. Lemon went to the Eagles of all teams. THE EAGLES! E-A-G-L-E-S!! Either one of those players could’ve helped L.A., but we’ll never know because Snead opted to play it safe in Round 1. Nothing about Stafford’s play last season indicated that his play was close to falling off a cliff. He won MVP for crying out loud! It’s understandable to plan for the future, particularly given Stafford’s offseason injury concerns, and there’s zero doubt that he’ll be a positive mentor for Simpson, as Rodgers was for Love. Still, it’s a baffling waste of a premium pick for Snead, considering the 2027 quarterback draft class is already shaping up to be significantly stronger. Next year’s class could consist of:

Q&A

Why did the Rams select Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Rams selected Ty Simpson to potentially groom him as a future quarterback, despite already having MVP Matthew Stafford on the roster.

How does Ty Simpson's selection compare to the Packers' past draft decisions?

Simpson's selection is similar to the Packers drafting Jordan Love while Aaron Rodgers was still performing well, indicating a lack of urgency in maximizing their current roster.

What impact could Ty Simpson's pick have on the Rams' chances for the Super Bowl?

Selecting Simpson may hinder the Rams' immediate Super Bowl aspirations by not addressing more pressing roster needs to support Stafford's championship window.

What other players did the Rams miss out on by drafting Ty Simpson?

By drafting Simpson, the Rams missed the opportunity to select impactful players like Kenyon Sadiq and Makai Lemon, who could have contributed to their playoff push.

Rams repeat Packers’ mistake with Ty Simpson pick

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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