Rams take QB Ty Simpson with 13th pick, with an eye on life after Matthew Stafford

Ty Simpson was a hot name heading into the NFL Draft, mostly because nobody knew what to make of him or where he’d go in the draft.

The Los Angeles Rams obviously liked him, bypassing players who could have helped them in their Super Bowl quest now to take their eventual replacement for Matthew Stafford.

It was hard to pinpoint Simpson’s landing spot but the Rams ended the speculation early, taking Simpson with the 13th pick. It’s a good situation for Simpson, who can sit and learn behind reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford. It will be a polarizing pick because there were plenty of players on the board, like USC receiver Makai Lemon or some of the draft’s top offensive linemen, who could have helped a team that is a favorite to win the Super Bowl next season. Stafford is 38 and has considered retirement in recent years, which caused the Rams to think ahead at the position. They did have the 13th pick due to a trade last year with the Atlanta Falcons, so they could have seen that pick as a bonus. They used it on a player who they hope doesn’t play any meaningful snaps this season, but could provide an answer for the most important position down the road.

Simpson was widely considered to be the second-best quarterback in this draft class and had his supporters, but also those who thought he was due to be overdrafted because there wasn’t another viable QB2 option in a weak class behind Fernando Mendoza. It was tough to get a read on which team would take him, and how high.

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Most of the concern with Simpson had to do with his experience. He had just 50 career attempts in his first three seasons for a loaded Alabama program before getting his shot to start last season. He started 15 games, throwing for 3,576 yards, 28 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.