Sports
Monroe Freeling's draft call with Panthers is absolutely amazing
Monroe Freeling's Joyful Draft Call with the Panthers
Yahoo Sports1 min read
NFL
Rams take Ty Simpson at 13 After Les Snead's private first-round promise
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, marking a significant move for the team's future. This decision comes as the Rams seek a successor for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is entering his 17th season.
Key points
- Rams selected Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick
- Ty Simpson is a quarterback from Alabama
- Matthew Stafford is entering his 17th NFL season
- Rams aim to find a successor for Stafford
- Les Snead has rarely used first-round picks in recent years
Mentioned in this story
Pittsburgh
Los Angeles RamsTy SimpsonMatthew Stafford2026 NFL Draft
Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl on January 1, 2026 in Pasadena, California.
(Ric Tapia - The Sporting Tribune)
The Los Angeles Rams have selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The entire event took place Thursday night during the draft event held in Pittsburgh. The biggest result of this selection is that the Rams have found their future heir for 38-year-old Matthew Stafford.
Stafford is now entering the 17th season of his career and has not yet committed to playing beyond 2026. Rams General Manager Les Snead has used a first-round pick only twice in the last ten years, making this decision even more significant.
Ty Simpson’s draft came as a surprise
Simpson was not considered first-round talent by many draft boards, which is why Ian Rapoport, national insider for NFL Network, tweeted:
"A major draft surprise: The #Rams select #Bama QB Ty Simpson at No. 13, a few months after GM Les Snead told the family he thought Simpson was a first-rounder. Now, he is. A perfect situation to watch and learn."
After this pick, the chances of two-time Super Bowl champion Jimmy Garoppolo's retirement have increased, and Simpson will have the opportunity to sit behind Stafford and learn for at least one year.
Q&A
Why did the Rams select Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Rams selected Ty Simpson to secure a future successor for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is nearing the end of his career.
What does Ty Simpson's selection mean for Matthew Stafford's future?
Ty Simpson's selection indicates that the Rams are planning for life after Stafford, who has not committed to playing beyond the 2026 season.
How significant is the Rams' use of a first-round pick in the draft?
The Rams' decision to use a first-round pick is significant as General Manager Les Snead has only done so twice in the last ten years, highlighting the importance of this choice.
