Sean McVay's tense press conference after Ty Simpson pick draws eyes

Yahoo Sports2h ago10 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Head coach Sean McVay appeared visibly agitated during the post-draft press conference, raising questions about the selection.

Key points

Rams selected Ty Simpson with the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Sean McVay appeared visibly agitated during the press conference
Analysts expected Simpson to be drafted later than 13th
Les Snead answered most questions during the media availability
McVay seemed reserved during the draft call with Simpson

Los Angeles RamsTy Simpson2026 NFL Draft

Was it an unlucky No. 13 for the Los Angeles Rams?

With the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson on April 23, perhaps the biggest of many first-round surprises. While analysts and draft gurus pegged Simpson to have first round-pick ceiling, Simpson's range was expected to be at the back end of the first half, or perhaps even early Day 2.

While most head coaches would be thrilled to secure their passer of the future, head coach Sean McVay didn't seem thrilled with the selection, if his demeanor and body language during LA's post-draft press conference was any indication.

McVay seemed visibly agitated and was largely short with his responses as general manager Les Snead answered most of the questions during the duo's post-Round 1 media availability.

The coach also seemed a bit reserved on the draft call with the passer.

MORE: How Ty Simpson fits in LA with Matthew Stafford, Rams

Interestingly, when asked if Simpson was a player that the Rams targeted, McVay seemed to skirt the question and opted to reinforce that the keys of the Rams' high-powered offense still belongs to reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, and that Simpson will be locked in a QB competition for the No. 2 spot.

"When you do look at it, I think the thing you like the body of work – let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew's team – you get a chance to be able to address the backup quarterback. We've got Stetson [Bennett]. We've talked about the importance of Jimmy [Garoppolo].

"So to be able to add somebody that you can evaluate a body of work where he was asked to play the position and a lot of things that do translate in terms of concepts, reading with his feet, some of the different things in the drop back in the play action game and the movement game."

The coach also said that there were a number of players the team liked at pick No. 13, but ultimately landed on Simpson given that he was an easier evaluation.

The Rams have persistently been in "win-now mode" under Snead and McVay. Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, the team traded nine of its last 10 first-round picks for veteran players

Why did the Rams draft Ty Simpson?

Q&A

Why was Sean McVay agitated during the press conference after the draft?

Sean McVay seemed visibly agitated during the press conference, suggesting he may not have been fully on board with the Rams' selection of Ty Simpson.

What pick did the Rams use to select Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Rams selected Ty Simpson with the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

What were analysts' expectations for Ty Simpson's draft position?

Analysts expected Ty Simpson to be drafted in the back half of the first round or early Day 2, making his selection at 13 a surprise.

How did general manager Les Snead respond during the post-draft media availability?

General manager Les Snead answered most of the questions during the post-Round 1 media availability, while McVay was largely short with his responses.