Ty Simpson has been drafted by the Los Angeles Rams with the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Alabama quarterback was considered the second-best in his class despite fluctuating draft projections.
Key points
Ty Simpson drafted by Los Angeles Rams
Selected with the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Considered second-best quarterback in the class
Draft stock fluctuated during the season
Ranked No. 33 overall on Ayrton Ostly's big board
Mentioned in this story
Ty Simpson
Los Angeles Rams2026 NFL DraftNFLAlabama Crimson Tide
Ty Simpson drafted by Rams: How QB fits in with Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles
The Alabama quarterback has been selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It takes the former Crimson Tide star off the board after what was one of the more interesting draft stocks to watch this year.
Considered to be the second-best quarterback in the class, Simpson was never projected to be a top-five selection and some had him slipping out of the first round entirely. Ranked at No. 33 overall on Ayrton Ostly's big board, Simpson saw his draft stock take a hit down the stretch for Alabama in 2025.
Still, Simpson didn't have to wait long to hear his name called in the draft's first round. Los Angeles is betting on the 23-year-old to show that his early-season results in 2025 are what should be expected going forward.
Provided the fit is right and Simpson stays healthy, perhaps the club might've found its quarterback of the future.
Here's a look at where Simpson figures to slot in on the depth chart and how he fits with the Rams:
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.
Q&A
What pick was Ty Simpson drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Ty Simpson was drafted with the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
How does Ty Simpson fit with Matthew Stafford on the Rams?
Ty Simpson is expected to complement Matthew Stafford as he develops under the veteran quarterback's guidance.
Why was Ty Simpson's draft stock considered interesting?
Ty Simpson's draft stock fluctuated throughout the season, with some projections suggesting he might slip out of the first round.
Where was Ty Simpson ranked among quarterbacks in the 2026 draft class?
Ty Simpson was ranked as the second-best quarterback in the 2026 draft class.
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See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.
Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Carnell Tate of Ohio State shakes hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell celebrates after being selected fourth overall pick by the Tennessee Titans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Mansoor Delane of LSU hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected sixth overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Sonny Styles of Ohio State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected seventh overall pick by the Washington Commanders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected eighth overall pick by the New Orleans Saints during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.
See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.
Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
1 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.
See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.
Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
2 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
3 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Carnell Tate of Ohio State shakes hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell celebrates after being selected fourth overall pick by the Tennessee Titans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
4 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Mansoor Delane of LSU hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected sixth overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
5 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Sonny Styles of Ohio State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected seventh overall pick by the Washington Commanders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
6 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected eighth overall pick by the New Orleans Saints during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Rams QB depth chart
Simpson will slot in behind Matthew Stafford, the 2025 NFL MVP, for his first NFL season. Below is a look at Los Angeles' quarterback depth chart, which is currently three-deep.
Stafford is coming off the best season of his NFL career. That said, it isn't clear exactly how much longer he will play. He turned 38 during the offseason and has been the subject of retirement rumors in the past.
As such, it made sense for the Rams to invest in a quarterback of the future. Simpson will fit the bill perfectly. He showed the accuracy, ball placement skills and pocket mobility needed to eventually become a quality NFL starter, but he enters the league as an inexperienced product as a one-year college starter.
Simpson will be able to spend his rookie season learning behind Stafford. He can get acclimated to Sean McVay's offense and be groomed to eventually replace Stafford in either 2027 or 2028, depending on how much longer the veteran signal-caller wants to continue playing.
The Rams also entered the 2026 NFL Draft in need of a backup quarterback, with Jimmy Garoppolo remaining unsigned and contemplating retirement. Simpson will be an ideal developmental candidate for that role and should be able to win it over Bennett with ease.
