The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night added another headline‑grabbing surprise: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Going into draft week, analysts were split on Simpson's projected slot. Some pegged him as a late first‑round talent, while others doubted he would even crack the first round at all. In the end, the consensus proved wrong—Los Angeles Rams reached for Simpson with the 13th overall pick, sparking a flurry of discussion across the league.
The reaction was immediate and polarized. Even Rams head coach Sean McVay, usually upbeat and animated, appeared unusually subdued after the pick. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment on the "Inside the Huddle" podcast, saying, "I can’t repeat the exact words from the broadcast, but basically, are you kidding me?
I think Sean McVay was genuinely surprised by the decision to take Ty Simpson right there. It knocked me for a loop, honestly. The rest of the draft I spent trying to make sense of it. I was thinking about Matthew Stafford—two more years left, a clear transition plan, and then suddenly there’s this rookie quarterback entering the mix." Reinebold went on to break down the Rams' rationale.
He noted that the team had six games of solid film on Simpson and nine that were less impressive, but the overall package still fit the organization’s needs. "I looked at Makai Lemon and thought, ‘That’s a perfect fit.’ You have a receiver in rehab—Puka Nacua—so any additional talent at the position is valuable.
Then there’s Davante Adams, who is nearing the end of his career. The Rams saw Simpson checking enough boxes to justify a long‑term commitment." Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by veteran Matthew Stafford, a 38‑year‑old who just came off an MVP‑caliber season that left him one win shy of the Super Bowl. Simpson’s college résumé is modest by elite standards: after backing up Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he started only one full season, completing 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions over 15 games.
The season unfolded in two distinct halves—early success followed by a late‑season slump in which he threw seven touchdowns against four interceptions, raising questions about his draft stock. Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language, noting that McVay, typically a gregarious and optimistic figure, was the only coach to step up to the podium and address the Simpson pick directly.
"He’s a big believer in body language," Reinebold said. "Seeing Sean McVay’s subdued demeanor told everyone that this was an unexpected move." The Rams still have other quarterback options.
Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, selected out of Georgia in 2023, remains on the roster, while veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly weighing retirement. Reinebold drew a comparison between Bennett and Simpson: "Both are quarterbacks who didn’t see extensive playing time in college. They’re accurate, have solid mechanics, but they aren’t going to wow you with cannon‑arm strength or extraordinary physical traits. If you’re going to take one, you’re looking for a different kind of asset." The night also featured drama on the wide‑receiver side.
USC’s Makai Lemon, who had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and seemed destined for the 21st pick, was snatched by the Philadelphia Eagles when General Manager Howie Roseman traded up to the 20th slot. Reinebold praised Roseman’s maneuver: "I don’t want to call it genius because that’s a strong word, but the move was incredible. It showed the Eagles were willing to act quickly to secure a player they believed could be a game‑changer." The pick came amid swirling rumors that the Eagles might trade star receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1.
Reinebold speculated, "If that trade happens, the Eagles will have a younger, cheaper, faster receiver with a great attitude—someone who wants to be there and can become a hero for the team, elevating Jalen Hurts in the process." Analysts had previously likened Lemon to Detroit Lions wideout Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and now he will join a Philadelphia offense that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Reynolds, a Philadelphia beat writer, described Lemon’s draft day demeanor: "He came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right then and there.
He looked tough, competitive, and he even joked that Eagles fans are getting a ‘dog.’ That gritty, hard‑nosed vibe is exactly what Philadelphia fans love." Beyond the headline picks, the Rams’ decision reflects a broader trend in the league: teams are increasingly comfortable selecting quarterbacks with limited starting experience, banking on their developmental upside and fit within a particular offensive scheme. By pairing Simpson with a seasoned veteran like Stafford, Los Angeles hopes to accelerate his learning curve while preserving the veteran’s remaining contract years.
The draft’s second day wrapped up on Friday night, with Sky Sports broadcasting live coverage across its Main Event, Action and Mix channels. The event will conclude on Saturday with the final round, offering fans more surprises and strategic moves as teams fine‑tune their rosters for the upcoming season.