The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most astonishing surprise of the evening: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Going into draft week, analysts were split on Simpson's projected slot.
Some believed he merited a late first‑round pick, while others doubted he would even break into the first round at all. In the end, the consensus proved wrong when the Los Angeles Rams reached for him with the 13th overall selection. The pick ignited a flurry of debate among fans and pundits, and even prompted a noticeably subdued reaction from Rams head coach Sean McVay, who is usually far more animated.
It seemed as if the veteran coach was taken aback by the decision. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment perfectly during his "Inside the Huddle" podcast, saying, "I can't use the exact words from the podcast, but basically, are you kidding me? I think Sean McVay was genuinely surprised that they took Ty Simpson right here." Reinebold went on to explain how the pick threw him for a loop.
"I spent the rest of the draft trying to make sense of it. I thought, okay, we have Matthew Stafford for the next two years, and then we’ll have a transition plan.
There are six games of solid film on Simpson and nine games that are less impressive. I looked at Makai Lemon and thought, 'that's a perfect fit.' You have a receiver in rehab—Puka Nacua—so you can never have too many reliable pass‑catchers, and you also have a veteran like Davante Adams nearing the end of his career.
Yet the Rams saw something in Simpson that checked enough boxes for them to commit long‑term." Simpson now joins a quarterback room led by 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, 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 traditional standards.
After sitting behind 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 across 15 games. That season was a tale of two halves: early on he displayed poise and accuracy, but he stumbled in the latter part, throwing seven touchdowns to four interceptions and raising questions about his draft stock. Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language in evaluating players, noting that McVay, usually a very positive and gregarious figure, was unusually restrained when speaking about Simpson.
"He's not the kind of coach who steps up to the podium and praises a pick he’s unsure about," Reinebold said. 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 compared Bennett to Simpson, pointing out that both quarterbacks had limited playing time in college but possess accurate throws and sound mechanics, even if they lack elite arm strength or standout physical traits.
"If you’re going to take one, you might want to pick the one who offers something different," he added. The night also featured drama on the wide‑receiver side.
USC’s Makai Lemon was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot after a last‑minute trade up by General Manager Howie Roseman. Lemon had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were expected to select him at No.
21, but Roseman’s maneuver snatched him away. This move came amid swirling rumors that the Eagles might trade star receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1. Reinebold praised Roseman's boldness, saying, "I don’t want to call him a genius—that’s too strong—but he’s incredible.
He grabbed a younger, cheaper, faster player with a great attitude, and that guy will be a hero in Philadelphia, making Jalen Hurts even better." Analysts had previously likened Lemon to Detroit Lions receiver Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and now he will join an Eagles offense that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts—an attack that faced heavy criticism last season.
Eagles analyst Reynolds described Lemon’s draft moment: "He came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right then and there. He looked tough, competitive, and he said these Eagles fans are getting a dog. He’s the kind of gritty player the Philadelphia fanbase will love." Beyond the individual picks, the Rams’ decision to draft Simpson reflects a broader strategic shift. In recent years, teams have increasingly valued quarterbacks who can manage games, demonstrate quick decision‑making, and fit seamlessly into complex offensive schemes, even if they lack prototypical size or arm strength.
Simpson’s reputation as a cerebral player who processes defenses quickly aligns with Sean McVay’s innovative, read‑option‑heavy system. Moreover, the Rams’ recent roster moves—adding a versatile receiver in Lemon, retaining a veteran like Stafford, and keeping a developmental quarterback like Bennett—suggest a multi‑year plan that balances immediate competitiveness with future growth. For fans wanting to follow the unfolding story, Sky Sports will broadcast day two of the NFL Draft from midnight on Friday across its Main Event, Action, and Mix channels, with the final day concluding on Saturday at 5 p.m. on Sky Sports Action.
The draft continues to be a spectacle of surprise, strategy, and speculation, and the Rams’ bold move for Ty Simpson will be dissected for weeks to come as analysts assess whether the pick will pay off in the high‑stakes world of professional football.