The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few unexpected moments, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most startling one of the entire event: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Going into the draft, analysts were split on Simpson's potential.
Some believed he deserved a late first‑round slot, while others doubted he would even make it past the second round. In the end, the Los Angeles Rams defied most projections by taking him with the 13th overall pick, sparking a flurry of debate among fans, pundits, and even the Rams' own coaching staff. The reaction from Rams head coach Sean McVay was noticeably subdued, a departure from his usual animated demeanor. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment on the "Inside the Huddle" podcast, saying, "I can't use the exact words from the podcast, but basically, are you kidding me?" He suggested that McVay might have been genuinely surprised by the Rams' decision to pull the trigger on Simpson at that spot.
Reinebold went on to explain his own thought process during the draft. He had been visualizing a different timeline for the Rams' quarterback situation: "I was thinking about Matthew Stafford, two more years, and then a transition plan would be in place.
There are six games of solid film 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—plus the veteran presence of Davante Adams at the end of his career. Yet the Rams saw something in Simpson that checked enough boxes for a long‑term commitment." Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, who is coming off an MVP‑caliber season that nearly propelled his team to the Super Bowl. Simpson's own college résumé is modest but respectable.
After serving as a backup to Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he earned the starting role for a single season. In that year he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns against five interceptions across 15 starts. The season was a tale of two halves: early success gave way to a late‑season slump where he threw seven touchdowns and four interceptions, raising questions about his draft stock.
Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language in evaluating players, noting that McVay’s typically upbeat disposition was absent when he addressed Simpson’s selection. "Sean McVay is usually very gregarious and positive, and that wasn’t the vibe we got when he spoke about Ty Simpson," Reinebold observed. The Rams still have other quarterback options on the roster. Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, selected out of Georgia in 2023, remains in the mix, while veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly contemplating retirement.
Reinebold drew a comparison between Bennett and Simpson, stating, "Both are quarterbacks who didn’t see a lot of playing time in college. They’re accurate, have good mechanics, but they aren’t going to wow you with raw arm strength or athleticism. If you’re going to take one, you have to consider the differences." The drama of the night extended beyond the quarterback selections. USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and seemed poised to fall to the 21st pick, was snatched up by the Philadelphia Eagles at 20th overall after General Manager Howie Roseman traded up.
Reinebold praised Roseman's maneuver, calling it "incredible" and noting that Lemon’s arrival could provide a fresh, youthful, and cost‑effective weapon for the Eagles' offense, which has faced criticism in recent seasons. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions star Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and his presence will now complement a talented group that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Eagles analyst Reynolds remarked, "He came in looking like he wanted to start playing a game right there and then.
He looked tough, competitive, and his attitude resonates with the fans. He's the kind of gritty player Philadelphia supporters love." The Rams' decision to draft Simpson reflects a broader trend in the league: teams are increasingly willing to gamble on players with limited starting experience but high upside in terms of scheme fit and developmental potential.
By pairing Simpson with a veteran like Stafford, Los Angeles appears to be crafting a mentorship pipeline that could allow the young quarterback to learn the nuances of NFL play while still preserving immediate competitiveness. Simpson's journey from backup to first‑round pick underscores the unpredictable nature of the draft process.
While his college numbers may not have dazzled, his poise, accuracy, and fit within the Rams' offensive philosophy likely convinced the front office to invest a high pick. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly Simpson can adapt to the professional level, how effectively he can learn from Stafford, and whether he can eventually become the franchise quarterback the Rams envision. For fans eager to follow the unfolding story, day two of the NFL Draft continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Action, and Mix, with the final day slated to begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday on Sky Sports Action.
The drama, the surprises, and the strategic moves are far from over, and the league’s next generation of talent is just beginning to make its mark.