The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most eye‑popping surprise of the entire event: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Leading up to the draft, analysts were sharply divided over Simpson’s projected slot.
Some argued he belonged in the late first round, while others doubted he would even break into the first round at all. In the end, the consensus proved wrong. The Los Angeles Rams reached for him with the 13th overall pick, sending shockwaves through the league and sparking an immediate debate among fans, pundits, and even the Rams’ own coaching staff.
The reaction from Rams head coach Sean McVay was notably restrained—far more subdued than the usual exuberant post‑draft interviews we have come to expect. Whether fatigue or genuine surprise was the cause, his demeanor hinted at a deeper level of puzzlement.
Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment perfectly on the Inside the Huddle podcast, saying, "I can’t use the exact words from the podcast, but basically, are you kidding me?" Reinebold speculated that McVay may have been caught off guard by the decision, noting that the Rams likely had a different timeline in mind for their quarterback succession. Reinebold continued, "It really knocked me for a loop.
I spent the rest of the draft trying to figure this one out. I was thinking, okay, Matthew Stafford has two more years left, and then you have a clear transition plan." He highlighted the mixed nature of Simpson’s college film, describing six games as “good” and nine as “not so good,” and he referenced the Rams’ existing receiver corps—Puka Nacua, who was still rehabbing, and veteran Davante Adams, who was nearing the end of his career. Reinebold summed up the Rams’ rationale: "They felt Ty Simpson fit, checked enough boxes, and they were willing to commit to him for the long term." Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by the 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, fresh off an MVP‑caliber season that saw him within a single game of a Super Bowl appearance. Simpson’s own college résumé is modest but respectable.
After spending most of his time at Alabama behind starters Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe, he earned a single season as a starter, completing 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions across 15 starts. The season was a tale of two halves: early on, he displayed poise and accuracy, but his performance dipped in the latter part, where he threw seven touchdowns against four interceptions, raising lingering questions about his draft stock. Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language, noting that McVay, usually a gregarious and upbeat figure, appeared unusually solemn when discussing Simpson.
"He’s not the guy who steps up to the podium to talk about Ty Simpson," Reinebold said, underscoring how unexpected the pick seemed to the Rams’ leadership. The Rams also retain other quarterback options.
Stetson Bennett, drafted in the third round out of Georgia in 2023, remains on the roster, and veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly weighing retirement. Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, describing both as players who didn’t log massive college workloads but possess accurate throws and solid mechanics.
"They’re not going to wow you with raw arm strength or physical gifts, but they’re technically sound," he explained. "If you’re going to take one, you might as well take the one that checks the most boxes." The night also featured a dramatic moment involving USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot.
Lemon had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers, seemingly poised to fall to the 21st pick, but Eagles general manager Howie Roseman made a decisive trade‑up to secure him. This move came amid swirling rumors that the Eagles might consider moving A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1. Reinebold praised Roseman’s maneuver, calling it "incredible" and noting that the Eagles were acquiring a younger, cheaper, and faster talent with a strong work ethic, poised to become a hero alongside quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions receiver Amon‑Ra St. Brown, but now Lemon will join an offense featuring DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and Hurts—an attack that faced heavy criticism the previous season. Eagles analyst Reynolds observed, "He came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right there and then. He looked tough, competitive, and his energy resonates with the fans.
He’s the kind of gritty player Philadelphia supporters will love." The Rams’ decision to draft Simpson, while puzzling to many, reflects a broader strategic shift in the league toward valuing quarterbacks with high football IQ, poise in the pocket, and the ability to develop within a system. Simpson’s experience in Alabama’s complex offense, his composure under pressure, and his demonstrated improvement over a challenging college career likely appealed to McVay’s coaching philosophy, which emphasizes precision, timing, and adaptability. Moreover, the Rams are navigating a transitional phase with Stafford aging but still productive, and they need a successor who can be groomed without the pressure of immediate starting duties. In addition to the quarterback drama, the draft continued to deliver other notable storylines.
The Eagles’ acquisition of Lemon, the potential movement of A.J. Brown, and the ongoing evaluation of veteran quarterbacks like Garoppolo all contribute to a dynamic offseason landscape. Teams are balancing the desire for immediate impact players with long‑term roster construction, often making bold moves—such as Roseman’s trade‑up—to secure the talent they believe fits their vision. For fans eager to follow every twist and turn, Sky Sports offered live coverage across multiple channels, including Main Event, Action, and Mix, with additional streaming options available without a contract.
The draft’s second day began at midnight on Friday and concluded on Saturday afternoon, providing a marathon of analysis, surprise picks, and strategic insights that will shape the NFL’s competitive balance for years to come.