The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most surprising one of the entire event: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Heading into draft week, analysts were split on Simpson's projected value.
Some believed he deserved a late first‑round slot, while others doubted he would even crack the first round at all. In the end, the consensus proved wrong when the Los Angeles Rams reached for him with the 13th overall pick. The pick instantly sparked a flurry of debate among fans and pundits, and it seemed to catch Rams head coach Sean McVay off‑guard. In a post‑draft interview, Sky Sports NFL’s Jeff Reinebold admitted he could barely contain his disbelief.
"I can’t quote the exact words from the podcast, but essentially he asked, ‘Are you kidding me?’" Reinebold said on Inside the Huddle. "I think McVay was genuinely surprised that the Rams chose Ty Simpson right there.
It knocked me for a loop, honestly. I spent the rest of the draft trying to make sense of it. I kept thinking about Matthew Stafford’s contract—two more years left—and how the Rams would structure a transition plan around him." Reinebold went on to explain the logic he heard from the Rams’ front office. "There’s six games of solid film and nine games that are a little shaky," he noted.
"When I looked at Makai Lemon, I thought, ‘That’s a perfect fit.’ The Rams have a receiver in rehab—Puka Nacua—plus a veteran like Davante Adams who’s nearing the end of his career. Adding Simpson checks enough boxes for them to commit long‑term." Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, who just came off an MVP‑caliber season that left him one game shy of the Super Bowl. Simpson’s college résumé is modest compared to the usual first‑round QBs.
After backing up Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he only started one full season. Over 15 starts he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns against five interceptions. The season was a tale of two halves; he finished strong with seven passing touchdowns but also tossed four interceptions, raising lingering questions about his NFL readiness. Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language in evaluating a player.
"I’m a huge believer in body language," he said. "Sean McVay is normally very upbeat and gregarious, yet he was the one who stepped up to the podium to talk about Simpson. That tells you something about how the Rams felt about the pick." The Rams still have other quarterback options on the roster. Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, selected out of Georgia in 2023, remains a viable backup.
Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly weighing retirement, which could further open the depth chart for younger talent. Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, noting, "Both are quarterbacks who didn’t get a ton of playing time in college.
They’re accurate, have good mechanics, but they won’t blow you away with raw arm strength or elite athleticism. If you’re going to take a quarterback who’s different, you have to be comfortable with those traits." The night also featured drama on the other side of the board when USC wide receiver Makai Lemon was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot. Lemon had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who appeared poised to select him at No. 21, but Eagles GM Howie Roseman traded up to snatch him away from Mike McCarthy’s staff.
Reinebold praised Roseman’s maneuver, calling it “incredible” and suggesting it was a strategic move to secure a younger, cheaper, and faster weapon for Philadelphia. Analysts had been comparing Lemon to Detroit Lions star Amon‑Ra St. Brown before the draft, and now he will join a talented Eagles receiving corps that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Reinebold quoted Eagles analyst Reynolds, who said Lemon “came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right there and then. He looked tough, competitive, and he said these Eagles fans are getting a dog. He’s the type of player the Philadelphia fan base will love—hard‑nosed, willing to make plays, and ready to be a hero for the team.” The Rams’ decision to draft Simpson also reflects a broader trend in the league: teams are increasingly willing to gamble on quarterbacks with limited starting experience but high upside in terms of scheme fit and developmental potential.
By pairing Simpson with a seasoned veteran like Stafford, Los Angeles hopes to give the rookie a low‑pressure environment to grow while still maintaining a competitive edge at the position. Looking ahead, the Rams will need to integrate Simpson into their offensive system quickly.
Coaching staff will likely focus on simplifying his reads, leveraging his accuracy, and using his mobility in short‑yardage situations. If he can absorb the playbook and adapt to the speed of NFL defenses, he could become a valuable asset in the Rams’ long‑term plans, especially as Stafford’s contract winds down. 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 wrapping up on Saturday afternoon. The drama, the surprises, and the strategic moves—like the Rams’ unexpected pick of Ty Simpson—underscore why the draft remains one of the most compelling spectacles in American sports.