The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most unexpected of them all: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Going into the draft, analysts were split on where Simpson would land. Some projected him as a late first‑round talent, 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 pick, sparking a flurry of debate and a noticeably restrained reaction from head coach Sean McVay.
Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment on the Inside the Huddle podcast, saying, "I can’t quote the exact words, but basically, are you kidding me?" He suggested that McVay might have been genuinely surprised by the Rams’ decision to take Simpson at that spot. Reinebold admitted the pick knocked him for a loop, prompting him to reassess the Rams’ broader strategy.
He wondered whether the team was planning a transition plan that would keep veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford for another two seasons before handing the reins over to a younger player. Reinebold also highlighted the mixed tape that Simpson leaves behind.
Over 15 starts at Alabama, Simpson completed 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. The first half of his college career was solid, but the second half saw a dip in production, with seven touchdowns to four interceptions in his final stretch.
Despite that, the Rams saw enough in his skill set to believe he could develop into a long‑term solution. The Rams’ quarterback room now includes a 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, fresh off an MVP‑caliber season that brought him within a single game of the Super Bowl, as well as Stetson Bennett, a third‑round pick from Georgia in 2023. Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly weighing retirement. Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, noting that both quarterbacks had limited starting experience in college but possess accurate throws and sound mechanics, even if they lack elite physical traits.
The draft night also featured another dramatic moment when USC wide receiver Makai Lemon was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot. Lemon had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and seemed poised to fall to the 21st pick, but Eagles general manager Howie Roseman traded up to secure him. Reinebold praised Roseman’s maneuver, calling it “incredible” and suggesting that Lemon’s arrival would inject youth, speed, and a fresh attitude into an Eagles offense that had faced heavy criticism the previous season.
Analysts had compared Lemon to Detroit Lions receiver Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and the Eagles now have a receiving corps that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Reinebold described Lemon as a tough, competitive player who would quickly become a fan favorite in Philadelphia.
Beyond the individual selections, the Rams’ decision to draft Simpson reflects a broader trend in the league: teams are increasingly willing to gamble on quarterbacks with limited starting experience but high upside. The Rams’ front office appears to be balancing the immediate need for a reliable veteran in Stafford with a longer‑term vision that includes developing younger talent like Simpson and Bennett.
By selecting Simpson, they are betting that his poise, accuracy, and work ethic will translate to the professional level, even if his college résumé shows some inconsistency. Simpson’s path to the NFL has been anything but straightforward. After sitting behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe for most of his time at Alabama, he finally earned a starting role in his sophomore year. His statistical output—over 3,500 passing yards and a touchdown‑to‑interception ratio of more than five to one—demonstrates his ability to manage a high‑powered offense.
However, scouts noted concerns about his arm strength and his performance under pressure late in the season, which likely contributed to the mixed draft projections. Sean McVay’s subdued reaction may simply be a reflection of his analytical nature.
Known for his upbeat demeanor, McVay rarely shows surprise on the public stage. Yet his decision to select Simpson suggests confidence in the quarterback’s developmental ceiling. The Rams will likely give Simpson time to learn from Stafford’s veteran presence, study the playbook, and gradually earn snaps in game situations.
The draft also underscored the importance of strategic trades. The Eagles’ move to acquire Lemon by trading up demonstrates how general managers can shape their rosters in real time, responding to shifting board dynamics and targeting specific skill sets. Roseman’s willingness to act quickly paid off, securing a receiver who fits the Eagles’ need for speed and playmaking ability. As the draft continues into its final day, fans can expect more surprises and strategic maneuvers.
The Rams’ bold pick of Ty Simpson at 13th overall will be analyzed for months to come, with eyes on how quickly he adapts to the NFL’s speed and complexity. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ acquisition of Makai Lemon adds another layer of intrigue to a team eager to rebound from a disappointing season.
Overall, Thursday’s selections highlight the ever‑evolving nature of NFL roster building, where talent evaluation, risk tolerance, and timely decision‑making intersect. Whether Simpson becomes a long‑term starter or a developmental project, his arrival in Los Angeles marks a significant moment for a franchise looking to balance present competitiveness with future growth. The story of the draft is far from over, and the next rounds will continue to shape the league’s landscape for years ahead.