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 draft week, analysts were sharply divided about Simpson's future. Some projected him as a late first‑round talent, while others doubted he would even hear his name called before the second round began.
In the end, the consensus proved wrong. The Los Angeles Rams reached for Simpson with the 13th overall pick, sparking a flurry of discussion, disagreement, and a noticeably subdued reaction from head coach Sean McVay, who seemed unusually restrained in his post‑draft comments. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment perfectly on the "Inside the Huddle" podcast.
"I can't use the exact words from the podcast, but basically, are you kidding me?" he said, suggesting that even McVay might have been taken aback by the Rams' decision. Reinebold admitted the pick threw him for a loop and forced him to rethink the team's entire draft strategy. He had been envisioning a straightforward plan: keep Matthew Stafford for two more seasons, then transition to a younger quarterback. Instead, the Rams now have a rookie who checks several boxes they value, even if his college résumé is modest.
Simpson joins a quarterback room anchored by the veteran Matthew Stafford, who, at 38, just completed an MVP‑caliber season that left him one game shy of a Super Bowl appearance. After spending his collegiate career as a backup to Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, Simpson only started one full season. Over 15 starts, he completed 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, threw 28 touchdowns and five interceptions.
The season was a tale of two halves: an early stretch of solid performances followed by a late‑season dip in which he threw seven touchdowns against four interceptions, raising lingering questions about his consistency and draft stock. Reinebold emphasized his belief in body language, noting that McVay, usually upbeat and gregarious, appeared unusually muted when discussing Simpson.
"He wasn't the coach who stepped up to the podium with a big smile about this pick," Reinebold observed, underscoring how the selection diverged from expectations. The Rams still have other quarterback options.
Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, drafted 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 extensive playing time in college but possess accuracy and sound mechanics. "They aren't going to wow you with cannon‑arm strength or elite physical traits, but they have the fundamentals," he said, suggesting the Rams might be looking for a different type of quarterback development path.
The drama of the night extended beyond the Rams' pick. USC wide receiver Makai Lemon was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot, a move that surprised many. Lemon had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who seemed poised to take him at No. 21, but Eagles GM Howie Roseman traded up to secure him before the Steelers could act.
Reinebold praised Roseman's maneuver, calling it "incredible" and noting that Lemon brings youth, speed, and a competitive attitude that could invigorate the Eagles' offense, which has faced criticism in recent seasons. Analysts had compared Lemon to Detroit Lions star Amon‑Ra St. Brown before the draft, and now he will join a talented group in Philadelphia that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Reinebold highlighted Lemon's immediate readiness, saying he appeared eager to jump into the game and that his gritty, hard‑working style should resonate with Eagles fans. The broader context of the draft also featured speculation about a potential trade involving AJ Brown moving to the New England Patriots after June 1. Reinebold hinted that the Eagles, by adding younger and cheaper talent like Lemon, are positioning themselves for a more dynamic, cost‑effective offense that could elevate Hurts and make the team a contender.
Overall, the Rams' decision to select Ty Simpson reflects a strategic gamble: they are betting on a quarterback with solid fundamentals, a good football IQ, and the ability to develop under the guidance of a seasoned veteran. While some fans and analysts remain skeptical, the move adds a fresh narrative to a draft already rich with surprises.
The next few seasons will reveal whether Simpson can grow into the role the Rams envision or if the pick will be remembered as a misstep. In any case, the 2024 NFL Draft has already delivered enough intrigue to keep fans and pundits debating well into the offseason.