The NFL Draft never fails to deliver unexpected moments, and Thursday night added another headline‑making surprise when the Los Angeles Rams reached for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall selection. Simpson’s draft stock had been a point of contention among scouts and analysts all week.
Some projected him as a late first‑round talent, while others doubted he would even crack the first round at all. In the end, the majority of those forecasts missed the mark, as the Rams chose him well before the midpoint of the first round.
The decision sparked immediate debate among fans and commentators, and it seemed to catch Rams head coach Sean McVay off guard. McVay, typically known for his energetic and upbeat demeanor, appeared unusually restrained when asked about the pick. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold, speaking on the "Inside the Huddle" podcast, admitted he was shocked by the move. "I can’t use the exact words from the podcast, but basically, are you kidding me?" Reinebold said, noting that McVay likely didn’t anticipate the Rams taking Simpson at that spot.
Reinebold went on to explain his thought process during the draft. He had been visualizing a continuation plan that involved veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford playing two more seasons before a transition.
"I was looking at six games of good film and nine games of less impressive film," he recalled, then added that he considered wide receiver Makai Lemon a perfect fit for the Rams’ needs. With Puka Nacua still rehabbing and the veteran Davante Adams nearing the end of his career, the Rams were looking to add depth at the receiver position while also securing a quarterback who could develop behind Stafford. Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by the 38‑year‑old Stafford, who is coming off an MVP‑caliber season that saw him within a single game of a Super Bowl appearance.
Simpson’s college résumé is modest but respectable. After serving as a backup to Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he earned a starting role for one season. Over 15 starts, he completed 305 of 473 pass attempts for 3,567 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns against five interceptions. The season was a tale of two halves: early success gave way to a late‑season slump in which he threw seven touchdowns and four interceptions, raising questions about his consistency and draft projection.
Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language, noting that McVay’s typically upbeat persona was noticeably absent when discussing Simpson. "Sean McVay is usually very gregarious and positive, but he wasn’t the guy stepping up to the podium to talk about Ty Simpson," Reinebold observed. The Rams still have other quarterback options on the roster.
Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, selected from Georgia in 2023, remains in the mix, while veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly weighing retirement. Reinebold drew a comparison between Bennett and Simpson, saying both are players who didn’t log massive college numbers but possess accuracy and solid mechanics. "They’re not going to wow you with raw arm strength or athleticism, but they have the fundamentals," he explained, suggesting the Rams are looking for reliable, coachable talent rather than flash.
Another dramatic moment of the night involved USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot. Lemon had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and appeared set to fall to the 21st pick, but Eagles general manager Howie Roseman traded up to secure him. The move came amid rumors that the Eagles might trade star receiver A.J.
Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1. Reinebold praised Roseman’s maneuver, calling it "incredible" and noting that Lemon brings youth, speed, and a strong work ethic that could complement quarterback Jalen Hurts. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions receiver Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and now he will join a Philadelphia offense featuring DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and Hurts himself.
Eagles analyst Reynolds described Lemon as a player who looks ready to make an immediate impact, saying, "He came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right there and then. He looked tough, competitive, and the fans will love his gritty style." The Rams’ decision to draft Simpson reflects a broader strategy of building depth and planning for the future. By pairing a promising but unproven quarterback with a veteran like Stafford, Los Angeles can develop a seamless transition plan while also addressing immediate needs at receiver through the Lemon selection.
The move also underscores the unpredictable nature of the draft, where teams must balance scouting reports, film analysis, and roster construction under intense time pressure. For fans who missed the live action, day two of the NFL Draft will continue on Friday night, with coverage on Sky Sports Main Event, Action, and Mix. The draft will conclude on Saturday with the final round airing on Sky Sports Action. Viewers can also stream the games without a contract, download the Sky Sports app, or follow updates via WhatsApp.
The excitement and controversy surrounding picks like Simpson and Lemon remind everyone why the draft remains one of the most captivating events in professional sports.