The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most unexpected one of the entire event: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Going into the draft, analysts were split on Simpson’s value. 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 majority of those predictions proved wrong when the Los Angeles Rams reached for him with the 13th overall pick, sparking a flurry of debate, division, and a noticeably subdued reaction from head coach Sean McVay, who seemed unusually restrained in the post‑draft press conference.
Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold summed up the collective astonishment on the Inside the Huddle podcast, saying, "I can’t use the exact words from the podcast, but basically, are you kidding me?" He suggested that McVay himself might have been taken aback by the decision. Reinebold explained that he spent the remainder of the draft trying to rationalize the move, thinking about the Rams’ existing quarterback situation with Matthew Stafford still under contract for two more seasons and the need for a clear transition plan. He noted that the Rams had a mix of promising and concerning film on Simpson – six games of solid performance and nine games that raised questions – yet the organization still saw enough upside to commit to him long‑term. Reinebold also highlighted the broader context of the Rams’ receiving corps.
He mentioned that the team already has a receiver, Puka Nacua, recovering from injury, and veteran Davante Adams, who is nearing the end of his career. Adding to that mix is the newly drafted wideout Makai Lemon, who, according to Reinebold, "fits perfectly" with the Rams’ scheme. The Rams apparently believed that Simpson checked enough boxes to become a valuable piece of their future, even if his draft stock seemed volatile.
Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by the 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, who entered the season fresh off an MVP‑caliber campaign that brought the Rams within a single game of the Super Bowl. Simpson’s college résumé includes a single full season as a starter for the Crimson Tide after sitting behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe.
Over 15 starts, he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. His performance was a tale of two halves: early success gave way to a late‑season slump, during which he threw seven touchdowns against four interceptions, fueling doubts about his draft outlook.
Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language, noting that McVay, usually known for his upbeat demeanor, appeared unusually muted when discussing Simpson. This shift in tone added to the intrigue surrounding the pick. Meanwhile, the Rams still retain other quarterback options.
Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, selected out of Georgia in 2023, remains on the roster, and veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly contemplating retirement, leaving the Rams with a blend of experience and youthful potential at the position. Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, pointing out that both players saw limited playing time in college but possess accuracy and solid mechanics. "They’re not going to wow you with raw arm strength or extraordinary athletic gifts," he said, "but they bring a certain reliability that can be valuable in the right system." The draft night drama extended beyond the Rams.
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon became another headline when the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to the 20th overall spot to select him, snatching the pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had been poised to take him at No. 21. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman was praised by Reinebold as “incredible,” though the analyst stopped short of calling him a genius.
Roseman’s maneuver was part of a broader narrative that included speculation about AJ Brown possibly being traded to the New England Patriots after June 1. Reinebold speculated that the Eagles were looking for a younger, cheaper, and faster weapon to complement quarterback Jalen Hurts, describing Lemon as a player who would become a “hero” in Philadelphia. Analysts had compared Lemon to Detroit Lions star Amon‑Ra St Brown before the draft, and now he will join a talented Eagles offense featuring DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley and Hurts himself.
One commentator, Reynolds, noted Lemon’s immediate eagerness to compete, saying, "He came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right there and then. He looked tough, competitive, and his attitude fits the kind of player Eagles fans love." The Rams’ decision to draft Simpson reflects a strategic gamble.
By selecting a quarterback with limited college experience but solid fundamentals, Los Angeles appears to be planning for a future beyond Stafford’s remaining contract. The move also suggests the organization values a quarterback who can develop within Sean McVay’s system, even if the initial reaction was one of surprise. As the draft progressed into its second and third days, fans and analysts alike continued to dissect each pick, weighing immediate impact against long‑term potential.
Overall, Thursday’s selections underscored the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft. While some teams followed conventional wisdom, others, like the Rams and Eagles, made bold choices that will shape their rosters for years to come.
The reactions—from stunned analysts to cautious optimism—highlight the delicate balance teams must strike between evaluating talent, fitting scheme needs, and managing fan expectations. As the draft moves forward, the true impact of these surprise picks will only become clear on the field, where performance ultimately validates—or refutes—each organization’s gamble.