The NFL Draft never fails to deliver unexpected twists, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most astonishing moment of the entire event: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Going into the draft, analysts were split on where Simpson belonged. 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 Los Angeles Rams surprised everyone by reaching for him with the 13th overall pick, a decision that sparked a flurry of debate, division among fans, and a noticeably subdued reaction from head coach Sean McVay, who seemed unusually restrained in his post‑draft commentary. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment perfectly during his appearance on the Inside the Huddle podcast. He admitted, "I can’t use the exact words from the podcast, but basically, are you kidding me?" Reinebold suggested that McVay must have been taken aback by the Rams’ choice. "It really knocked me for a loop," he continued.
"I spent the rest of the draft trying to make sense of it. I was thinking about Matthew Stafford—two more years left on his contract, a clear transition plan, and then I started looking at the film. Six games of solid play, nine games that were less impressive." Reinebold then explained the strategic fit that likely appealed to the Rams’ front office. He pointed to wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was still rehabbing at the time, and the ever‑valuable depth at the receiver position, especially with a veteran like Davante Adams nearing the end of his career.
"When I looked at Lemon, I thought, ‘That’s a perfect fit.’ You can never have too many reliable targets," Reinebold said. "Ty Simpson checked enough boxes for us to commit to him long‑term." Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by veteran Matthew Stafford, a 38‑year‑old who had just finished an MVP‑caliber season that brought the Rams within a single game of the Super Bowl.
Simpson’s college résumé is modest by elite‑quarterback standards. After serving as a backup to Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he only started one full season.
In that year he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions over 15 starts. The season unfolded in two distinct halves: early success gave way to a rough stretch in which he threw seven touchdowns against four interceptions, raising questions about his consistency and draft stock. Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language in evaluating players, noting that McVay, usually known for his upbeat demeanor, appeared unusually restrained when discussing Simpson.
"I’m a huge believer in body language," he said. "Sean is normally very gregarious and positive, but that wasn’t the guy who stepped up to the podium to talk about Ty Simpson." The Rams still have other quarterback options on the roster. Stetson Bennett, drafted in the third round out of Georgia in 2023, remains a viable backup, while veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly contemplating retirement.
Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, describing both as quarterbacks who didn’t see extensive playing time in college but possess accurate throws and sound mechanics. "They’re not going to wow you with raw arm strength or athleticism," he observed.
"If you’re going to take one, you take the one who fits the system." The draft night also featured drama surrounding USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot. Lemon had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was expected 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 the move signaled the Eagles’ intent to add a younger, cheaper, and faster weapon to a receiving corps that already includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and quarterback Jalen Hurts.
The acquisition was also linked to speculation that wideout A.J. Brown might be on the market after June 1, potentially heading to the New England Patriots. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions star Amon‑Ra St.
Brown, noting similarities in route running and play‑making ability. Once drafted, Lemon expressed eagerness to contribute immediately, describing himself as a “tough, competitive” player who wanted to make an impact for Eagles fans. "He came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right there and then," said former Eagles analyst Reynolds.
"He looked tough, he looked competitive, and he said these Eagles fans are getting a dog. He’s that kind of player—hard‑nosed, ready to make plays, and exactly the type of personality the Philadelphia fan base loves." 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 in terms of scheme fit and developmental potential. The move also underscores the importance of building depth at skill positions, especially when a team’s star receiver is aging or injured.
By pairing Simpson with a veteran like Stafford, Los Angeles appears to be crafting a transitional plan that could keep the offense competitive for years to come while giving the young quarterback valuable mentorship. For fans eager to relive the excitement, day two of the NFL Draft will be broadcast live from midnight on Friday across Sky Sports Main Event, Action, and Mix, with the final day concluding at 5 p.m. on Saturday on Sky Sports Action. The coverage includes live analysis, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes looks at each team’s decision‑making process, ensuring that viewers can follow every twist and turn of the draft’s unfolding narrative.