The NFL Draft never fails to deliver unexpected twists, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most startling moment of the entire event: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Leading up to the draft, analysts were split on 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 when the Los Angeles Rams reached for him with the 13th overall pick, sparking a wave of debate, division, and a noticeably subdued reaction from head coach Sean McVay, who seemed unusually restrained in the post‑pick press conference.
Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment 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, noting that the Rams’ move forced him to reassess the team’s draft strategy in real time. Reinebold admitted he spent the remainder of the night trying to piece together the logic behind the pick, wondering whether the Rams were planning a transition plan that would keep veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford for two more seasons before handing the reins to a younger player.
The Rams’ rationale, according to Reinebold, hinged on a combination of film evaluation and roster needs. He pointed out that the Rams had six games of strong quarterback film and nine games that were less impressive, but they saw something in Simpson that fit their long‑term vision. "I looked at Makai Lemon and thought, ‘that’s a perfect fit,’" Reinebold recalled, referencing the Rams’ wide‑receiver prospect. "You have a receiver in rehab—Puka Nacua—and you can never have too many quality targets.
Then you have a veteran like Davante Adams at the tail end of his career. All those pieces made Simpson look like the right puzzle piece for the future." Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by Matthew Stafford, a 38‑year‑old veteran who just completed an MVP‑caliber season that brought the Rams within a game of the Super Bowl. While Stafford’s experience offers a steadying presence, Simpson’s own résumé is modest yet promising.
After spending his early college years behind future Heisman winners Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, Simpson only started one full season. In that year he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns against five interceptions over 15 starts. His performance was split into two distinct halves: an early stretch marked by efficiency and a later period where he threw seven touchdowns but also four interceptions, raising questions about his consistency and draft stock. Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language in evaluating a player, noting that McVay, typically known for his upbeat demeanor, appeared unusually restrained when discussing Simpson.
"Sean McVay is usually very gregarious and positive, but that wasn’t the vibe you got when he stepped up to talk about Ty Simpson," Reinebold observed. The Rams also retain other quarterback options. Stetson Bennett, a third‑round pick from Georgia in 2023, remains on the roster, and veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly weighing retirement.
Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, saying, "They’re both quarterbacks who didn’t get a ton of playing time in college. They’re accurate, have solid mechanics, but they don’t wow you with raw arm strength or extraordinary physical traits. If you’re going to take one, you need to decide which profile fits your scheme better." 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, who seemed poised to take him at No. 21, but Eagles general manager Howie Roseman leapt ahead, trading up to secure Lemon before the Steelers could act. This move occurred amid rumors that the Eagles might trade star wideout A.J.
Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1. Reinebold praised Roseman’s maneuver, calling him “incredible” and suggesting that acquiring a younger, cheaper, and faster receiver would inject fresh energy into the Eagles’ offense. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions receiver Amon‑Ra St.
Brown, noting similar skill sets. Now, Lemon will join a talented Philadelphia receiving corps that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and quarterback Jalen Hurts—players expected to revitalize an offense that faced heavy criticism last season. Reinebold highlighted Lemon’s immediate impact, quoting Eagles analyst Reynolds: "He came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right there and then.
He looked tough, competitive, and he said these Eagles fans are getting a dog. You feel like he’s that kind of player—hard‑nosed, willing to make plays, and exactly the type of personality Philadelphia fans love." The draft continued over three days, with day two kicking off at midnight on Friday and day three concluding at 5 p.m. on Saturday, all broadcast live on Sky Sports channels. The Rams’ bold decision to select Simpson, despite the surrounding controversy, underscores the unpredictable nature of the draft and the strategic calculations teams make when balancing immediate needs against future potential.
Whether Simpson will develop into a franchise quarterback or serve as a developmental project behind Stafford remains to be seen, but the conversation sparked by his selection will undoubtedly linger throughout the upcoming NFL season.