The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night’s selection of Ty Simpson may well be the most startling of the entire event. The Alabama quarterback entered the draft conversation with wildly divergent opinions. Some scouts and analysts 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 Los Angeles Rams defied the consensus by taking Simpson with the 13th overall pick, sparking a fresh wave of debate among fans and pundits alike. The reaction was immediate and polarized.
Even Rams head coach Sean McVay, typically known for his upbeat demeanor, seemed unusually subdued after the pick. Whether he was simply fatigued or genuinely surprised, the mood on the sidelines was unmistakably different.
Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment perfectly on the "Inside the Huddle" podcast, saying, "I can’t repeat the exact words, but basically—are you kidding me?" He suggested that McVay might have been taken aback by the Rams’ decision to reach for Simpson at that spot. Reinebold went on to explain his own thought process during the draft.
"I spent the rest of the night trying to make sense of it," he admitted. "I was picturing a plan where we keep Matthew Stafford for another two years and then transition to a younger quarterback. The film on Simpson is a mixed bag—six games of solid play, nine games that raise questions." He also referenced the team's existing receiver situation, noting that the Rams have a receiver in rehab (Puka Nacua) and a veteran stalwart in Davante Adams, but still felt Simpson checked enough boxes to warrant a long‑term investment. Simpson now joins a quarterback room led by 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, who is still riding the momentum of an MVP‑caliber season that saw him one game shy of a Super Bowl appearance.
Simpson’s college résumé is modest by elite‑quarterback standards. After backing up Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he started just one full season, completing 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions across 15 starts. His performance split into two distinct halves: a strong early stretch followed by a slump in the latter part of the season, during which he threw seven touchdowns against four picks, prompting lingering doubts about his draft stock. Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language, noting that McVay’s typically gregarious and optimistic presence was notably absent when discussing Simpson.
"He wasn’t the kind of coach who would step up to the podium and rave about a pick like this," Reinebold observed. The Rams still have other quarterback options on the roster. Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, selected out of Georgia in 2023, remains in the mix, while veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly weighing retirement.
Reinebold drew a comparison between Bennett and Simpson, stating, "Both are quarterbacks who didn’t see a ton of playing time in college. They’re accurate, have sound mechanics, but they won’t blow you away with raw arm strength or athleticism. If you’re going to take one, you need to pick the one that fits your scheme best." The night also featured drama on the wide‑receiver side. USC’s Makai Lemon, who had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and appeared set to fall to the 21st spot, was snatched by the Philadelphia Eagles when General Manager Howie Roseman traded up to the 20th pick.
The move came amid speculation 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 the Eagles now have a younger, cheaper, faster receiver with a strong attitude who can immediately contribute and elevate quarterback Jalen Hurts. Analysts had previously likened Lemon to Detroit Lions wideout Amon‑Ra St.
Brown, and now he will join a talented group that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley and Hurts himself. Eagles commentator Reynolds described Lemon’s draft day demeanor as eager and competitive, saying, "He looked tough, ready to jump into a game right then and there. That’s the type of player Philadelphia fans will love—a gritty, hard‑working playmaker." For fans wanting to relive the excitement, day two of the NFL Draft began at midnight on Friday and was broadcast live across Sky Sports Main Event, Action and Mix.
The draft concluded with day three’s proceedings on Saturday afternoon, offering a full weekend of high‑stakes selections, surprise picks, and the inevitable analysis that follows each bold move by the league’s franchises.