The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night offered perhaps the most astonishing surprise of the entire event: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Leading up to the draft, analysts were split on Simpson’s projected value. Some believed he deserved a late first‑round slot, while others doubted he would even crack the opening round at all. In the end, the consensus proved wrong when the Los Angeles Rams reached for him with the 13th overall pick.
The pick instantly ignited a flurry of debate among fans and pundits, and it also seemed to catch Rams head coach Sean McVay off‑guard. On the Inside the Huddle podcast, Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold admitted he was stunned by the move.
“I can’t quote the exact words from the podcast, but essentially I was thinking, ‘are you kidding me?’” Reinebold said. He speculated that McVay might have been surprised by the Rams’ decision to reach for Simpson at that spot. Reinebold explained that the Rams had been juggling a variety of scenarios throughout the draft. “I spent the rest of the night trying to piece together their strategy,” he recalled.
“I was thinking about Matthew Stafford’s contract—two more years left—and how they’d want a clear transition plan after him.” He noted that the Rams had only a limited amount of high‑quality film on Simpson: six games of strong performance and nine that were less impressive. Yet something about Simpson’s profile seemed to fit the Rams’ long‑term vision.
The Rams’ front office apparently saw a combination of traits that aligned with their needs. “I looked at Makai Lemon and thought, ‘that’s a perfect fit,’” Reinebold said, referencing the wide receiver who was also drafted that night.
The Rams were dealing with a receiver in rehabilitation (Puka Nacua) and a veteran in Davante Adams who was nearing the end of his career. Adding a quarterback with a skill set similar to Lemon’s—accurate, reliable, and capable of operating in a structured offense—made sense for a team looking to bolster its passing game.
Simpson now joins a quarterback room led by the 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, fresh off an MVP‑caliber season that saw him come within a single game of the Super Bowl. Simpson’s college résumé is modest but respectable.
After serving as a backup to Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he earned the starting role for just one season. In that year he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns against five interceptions over 15 starts. The second half of his college campaign was uneven; he threw seven touchdowns to four interceptions, raising questions about his consistency and draft stock.
Reinebold emphasized that body language can reveal a lot about a coach’s confidence. “Sean McVay is usually very upbeat and gregarious, but his demeanor when talking about Simpson was noticeably subdued,” he observed. That contrast suggests the Rams may have taken a calculated risk, believing Simpson checked enough boxes to merit a long‑term commitment.
The Rams still have other quarterback options on their roster. Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, selected out of Georgia in 2023, remains a viable backup. Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, meanwhile, is reportedly weighing retirement. Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, noting that both quarterbacks saw limited playing time in college but possess solid mechanics and accuracy.
“They’re not going to wow you with raw arm strength or athleticism, but they’re fundamentally sound,” he said. The night also featured drama on the wide‑receiver side of the board.
USC’s Makai Lemon, who had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and seemed poised to fall to the 21st pick, was instead snatched by the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 20 after General Manager Howie Roseman traded up.
Reinebold praised Roseman’s maneuver, calling it “incredible” and suggesting it demonstrated the Eagles’ desire to secure a younger, cheaper, and faster weapon for their offense. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions star Amon‑Ra St.
Brown, and now he will join a Philadelphia receiving corps that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Reinebold predicted Lemon would be a fan favorite, describing him as “tough, competitive, and the type of player Eagles fans will love.” The move also came amid speculation that wide receiver A.J. Brown might be traded to the New England Patriots after June 1, a rumor that added another layer of intrigue to the draft narrative. In summary, the Rams’ decision to select Ty Simpson at No.
13 was a bold gamble that caught many observers off‑guard. While his college production was limited and his draft stock fluctuated, the organization appears to believe his skill set aligns with their long‑term offensive blueprint. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ acquisition of Makai Lemon underscores their commitment to injecting youthful energy into a receiving group that has faced criticism in recent seasons.
Fans can continue to follow the unfolding story as the draft moves into its final day, with live coverage available on Sky Sports Main Event, Action, and Mix.