The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few unexpected moments, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most startling 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 break into the first 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 sparked immediate debate among fans and pundits, and it seemed to catch Rams head coach Sean McVay off guard. McVay, usually known for his upbeat demeanor, appeared unusually restrained after the announcement.
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 essentially, are you kidding me?" He suggested that McVay may have been taken aback by the Rams’ decision to take Simpson at that point in the draft. Reinebold went on to explain his own thought process during the draft, noting that he had been planning for a smooth transition from veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. "I was thinking, okay, Stafford has two more years left, and then we’ll have a clear succession plan," he said.
He added that the Rams had only a handful of games of high‑quality film on Simpson, with the remainder showing mixed results. "There are six games of good film and nine games that are less impressive," he observed.
The analyst also highlighted the broader context of the Rams’ roster construction. He mentioned wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was in the middle of a rehabilitation program, and veteran receiver Davante Adams, who is 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 receivers, and adding a young quarterback who checks enough boxes makes sense for a long‑term commitment," Reinebold explained. Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by Matthew Stafford, a 38‑year‑old who just came off an MVP‑caliber season that left him one game shy of the Super Bowl.
Simpson’s college résumé is modest: after spending his early years behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he started only one full season. Over 15 starts, he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns against five interceptions. The second half of his college campaign was uneven, as he threw seven touchdowns but also four interceptions, raising questions about his draft stock. Reinebold emphasized his belief in body language when assessing players, noting that McVay’s normally gregarious and positive demeanor was absent when he spoke about Simpson.
"He wasn’t the coach who stepped up to the podium to champion Ty Simpson," Reinebold said, underscoring the surprise surrounding the pick. The Rams still have other quarterback options. Stetson Bennett, drafted in the third round of the 2023 draft out of Georgia, remains on the roster, while veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly contemplating retirement. Reinebold compared Bennett to 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 necessarily wow you with arm strength or elite physical traits. If you’re going to take one, you’re taking a different kind of player." The 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 appeared poised to fall to the 21st pick, but Eagles general manager Howie Roseman traded up to secure him. The move came amid rumors 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 were acquiring a younger, cheaper, faster receiver with a strong work ethic who could immediately boost the offense and complement quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions wideout Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and now Lemon will join a talented group that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and Hurts himself. Reynolds, another commentator, observed that Lemon appeared eager to make an impact right away, describing him as a "tough, competitive player" who would quickly become a fan favorite in Philadelphia. Overall, the Rams’ decision to select Ty Simpson reflects a strategic gamble: they are betting on a quarterback with limited experience but solid fundamentals, hoping he can develop under the tutelage of Stafford and eventually take over the reins.
The move also underscores the fluid nature of the draft, where teams must balance immediate needs, long‑term planning, and the unpredictable availability of talent. As the draft continues into its second and third days, fans will watch closely to see how these choices play out on the field.