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. Going into draft week, analysts were split on Simpson's potential. Some projected him as a late first‑round talent, while others doubted he would even crack the opening round.
In the end, the consensus proved wrong when the Los Angeles Rams reached for him with the 13th overall pick, a decision that sparked immediate debate among fans and pundits alike. The reaction from Rams head coach Sean McVay was notably restrained, a departure from his usual animated demeanor. Observers wondered whether McVay was simply exhausted after a marathon draft or genuinely surprised by the pick. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment perfectly on the Inside the Huddle podcast, saying, "I can’t use the exact words from the broadcast, but basically, are you kidding me?" He added that McVay seemed taken aback by the Rams' decision to take Simpson at that spot.
Reinebold explained that the Rams had been working through a complex draft strategy. He imagined a scenario where the team would keep veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford for two more seasons, then transition to a younger player. "I spent the rest of the draft trying to figure out what the plan was," Reinebold recalled.
"I was thinking, okay, we have Stafford for a couple more years, and then we need a bridge quarterback." The Rams’ evaluation sheet for Simpson apparently checked enough boxes to convince them he was worth a long‑term investment. Reinebold noted that the team also considered the wide‑receiver depth chart. With Puka Nacua still recovering from injury and veteran Davante Adams nearing the end of his career, the Rams needed fresh talent at the receiver position.
That need made Makai Lemon, a promising USC wideout, an attractive complement to Simpson. "I looked at Lemon and thought, that's a perfect fit," Reinebold said. "You can never have too many good receivers, and Lemon gives you a young, dynamic option alongside the veteran presence." Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by Matthew Stafford, the 38‑year‑old who just came off an MVP‑caliber season that saw him 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 job for one full season. In that campaign he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns against five interceptions across 15 starts. The season unfolded in two distinct halves: an early stretch marked by efficient play and a later period where his production dipped, resulting in seven touchdowns and four interceptions in his final games.
Those late‑season struggles raised questions about his draft stock, yet the Rams seemed convinced his upside outweighed the concerns. Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language in evaluating players, noting that McVay’s usually upbeat disposition was noticeably muted when discussing Simpson.
"Sean is usually very gregarious and positive, but he wasn’t the guy stepping up to the podium to talk about Ty Simpson," Reinebold observed. This subtle shift hinted at the weight of the decision and the uncertainty surrounding the young quarterback’s transition to the NFL.
The Rams still have other quarterback options on the roster. Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, selected out of Georgia in 2023, remains a viable backup. Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly contemplating retirement, which could further open the depth chart for Simpson and Bennett.
Reinebold drew a comparison between the two young quarterbacks, saying, "Stetson Bennett is kind of the same guy that Ty Simpson is. They didn’t play a ton in college, but they’re accurate, have good mechanics, and lack elite physical traits.
If you’re going to take one, you need a different kind of player." The draft night also featured a dramatic moment involving USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. Initially believed to be heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers at the 21st spot, Lemon was instead snatched by the Philadelphia Eagles when General Manager Howie Roseman traded up to the 20th pick. Reinebold praised Roseman’s maneuver, calling it "incredible" and suggesting it demonstrated the Eagles’ commitment to acquiring younger, faster talent with a strong work ethic. The move came amid speculation that the Eagles might trade star receiver A.J.
Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1, a rumor that added another layer of intrigue to the proceedings. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions wideout Amon‑Ra St. Brown, noting similar skill sets. Now, Lemon will join an Eagles offense that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and quarterback Jalen Hurts—an arsenal aimed at revitalizing a unit that faced harsh criticism the previous season.
Eagles analyst Reynolds remarked on Lemon’s immediate impact, saying, "He came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right there and then. He looked tough, competitive, and the fans will love his gritty style." Overall, the Rams’ decision to draft Ty Simpson at 13th overall underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft. While some observers view the pick as a gamble, the organization appears to have a clear vision: pairing a seasoned veteran like Stafford with a developmental quarterback who can learn behind him, while bolstering the receiving corps with young talent such as Lemon.
The move reflects a broader trend in the league toward building depth and flexibility, especially at the quarterback and receiver positions, where injuries and performance fluctuations can dramatically alter a team's fortunes. Fans can continue to follow the unfolding drama as the draft concludes on day three, with live coverage available on Sky Sports Main Event, Action, and Mix.
The Rams’ gamble on Simpson will be scrutinized over the coming months, but for now it adds another compelling chapter to the ever‑unpredictable story of the NFL Draft.