The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most astonishing one of the evening when the Los Angeles Rams reached for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. Simpson had been a polarising figure in the weeks leading up to the draft.
Some scouts and analysts projected him as a late first‑round talent, while others doubted he would even crack the first round at all. In the end, the consensus proved wrong, and the Rams’ decision sent shockwaves through the league, sparking heated debate among fans, commentators, and even the team’s own coaching staff. The reaction from Rams head coach Sean McVay was notably subdued. On the Inside the Huddle podcast, Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold tried to capture the mood, saying, "I can’t use the exact words from the broadcast, but basically, are you kidding me?" He suggested that McVay might have been taken aback by the Rams’ bold move.
Reinebold admitted that the pick “knocked him for a loop,” and he spent the remainder of the draft trying to rationalise the decision. He referenced the team’s existing quarterback situation, noting that veteran Matthew Stafford still had two years left on his contract and that the Rams were supposedly working on a transition plan. Reinebold highlighted the mixed nature of Simpson’s college tape: six games of solid performance contrasted with nine games that were less impressive. He also pointed out the roster context that may have influenced the Rams’ choice.
With a receiver, Puka Nacua, still recovering from injury and a veteran stalwart like Davante Adams nearing the end of his career, the Rams needed fresh talent at the skill position. Reinebold recalled a moment when he looked at wide receiver Makai Lemon and thought, "That’s a perfect fit," suggesting that the Rams were looking for a quarterback who could complement their receiving corps while also fitting into a long‑term plan.
Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by the 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, who, despite his age, just came off an MVP‑caliber season that saw him within a single game of a Super Bowl appearance. Simpson’s own college résumé is modest by elite‑quarterback standards.
After sitting behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he started only one full season, completing 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions over 15 starts. The season was split into two distinct halves: an early stretch where he showed promise, followed by a later period where he threw seven touchdowns against four interceptions, prompting questions about his consistency and draft stock. Reinebold emphasized his belief in body language, noting that McVay, usually known for his upbeat and gregarious demeanor, appeared unusually restrained when discussing Simpson.
"He wasn’t the guy who stepped up to the podium to talk about Ty Simpson," Reinebold observed, underscoring how unexpected the pick seemed to even the Rams’ own leadership. The Rams still have other quarterback options on the roster. Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, drafted out of Georgia in 2023, remains a viable backup, while veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly contemplating retirement. Reinebold drew a comparison between Bennett and Simpson, saying, "They’re both guys who didn’t see a ton of playing time in college.
They’re accurate, they have good mechanics, but they’re not going to wow you with raw arm strength or athleticism. If you’re going to take one, you’re taking a different kind of player." The night also featured drama at the wide receiver position.
USC’s Makai Lemon was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot after a last‑minute trade up by General Manager Howie Roseman. Lemon had been on the phone with the Pittsburgh Steelers, apparently poised to fall to the 21st pick, when Roseman intervened, moving the Eagles into position to claim him. This move occurred amid swirling rumours that the Eagles might trade star receiver A.J.
Brown to the New England Patriots after the June 1 trade deadline. Reinebold praised Roseman’s maneuver, calling him "incredible" and noting that the Eagles were looking for a younger, cheaper, faster receiver with a strong attitude who could elevate 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.
Eagles analyst Reynolds described Lemon’s draft day demeanor as eager and competitive, saying, "He came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right there and then. He looked tough, he looked competitive, and he said these Eagles fans are getting a dog. He’s the kind of gritty player the Philadelphia fan base will love." Beyond the immediate reactions, the Rams’ selection of Simpson reflects a broader strategic trend in the NFL: teams are increasingly willing to gamble on high‑upside, developmental quarterbacks rather than relying solely on proven veterans. The Rams, having invested heavily in Stafford’s salary and a substantial roster overhaul under McVay, appear to be planning for a future where Simpson could develop behind a seasoned mentor, eventually taking over when Stafford’s contract expires.
This approach mirrors moves made by other franchises that have paired veteran quarterbacks with younger prospects to smooth the transition and preserve salary‑cap flexibility. Simpson’s journey from a backup at Alabama to a first‑round NFL draft pick underscores the unpredictable nature of talent evaluation.
While his college statistics may not have dazzled, his poise in the pocket, accuracy on short to intermediate routes, and ability to manage a game were enough to convince the Rams’ scouting department that he possesses the raw material to grow into a starter. The Rams’ coaching staff will likely focus on refining his footwork, deep‑ball mechanics, and decision‑making under pressure during his rookie year, leveraging the extensive resources available in Los Angeles. For fans wanting to follow the unfolding drama, Sky Sports will broadcast the remainder of the draft, with day two starting at midnight on Friday across its Main Event, Action and Mix channels, and the final day concluding on Saturday at 5 p.m. on Sky Sports Action.
The league’s digital platforms also offer live streaming options without a traditional contract, and the Sky Sports app provides additional ways to stay updated on the latest moves and analysis. In summary, the Rams’ bold selection of Ty Simpson at No. 13 has ignited a flurry of discussion about the team’s future direction, the evolving role of veteran quarterbacks, and the value of scouting intuition versus consensus rankings.
Whether Simpson will become a franchise cornerstone or a developmental project remains to be seen, but the shock of his selection has already left an indelible mark on this year’s draft narrative.