The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night added another headline‑making surprise that has fans and analysts buzzing. The most talked‑about selection was Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, whose draft stock had been the subject of intense debate leading up to the event. Some experts projected him as a late first‑round talent, while others doubted he would even crack 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 wave of discussion, division, and a notably restrained reaction from head coach Sean McVay.
Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment perfectly during his appearance on the Inside the Huddle podcast. He admitted he was at a loss for words, essentially asking, “Are you kidding me?” when he learned of the Rams’ decision.
Reinebold suggested that even McVay, known for his upbeat demeanor, seemed taken aback by the move. "It really knocked me for a loop," he said, explaining that he spent the remainder of the draft trying to rationalize the pick. He referenced the Rams’ existing quarterback situation, noting that veteran Matthew Stafford still had two years left on his contract and that the franchise had a clear transition plan in place. Reinebold also pointed out the mixed nature of Simpson’s college tape.
He highlighted that while there were six games of solid performance, there were nine games where the quarterback’s play was less convincing. Still, the Rams appeared to see something in Simpson that fit their long‑term vision. "I looked at Makai Lemon and thought, ‘that’s a perfect fit,’" Reinebold recalled, adding that the Rams needed depth at receiver with Puka Nacua in rehab and a veteran like Davante Adams nearing the end of his career.
The organization apparently believed Simpson checked enough boxes to warrant a significant investment. Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by Matthew Stafford, the 38‑year‑old who just came off an MVP‑caliber season that took him within a single game of the Super Bowl. Simpson’s college résumé is modest by traditional standards.
After sitting behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he earned the starting role for just one full season. In that span he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, threw 28 touchdowns and five interceptions over 15 starts.
The season was split into two distinct halves; early on he displayed poise and accuracy, but his performance waned in the latter part, where he threw seven touchdowns against four interceptions, raising questions about his consistency and draft prospects. Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language, noting that McVay’s usually gregarious and positive demeanor was notably absent when he addressed the Simpson pick.
This contrast underscored how unexpected the decision was for many insiders. The Rams still retain other quarterback options, including Stetson Bennett, a third‑round pick out of Georgia in 2023, and veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who is reportedly weighing retirement. Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, describing both as players who didn’t log extensive playing time in college but possessed strong accuracy and sound mechanics.
"They’re not going to wow you with raw arm strength or athletic gifts," he said, "but they’re reliable and technically sound. If you’re going to take one, you might as well take the one that fits your system." 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 seemed poised to fall to the 21st pick, but Eagles GM Howie Roseman traded up to secure him. Reinebold praised Roseman’s maneuver, calling it “incredible” and suggesting it was a strategic move to acquire a younger, cheaper, faster player who could inject fresh energy into the Eagles offense.
Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions star Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and his arrival in Philadelphia places him alongside DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Reinebold noted that Lemon’s attitude and competitiveness resonated with Eagles fans, describing him as a “tough, gritty player who will make plays and become a fan favorite.” The pick also came amid speculation that wideout AJ Brown might be traded to the New England Patriots after June 1, a rumor that added another layer of intrigue to the draft narrative. The Rams’ decision to draft Simpson reflects a broader trend in the league: teams are increasingly willing to gamble on quarterbacks with limited starting experience but high upside in terms of intelligence, accuracy, and fit within a particular offensive scheme.
By selecting Simpson, Los Angeles signaled confidence in their scouting department’s ability to develop raw talent, even if it means deviating from conventional wisdom. For fans wanting to follow the action, Sky Sports offered live coverage of day two starting at midnight on Friday across its Main Event, Action, and Mix channels, with the draft concluding on day three at 5 p.m.
on Sky Sports Action. The network also provided streaming options without a contract, a dedicated app, and even a WhatsApp service for updates, ensuring that viewers could stay connected regardless of their preferred platform. In summary, the Rams’ choice of Ty Simpson at No.
13 was a bold move that caught many off guard, prompting a mixture of disbelief, analysis, and speculation about the future of Los Angeles’ quarterback room. Whether Simpson will develop into a reliable starter or serve as a developmental project remains to be seen, but the reaction from analysts like Jeff Reinebold suggests that the NFL community will be watching his progress very closely in the seasons to come.