The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most unexpected headline of the evening: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Going into the draft, analysts were split on Simpson's future. Some projected him as a late first‑round talent, 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 chose him with the 13th overall pick, sparking a flurry of debate and a noticeably subdued reaction from head coach Sean McVay. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment perfectly on the "Inside the Huddle" podcast, admitting he was taken aback by the Rams' decision. "I can't use the exact words from the podcast, but essentially I thought, ‘are you kidding me?’" he said. Reinebold suggested that McVay may have been surprised, perhaps even a bit stunned, by the move.
He explained that he spent the remainder of the draft trying to make sense of the pick, weighing it against the Rams' existing quarterback situation with veteran Matthew Stafford, who still had two years left on his contract and a clear transition plan in place. Reinebold highlighted the mixed tape that Simpson leaves behind: six games of strong, promising film and nine games that were less impressive. He also noted the context of the Rams' receiving corps, mentioning the rehabilitation of Puka Nacua, the continued presence of a seasoned veteran like Davante Adams, and the emergence of Makai Lemon, who Reinebold described as a "perfect fit." All these pieces, he argued, likely convinced the Rams that Simpson checked enough boxes to merit a long‑term commitment. Simpson now enters a quarterback room anchored by Matthew Stafford, a 38‑year‑old who just came off an MVP‑caliber season that nearly took his team to the Super Bowl.
Simpson's college résumé is modest compared to some of his peers. After spending his early years behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he only started one full season, completing 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions across 15 starts.
The season was a tale of two halves; he excelled early but faltered later, throwing seven touchdowns to four interceptions in the final stretch, which raised questions about his draft stock. Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language, noting that McVay—normally upbeat and gregarious—appeared unusually restrained when discussing Simpson.
This shift in demeanor added to the intrigue surrounding the pick. Meanwhile, 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, and veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly contemplating retirement. Reinebold drew a comparison between Bennett and Simpson, pointing out that both had limited playing time in college, possess solid mechanics and accuracy, but lack eye‑popping arm strength or elite physical traits. "If you’re going to take one, you need to pick the one that offers something different," he said.
The night also featured drama for the Philadelphia Eagles, who selected USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 20th overall pick. Lemon had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and seemed poised to fall to the 21st spot, but Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman traded up to secure him.
Reinebold praised Roseman's move, calling it "incredible" and suggesting that Lemon, a younger, cheaper, and faster option, could become a hero for the Eagles and elevate quarterback Jalen Hurts' performance. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions receiver Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and now he will join a talented Eagles offense that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley and Hurts, a unit that faced heavy criticism last season.
Reinebold described Lemon's draft day demeanor as eager and competitive, noting his confidence that Eagles fans would quickly embrace him. "He looks tough, he looks competitive, and he wants to get on the field right away," said the analyst, adding that Lemon's attitude aligns with the type of player Philadelphia supporters love. The draft continued into its second day on Friday, with live coverage on Sky Sports Main Event, Action and Mix, and concluded on Saturday with the final round. The Rams' decision to select Ty Simpson illustrates how teams balance immediate needs, future planning, and the intangible qualities of a prospect.
While some fans and pundits may still be debating the wisdom of the pick, the move underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft, where a single choice can reshape a franchise's trajectory and spark endless conversation among coaches, analysts and fans alike.