The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most astonishing surprise of the entire event: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Leading up to the draft, analysts were sharply divided on where Simpson belonged. Some 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, plucking Simpson with the 13th overall pick, a decision that sent shockwaves through the league and sparked immediate debate. The reaction was immediate and vocal.
Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold, appearing on the Inside the Huddle podcast, could barely contain his disbelief. “I can’t use the exact words from the podcast, but essentially I’m thinking, are you kidding me?” he exclaimed.
Reinebold suggested that Rams head coach Sean McVay might have been genuinely surprised by the pick, noting that the move forced him to rethink the team’s quarterback succession plan. "It knocked me for a loop," Reinebold continued.
"I spent the rest of the draft trying to piece together what this meant for our timeline. I was thinking, okay, we have Matthew Stafford for a couple more seasons, then we transition.
Suddenly, Ty Simpson shows up, and the whole picture changes." Reinebold highlighted the mixed tape that scouts had on Simpson. "There are six games of solid film and nine games where he struggled," he said, illustrating the uneven nature of his college career. Yet the Rams saw something that fit their immediate needs. "I looked at Makai Lemon and thought, ‘That’s a perfect fit.’ You have a receiver in rehab—Puka Nacua—plus the veteran presence of Davante Adams.
Adding Simpson gave us a quarterback who checked enough boxes to warrant a long‑term investment." Simpson now steps into a quarterback room led by 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, who, despite his age, just completed an MVP‑caliber season that brought the Rams within a single game of the Super Bowl. Simpson’s own résumé is modest by elite‑quarterback standards: after sitting behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he started only one full season.
In 15 starts he completed 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. The final stretch of his college career was uneven, as he threw seven touchdowns against four picks, raising lingering questions about his consistency. Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language in evaluating coaches.
"Sean McVay is usually upbeat and gregarious, but he wasn’t the type to step up to the podium and celebrate Ty Simpson," he noted, underscoring the subtle signals that may indicate uncertainty or caution. The Rams still have other quarterback options. Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, selected from Georgia in 2023, remains on the roster, and veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly weighing retirement.
Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson: "Both are players who didn’t see massive playing time in college, both are accurate and have sound mechanics, but they aren’t going to wow you with cannon‑arm strength or elite athleticism. If you’re going to take a quarterback, you have to decide what you value most." The night also featured a dramatic moment involving USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot. Lemon had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers, seemingly poised to fall to the 21st pick, but Eagles general manager Howie Roseman traded up to snatch him away. Reinebold praised Roseman's maneuver, calling it “incredible” and suggesting it signaled a shift in the Eagles’ strategy toward younger, cheaper, faster talent with a strong work ethic.
The pick also fed into ongoing speculation about A.J. Brown’s future. Rumors had swirled that the veteran receiver might be on the move to the New England Patriots after June 1. Reinebold speculated that the Eagles were looking to replace Brown’s production with a player like Lemon, who could bring a fresh attitude and become a fan favorite.
"He’ll be a hero there, absolutely a hero, and he’ll make Jalen Hurts even better," Reinebold said. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions star Amon‑Ra St. Brown, noting similar size and play‑making ability.
Now, Lemon will join a Philadelphia offense that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts, a unit that faced heavy criticism for its lackluster performance last season. Eagles coach Nick Saban (sic—actually head coach) Reynolds described Lemon’s demeanor on draft night: "He came across as someone ready to jump into a game right then and there. He looked tough, competitive, and he said these Eagles fans are getting a dog.
You feel like he’s that gritty player the fanbase loves." The Rams’ decision to draft Simpson may also be viewed through the lens of their broader roster construction. With a receiver like Puka Nacua recovering from injury, and the veteran presence of Davante Adams aging, the Rams needed a quarterback who could develop alongside Stafford while also offering a viable long‑term solution. Simpson’s skill set—accurate short‑to‑intermediate throws, poise in the pocket, and a quick decision‑making process—aligns with the Rams’ offensive philosophy under offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell.
Looking ahead, the Rams will likely manage Simpson’s development carefully, perhaps limiting his snap count early on while giving him ample practice reps with the first‑team offense. The presence of seasoned veterans like Adams and the emerging talent of Lemon could provide a supportive environment for Simpson to grow.
Moreover, the Rams’ front office may view this pick as a hedge against the inevitable decline of Stafford, ensuring a smoother transition when the time comes. For fans and analysts, the real story of Thursday’s draft is the reminder that NFL teams often value fit and potential over pure statistical output. While many pundits dismissed Simpson as a gamble, the Rams saw a player who could fill multiple needs: a backup who can learn from a veteran, a developmental prospect with a high ceiling, and a cost‑controlled asset in a salary‑cap‑driven league. The drama didn’t end with Simpson and Lemon.
The draft continued into its second day, with more surprises and strategic moves, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Action and Mix. Viewers could follow the action from midnight on Friday through to the final day on Saturday, ensuring that the excitement of the NFL’s most important offseason event remained front and center for fans worldwide.