The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most startling surprise of the entire event: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Going into draft week, analysts were split on Simpson's projected slot. Some believed he was a late first‑round talent, while others doubted he would even crack the first round at all. In the end, the consensus proved wrong when the Los Angeles Rams reached for him with the 13th overall pick, igniting a flurry of discussion among fans, pundits, and even the Rams’ own coaching staff.
The reaction was immediate and polarized. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold, speaking on the "Inside the Huddle" podcast, could barely contain his disbelief. "I can’t use the exact words from the podcast, but essentially, are you kidding me?" he said, suggesting that even the usually upbeat Rams head coach Sean McVay seemed taken aback by the decision. Reinebold explained that McVay likely entered the draft with a very different plan in mind—perhaps envisioning a continuation of the Matthew Stafford era for a couple more seasons before transitioning to a younger quarterback.
"I spent the rest of the draft trying to make sense of it," Reinebold recalled. "I was thinking about Stafford’s contract, the two‑year window, and the need for a solid transition plan." The Rams’ front office, however, appeared to have a clear rationale. Reinebold noted that the team evaluated the available talent and saw a fit in Simpson that matched several of their needs. The Rams already have a receiver in rehabilitation—Puka Nacua—a veteran presence in Davante Adams, and a promising wideout in Makai Lemon, who was also selected on draft night.
"When I looked at Lemon, I thought, ‘That’s a perfect fit.’ You can never have too many reliable receivers," Reinebold said. "Simpson checked enough boxes for us to commit to him for the long term." Simpson now joins a quarterback room led by the 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, who, despite his age, just came off an MVP‑caliber season that saw the Rams fall only one game short of the Super Bowl. Simpson’s college résumé is modest but respectable. After spending his early years behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he started just one full season, completing 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions across 15 starts.
His production was split into two distinct halves: an early stretch marked by efficient play and a later period where he threw seven touchdowns against four interceptions, raising questions about his consistency and draft stock. Reinebold emphasized that body language can reveal a lot about a coach’s confidence. "Sean McVay is usually very gregarious and positive," he said, "but he wasn’t the one stepping up to the podium to talk about Ty Simpson, which says a lot." The Rams still have other quarterback options on the roster.
Stetson Bennett, a third‑round pick out of Georgia in 2023, remains in the mix, and veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly weighing retirement. Reinebold drew a comparison between Bennett and Simpson, noting that both players had limited playing time in college but possess accurate throws and solid mechanics, even if they lack elite physical traits. "If you’re going to take one, you’re taking a different kind of player," he said.
The draft night drama extended beyond the Rams. USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and seemed poised to fall to the 21st pick, was snatched by the Philadelphia Eagles at 20th overall after General Manager Howie Roseman traded up. Reinebold praised Roseman’s move, calling it "incredible" if not outright genius. The Eagles’ decision came amid swirling rumors that star receiver A.J.
Brown might be on the move to the New England Patriots after June 1. Roseman’s maneuver, according to Reinebold, gave the Eagles a younger, cheaper, and faster weapon with a strong work ethic—exactly the type of player who could become a hero in Philadelphia and elevate quarterback Jalen Hurts. Analysts had previously likened Lemon to Detroit Lions wideout Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and now he will join an Eagles offense featuring DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and Hurts himself.
"He came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right there and then," said Eagles analyst Reynolds. "He looked tough, competitive, and the fans will love his gritty style." The Rams’ choice of Simpson signals a strategic shift. By selecting a quarterback who still needs development, Los Angeles appears to be planning for a future beyond Stafford while still keeping the veteran’s experience as a bridge. The move also reflects a broader trend in the league: teams are increasingly willing to gamble on raw talent and potential rather than solely on proven college production.
For Simpson, the challenge will be to absorb the wealth of knowledge in a veteran‑filled locker room, refine his mechanics, and earn the trust of a coaching staff that has already shown they are willing to think outside the box. Meanwhile, the rest of the draft continued to produce headline‑making moments.
The Eagles’ acquisition of Lemon, the speculation surrounding A.J. Brown’s possible trade, and the ongoing evaluation of other quarterback prospects all contributed to a night that will be remembered for its surprises. As the draft moves into its final day, fans can expect more strategic maneuvers, last‑minute trades, and perhaps another shock pick that will reshape the NFL landscape for years to come. For viewers in the UK, the entire draft is being broadcast live on Sky Sports across multiple channels, with additional streaming options available through the Sky Sports app and WhatsApp.
The event will wrap up on Saturday afternoon, concluding a three‑day spectacle that has already reshaped rosters, sparked debates, and set the stage for the next generation of NFL talent.