The NFL Draft never fails to deliver unexpected twists, and Thursday night’s selections provided perhaps the most startling moment of the entire event: the Los Angeles Rams reaching for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. Simpson had been a polarizing figure in pre‑draft discussions. Some scouts and analysts 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 majority of those predictions proved inaccurate, as the Rams chose him well before the halfway point of the first round. The pick immediately sparked a flurry of debate among pundits and fans alike, and it also seemed to catch Rams head coach Sean McVay off guard. In a recent episode of Sky Sports’ "Inside the Huddle," analyst Jeff Reinebold admitted he was taken aback by the decision. "I can’t repeat the exact words from the podcast, but essentially I asked, ‘Are you kidding me?’" Reinebold said, noting that McVay appeared unusually subdued when the announcement was made.
The veteran coach, known for his energetic demeanor, seemed momentarily stunned. Reinebold explained that the Rams’ front office likely saw a specific set of qualities in Simpson that matched their long‑term plan.
"I spent the rest of the draft trying to piece together why they made that move," he recalled. "I was thinking about Matthew Stafford’s remaining two years, the transition plan they have in place, and then I looked at the film. There are six games where Simpson looks solid, and nine where he struggles." He went on to compare Simpson with other recent Rams acquisitions, noting that the team already has a receiver in rehab, Puka Nacua, and a veteran presence in Davante Adams, who is nearing the end of his career.
"When I looked at Makai Lemon, I thought, ‘That’s a perfect fit,’" Reinebold said. "The Rams can never have too many reliable pass‑catchers, and they needed a quarterback who checked enough boxes to warrant a long‑term commitment." Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, who just completed an MVP‑caliber season that saw him one game shy of a Super Bowl appearance.
The Rams also retain Stetson Bennett, a third‑round pick out of Georgia in 2023, and veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who is reportedly contemplating retirement. Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, noting that both quarterbacks had limited playing time in college but possess accurate throws and sound mechanics, even if they lack elite physical traits.
"If you’re going to take one, you might as well take the one that fits your system," he argued. Simpson’s college résumé is modest but respectable. After serving as a backup to Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he started just one full season.
Over 15 starts, he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. The season was a tale of two halves: early on, he displayed poise and efficiency, but his performance dipped in the latter part, where he threw seven touchdowns against four interceptions, raising questions about his consistency and draft stock.
The Rams’ decision also intersected with another dramatic moment on draft night: the selection of USC wide receiver Makai Lemon by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot. Lemon had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and appeared poised to fall to the 21st pick, but Eagles general manager Howie Roseman traded up to secure him. Reinebold praised Roseman’s maneuver, calling it “incredible” and suggesting that Lemon’s arrival could reshape the Eagles’ offense, especially if veteran star A.J. Brown were to be moved to New England after June 1.
Analysts had previously likened Lemon to Detroit Lions receiver Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and his presence alongside Philadelphia’s existing weapons—DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and quarterback Jalen Hurts—could rejuvenate an offense that faced harsh criticism the previous season. One commentator noted, "He came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right there and then.
He looks tough, competitive, and he’s the kind of player Eagles fans will love." Returning to Simpson, his selection reflects the Rams’ broader strategy of building depth at the quarterback position while also planning for the eventual transition away from Stafford. By drafting a player with a strong football IQ, solid mechanics, and a track record of composure under pressure, Los Angeles hopes to develop a future starter who can eventually take the reins. The move also underscores the importance of body language and confidence in evaluating talent, as Reinebold emphasized: "I’m a big believer in body language.
Sean McVay is usually very gregarious and positive, but his demeanor during the announcement suggested he was genuinely surprised." In summary, Thursday’s draft night delivered a series of unexpected choices that will shape the future of multiple franchises. The Rams’ gamble on Ty Simpson may prove to be a masterstroke if he develops into a reliable starter behind Stafford’s mentorship, while the Eagles’ acquisition of Makai Lemon could inject fresh energy into a receiving corps eager for a new dynamic. As the draft continues into its final day, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how these decisions ripple through the league in the coming seasons.