The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few surprises, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most jaw‑dropping moment of the entire event: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Going into draft week, analysts were split 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 by grabbing him with the 13th overall pick, sparking a wave of debate, division, and a noticeably subdued reaction from head coach Sean McVay, who seemed unusually restrained in his post‑draft comments. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment on the "Inside the Huddle" podcast, admitting he was left speechless by the Rams' decision.
"I can't use the exact words on the podcast, but basically, are you kidding me?" Reinebold said, suggesting that even McVay might have been taken aback by the move. He explained that he spent the remainder of the draft trying to rationalize the pick, thinking about the Rams' existing quarterback situation with veteran Matthew Stafford still under contract for two more seasons and the need for a clear transition plan.
Reinebold noted that while Simpson had six games of impressive film, there were also nine games that raised concerns, making the selection a puzzling gamble for many observers. The Rams' front office apparently saw a fit that extended beyond the raw numbers.
Reinebold recalled a conversation about wide receiver Makai Lemon, noting that the Rams needed more reliable receiving options. With Puka Nacua still rehabbing, veteran Davante Adams nearing the end of his career, and the desire to add depth, the Rams concluded that Simpson checked enough boxes to justify a long‑term investment.
This strategic reasoning aligned with the team's broader goal of building a quarterback room anchored by Stafford, who, at 38, had just come off an MVP‑caliber season that nearly propelled him to a Super Bowl appearance. Simpson's college résumé adds further context.
After spending his early years behind Alabama's starting quarterbacks Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe, Simpson only started one full season. In that campaign, he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns against five interceptions over 15 starts. The season unfolded in two distinct halves: an early stretch where he displayed poise and efficiency, followed by a later period where his performance dipped, culminating in a ratio of seven touchdowns to four interceptions and raising questions about his consistency heading into the draft.
Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language in evaluating players, noting that McVay, usually known for his upbeat demeanor, appeared unusually restrained when discussing Simpson. This departure from his typical optimism hinted at the surprise and perhaps caution surrounding the pick. Meanwhile, the Rams retain other quarterback options, including Stetson Bennett, a third‑round selection out of Georgia in 2023, and veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who is reportedly contemplating retirement. Reinebold drew parallels between Bennett and Simpson, describing both as quarterbacks who did not amass extensive college playing time but possess accurate throws and solid mechanics, even if they lack elite arm strength or physical dominance.
The draft 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 appeared poised to fall to the 21st pick, but Eagles general manager Howie Roseman traded up to secure him, demonstrating the aggressive maneuvering teams employ to acquire coveted talent. This move came amid speculation that the Eagles might trade star receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1.
Reinebold praised Roseman's decision‑making, calling it "incredible" and noting that acquiring a younger, cheaper, and faster receiver like Lemon could inject fresh energy into Philadelphia's offense, which had faced criticism the previous season. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions wideout Amon‑Ra St.
Brown, and his arrival in Philadelphia positions him alongside established players such as DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Reinebold described Lemon as a tough, competitive player who immediately displayed a desire to make an impact, saying, "He looked like he wanted to start playing a game right there and then. He’s a gritty player who will make plays, and Eagles fans will love that." This sentiment reflects the broader narrative of the draft: teams seeking not only raw talent but also intangibles like work ethic and fit within a franchise culture. Overall, the Rams' choice of Ty Simpson underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft, where conventional wisdom can be upended by a team's specific needs and strategic vision.
While some pundits may view the pick as a reach, the Rams appear confident that Simpson's skill set, combined with the mentorship of Matthew Stafford and the depth at receiver, will allow him to develop into a viable starter in the coming years. The draft continues to unfold over the next two days, with live coverage available on Sky Sports Main Event, Action, and Mix, culminating in the final round on Saturday afternoon.