The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night added another surprising chapter to that tradition. The most eye‑catching surprise was the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Going into the draft, analysts were sharply divided on Simpson's future.
Some projected him as a late first‑round talent, while others doubted he would even make it into the first round at all. In the end, the consensus proved wrong: the Los Angeles Rams chose Simpson 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 commentary. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment perfectly during an episode of "Inside the Huddle," saying, "I can't use the exact words from the podcast, but essentially, are you kidding me?" Reinebold suggested that McVay might have been caught off guard by the Rams' decision to select Simpson at that spot.
"It really knocked me for a loop," he continued. "I spent the rest of the draft trying to make sense of it. I was thinking, okay, we have Matthew Stafford for a couple more years, we have a transition plan in place…" Reinebold went on to compare the film tape available on Simpson: six games showed promising performances, while nine games were less impressive.
He also noted that the Rams had a need at receiver, with Puka Nacua still rehabbing and veteran Davante Adams nearing the end of his career. "When I looked at Makai Lemon, I thought, 'that's a perfect fit.'" Reinebold said, emphasizing that the Rams saw Simpson as a player who checked enough boxes to earn a long‑term commitment.
Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by Matthew Stafford, the 38‑year‑old veteran who just finished an MVP‑caliber season that left him one game short of a Super Bowl appearance. Simpson's college résumé is modest by elite‑quarterback standards.
After spending his early years behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he started only one full season. In that campaign he completed 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions across 15 starts.
The season was split into two distinct halves: early success followed by a late‑season slump where he threw seven touchdowns against four interceptions, raising lingering questions about his draft stock. Reinebold highlighted McVay's normally upbeat demeanor, noting that the coach’s atypically restrained podium appearance signaled genuine surprise. "I'm a big believer in body language," Reinebold said, "and you could see Sean McVay, who is usually so gregarious and positive, looking a little stunned by the pick." The Rams already have other quarterback options on the roster. Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, selected out of Georgia in 2023, remains a viable backup, while veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly contemplating retirement.
Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, describing both as players who did not amass massive college résumés but possess accuracy and sound mechanics. "They're not going to wow you with raw arm strength or athletic gifts, but they are technically sound," he explained, suggesting that the Rams might be valuing those traits over flashier attributes. The draft night also featured drama surrounding 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 and seemed poised to fall to the 21st pick, but Eagles GM Howie Roseman traded up to secure him.
Reinebold praised Roseman's move, calling it "incredible" and noting that the Eagles were looking for a younger, cheaper, faster receiver who could bring a fresh attitude to the offense. This move came amid speculation that the Eagles might trade star wideout A.J.
Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1. Reinebold speculated that the Eagles' acquisition of Lemon could provide a boost to quarterback Jalen Hurts, describing Lemon as a potential "hero" who would elevate Hurts' performance. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions wideout Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and now he will join a receiving corps that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley and Hurts himself, aiming to revitalize an offense that faced harsh criticism last season.
One commentator, Reynolds, summed up the excitement surrounding Lemon's arrival: "He came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right there and then. He looked tough, competitive, and the fans will love that gritty, hard‑nosed style." Overall, the Rams' decision to select Ty Simpson has sparked a lively discussion about the team's long‑term strategy, the value of technical proficiency versus raw athleticism, and how the quarterback room will evolve once Stafford eventually steps aside.
Meanwhile, the Eagles' bold move for Lemon underscores the constant maneuvering that defines draft night, as teams balance immediate needs with future potential. Fans can continue to follow the unfolding drama as the draft concludes on day three, with live coverage available on Sky Sports Main Event, Action and Mix. The selections made on these final stages will likely shape the NFL landscape for years to come, providing further material for analysts and fans alike to dissect and debate.