The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night added another surprising twist that left many analysts scratching their heads. The most notable surprise was the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
Heading into draft week, opinions on Simpson were sharply divided. Some experts 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 plucking him with the 13th overall pick, a move that sparked a flurry 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 perfectly during an episode of "Inside the Huddle." He admitted, "I can’t repeat the exact words from the podcast, but essentially, are you kidding me?" Reinebold suggested that McVay himself might have been taken aback by the decision to select Simpson at that spot. "It really knocked me for a loop," he said.
"I spent the rest of the draft trying to make sense of it, thinking about how Matthew Stafford still has two years left, and how the Rams are mapping out a transition plan." He went on to note that Simpson’s college tape offers a mixed picture: six games of solid performance contrasted with nine games that were less impressive. Reinebold also highlighted the broader context of the Rams’ roster needs.
He mentioned wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was recovering from injury, and the fact that the team already has a veteran receiver in Davante Adams, now in the twilight of his career. "They saw Simpson as a perfect fit," Reinebold explained, "a quarterback who checked enough boxes to earn a long‑term commitment." The Rams’ quarterback room now features a 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, fresh off an MVP‑caliber season that saw him one game shy of a Super Bowl appearance, alongside Simpson, who only started one full season at Alabama.
Simpson’s collegiate statistics reflect both promise and inconsistency. Over 15 starts, he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns against five interceptions. However, his performance waned in the latter half of the season, as he threw seven touchdowns to four interceptions, raising lingering questions about his draft stock.
Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language, noting that McVay, typically upbeat and gregarious, appeared unusually restrained when discussing Simpson’s selection. The Rams also retain other quarterback options. Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, drafted out of Georgia in 2023, remains on the depth chart, while veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly weighing retirement.
Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, describing both as players who didn’t amass extensive college playing time but possess accuracy and solid mechanics. "They’re not going to wow you with raw arm strength or elite athleticism," he said, "but they bring a different skill set that can be valuable in the right system." The night’s drama extended beyond the Rams’ pick. USC wide receiver Makai Lemon was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot, a move that involved a last‑minute trade.
Lemon had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and appeared poised to fall to the 21st pick, but Eagles general manager Howie Roseman leapt at the opportunity, trading up to secure Lemon before the Steelers could act. Reinebold praised Roseman’s maneuver, calling it "incredible" and suggesting it reflected the Eagles’ desire for a younger, cheaper, and faster receiver who brings a strong work ethic. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions star Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and now he will join a Philadelphia offense that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Reinebold noted that Lemon’s arrival could invigorate an offense that faced heavy criticism last season. "He looks tough, competitive, and ready to make an immediate impact," said a commentator, adding that Eagles fans will likely embrace his gritty playing style. The broader draft narrative also touched on speculation surrounding wide receiver A.J.
Brown. Rumors suggested the Browns could be traded to the New England Patriots after June 1, a scenario that would reshape the AFC East. Reinebold remarked, "That was Howie—he’s not a genius, but he’s certainly making bold moves. If Brown does move, the Eagles will have a younger, cheaper, faster option in Lemon, which could be a perfect fit for their offensive scheme." Overall, the 2024 NFL Draft delivered a mix of expected selections and shocking surprises.
The Rams’ decision to invest a first‑round pick in Ty Simpson, despite his limited starting experience and uneven college tape, underscores the franchise’s willingness to take calculated risks in pursuit of a long‑term solution at quarterback. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ aggressive trade to land Makai Lemon reflects a strategic push to refresh their receiving corps with youthful talent. Fans can continue to follow the unfolding drama by watching day two of the draft, which began at midnight on Friday and aired live on Sky Sports Main Event, Action, and Mix. The draft will conclude with day three’s selections on Saturday at 5 p.m., also broadcast on Sky Sports Action, offering further opportunities for teams to shape their rosters and for viewers to witness the next wave of NFL talent emerging onto the national stage.