The NFL Draft never fails to deliver unexpected twists, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most startling moment of the entire event: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Leading up to the draft, 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 reached for him with the 13th overall pick, a decision that sent shockwaves through the league and left many commentators scrambling to make sense of it.
The reaction was immediate and vocal. 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 basically, are you kidding me?" he said, noting that even Rams head coach Sean McVay appeared unusually subdued after the pick.
Reinebold speculated that McVay might have been taken aback by the Rams’ choice, especially given the team’s recent quarterback situation. "It really knocked me for a loop," Reinebold admitted. "I spent the rest of the draft trying to figure this one out.
I was thinking, okay, we have Matthew Stafford for two more years, then we have a transition plan." Reinebold went on to break down the Rams' reasoning. He highlighted the limited but promising film of Simpson – six games of solid performance contrasted with nine that were less impressive – and the need for depth at the receiver position.
"I looked at Makai Lemon and thought, 'that's a perfect fit.' You have a receiver in rehab (Puka Nacua), you can never have too many good receivers, and you still have a veteran like Davante Adams at the tail end of his career." According to Reinebold, the Rams saw in Simpson a player who checked enough boxes to justify a long‑term commitment. The young quarterback now joins a quarterback room led by 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, who, despite his age, just completed an MVP‑caliber season that saw him fall only one game short of the Super Bowl. 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, completing 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions across 15 starts. His performance was uneven, with a strong first half followed by a decline in the latter part of the season, where he threw seven touchdowns against four interceptions.
Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language and demeanor, noting that McVay, typically a gregarious and optimistic figure, was unusually quiet when discussing Simpson. "I'm a big believer in body language," Reinebold said.
"Sean McVay is usually very positive, and that was not the guy who stepped up to the podium to talk about Ty Simpson." The Rams still have other quarterback options. Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, selected out of Georgia in 2023, remains on the roster, while veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly weighing retirement.
Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, describing both as players who did not log massive college stats but possess accuracy and sound mechanics. "They're guys that are accurate, they have good mechanics, but they're not going to wow you with arm strength or physical gifts," he explained. "If you're going to take one, take the one that's different." The drama of the night extended beyond the Rams. USC wide receiver Makai Lemon was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot, after a frantic series of phone calls and a trade that moved the Eagles ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had been poised to take him at 21.
General Manager Howie Roseman’s decision to trade up was praised by Reinebold as a savvy move, even if he stopped short of calling it genius. "That was Howie, man, just the guy.
I don't want to say genius because that's too strong, but that guy is incredible," Reinebold remarked. Lemon’s arrival in Philadelphia comes amid swirling rumors that the Eagles could trade star receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1. Reinebold suggested that the Eagles are looking for a younger, cheaper, and faster option with a strong work ethic, and that Lemon fits that profile perfectly.
"He’ll be a hero there. Absolute hero there. And he’ll make Jalen Hurts better," he said, envisioning Lemon as a key piece in an offense that struggled under criticism last season.
Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions wideout Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and now he will join a talented group of Philadelphia playmakers that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Former Eagles commentator Reynolds described Lemon’s demeanor during the draft as eager and competitive, noting that he seemed ready to jump straight into action. "He looked tough, he looked competitive, and he said these Eagles fans are getting a dog.
You feel like he is that sort of player – a dirt‑tough player who’s going to just make plays," Reynolds observed. Overall, the second day of the NFL Draft was marked by a series of bold moves that will shape the league’s landscape for years to come.
The Rams’ gamble on Ty Simpson, the Eagles’ acquisition of Makai Lemon, and the lingering speculation around A.J. Brown all underscore the strategic complexity of building a championship roster. Fans can continue to follow the drama as the draft concludes on day three, with live coverage available on Sky Sports Main Event, Action, and Mix. The selections made this evening will be dissected by analysts and fans alike, as each team seeks to balance immediate needs with long‑term potential in the ever‑evolving chess game of the NFL.