The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most unexpected one of the entire event: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Heading into draft week, analysts were split on Simpson’s projected value.
Some believed he was a late first‑round talent, while others doubted he would even crack the opening round. In the end, the consensus proved wrong when the Los Angeles Rams reached for him with the 13th overall pick, sparking a wave of debate, division, and a noticeably subdued reaction from head coach Sean McVay. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment perfectly on the Inside the Huddle podcast.
"I can’t repeat the exact words from the podcast, but essentially, are you kidding me?" he said, noting that even McVay seemed taken aback by the Rams’ decision. Reinebold admitted the pick threw him for a loop, forcing him to re‑evaluate the Rams’ entire draft strategy. He reflected on the team’s existing quarterback situation, noting that veteran Matthew Stafford still has two years left on his contract and that the organization appears to be crafting a long‑term transition plan. Reinebold highlighted the mixed nature of Simpson’s college tape, describing it as “six games of solid film and nine games of less impressive performance.” He then turned his attention to the Rams’ receiving corps, pointing out that the team has a receiver, Puka Nacua, currently rehabbing, and the seasoned veteran Davante Adams, who is approaching the tail end of his career.
In that context, Reinebold argued, Simpson checked enough boxes for the Rams to commit to him as a long‑term project. Simpson now joins a quarterback room led by Matthew Stafford, the 38‑year‑old who just finished an MVP‑caliber season that took the Rams within a single game of the Super Bowl.
After spending his college career behind Alabama’s starter Bryce Young and later Jalen Milroe, Simpson only started one full season. In that lone campaign he completed 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns against five interceptions over 15 starts. The season was a tale of two halves; he struggled in the latter portion, throwing seven touchdowns to four interceptions, which raised further questions about his draft stock.
Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language, noting that McVay, usually known for his upbeat demeanor, appeared unusually restrained when discussing Simpson. He added that 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 contemplating retirement.
Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, describing both as players who didn’t accumulate massive college playing time but possess accuracy and sound mechanics, even if they lack elite arm strength or physical traits. "If you’re going to take one, the other is a different kind of gamble," he said. The night also featured another dramatic moment when USC wide receiver Makai Lemon was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot. Lemon had been on the phone with the Pittsburgh Steelers, apparently poised to fall to the 21st pick, when Eagles general manager Howie Roseman executed a trade‑up to snatch him away.
This move occurred amid swirling rumors that the Eagles might trade star receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1. Reinebold praised Roseman’s maneuver, calling it “incredible,” though he stopped short of labeling it genius.
He suggested that the Eagles were looking for a younger, cheaper, faster player with a strong attitude to complement quarterback Jalen Hurts and boost an offense that had faced harsh criticism the previous season. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions receiver Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and now he will join a talented group that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and Hurts himself.
Reinebold described Lemon’s draft day demeanor as eager and competitive, noting his confidence that Eagles fans would quickly embrace his gritty, play‑making style. He painted a picture of a “tough, gritty player who will make plays and become a fan favorite.” The Rams’ decision to select Simpson reflects a broader strategic shift. By pairing a veteran like Stafford with a developmental quarterback, the organization appears to be planning for continuity beyond the current window. The Rams also have a deep receiving corps, with veterans like Adams and emerging talents like Nacua, providing a safety net for any quarterback transition.
Moreover, the presence of Bennett and the potential retirement of Garoppolo give the coaching staff multiple pathways to evaluate talent during practice and preseason. For fans who missed the live action, Sky Sports offered multiple ways to watch the draft, including streaming without a contract, the Sky Sports app, and even updates via WhatsApp.
The network emphasized that the second day of the draft would begin at midnight on Friday, with coverage across Sky Sports Main Event, Action, and Mix, and that the event would conclude on Saturday afternoon. In summary, the Rams’ choice of Ty Simpson at No. 13 was a surprise that sparked conversation across the league.
While some questioned the move, others saw it as a calculated gamble that aligns with the team’s long‑term vision. The selection underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft, where projections can be upended in an instant, and where teams must balance immediate needs with future potential.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see whether Simpson can develop into the quarterback the Rams envision, and whether the Eagles’ bold trade‑up for Lemon pays dividends in a rejuvenated offense.