The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most surprising move of the entire event: the Los Angeles Rams reaching for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall selection. Simpson’s draft stock had been a lightning rod for debate all week. Some analysts projected him as a late first‑round talent, while others doubted he would even break into the first round at all. In the end, the consensus proved wrong, and the Rams’ decision sent shockwaves through the league, the media, and the coaching staff.
When the pick was announced, the normally animated Rams head coach Sean McVay appeared unusually subdued, prompting a flurry of speculation. 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?” Reinebold said, noting that McVay seemed genuinely surprised by the choice. He explained that the Rams had been expected to stick with their established quarterback plan, centered around veteran Matthew Stafford, who still had two years left on his contract and a clear transition roadmap.
Reinebold described his own reaction: “It really knocked me for a loop. I spent the rest of the draft trying to make sense of it. I kept thinking about Stafford’s remaining years and the transition plan we’d discussed.” He added that the Rams had only a handful of games of solid film on Simpson, juxtaposed with a larger body of less impressive footage.
Yet something about Simpson clicked for the organization. “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 Davante Adams, who’s at the tail end of his career. Simpson seemed to check enough boxes for a long‑term commitment.” Simpson now joins a quarterback room that already includes the 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, fresh off an MVP‑caliber season that saw him one game shy of a Super Bowl appearance. The young Alabama signal‑caller spent most of his college career as a backup to Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe, only earning a single full season as a starter.
In that year 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: early success gave way to a slump toward the end, where he threw seven touchdowns but also four interceptions, raising questions about his consistency and draft stock. Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language in evaluating a player, noting that McVay, usually gregarious and upbeat, was unusually restrained when discussing Simpson.
“You know how positive Sean is, and that was not the guy who stepped up to the podium to talk about Ty Simpson,” he observed. This subdued demeanor only added fuel to the ongoing debate about the Rams’ quarterback future. The Rams still have other options at the position.
Third‑round pick Stetson Bennett, selected 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, saying, “They’re both guys who didn’t get a ton of playing time in college. They’re accurate, they have good mechanics, but they’re not going to wow you with raw arm strength or athleticism. If you’re going to take one, you have to pick the one that offers something different.” The night also featured drama at the wide‑receiver position.
USC’s Makai Lemon, who had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and seemed poised to fall to the 21st pick, was snatched by the Philadelphia Eagles when General Manager Howie Roseman traded up to the 20th spot. Reinebold praised Roseman’s move, calling it “incredible” and suggesting that Lemon’s arrival could reshape the Eagles’ offense, especially with ongoing rumors that AJ Brown might be traded to the New England Patriots after June 1.
“We’re getting a younger, cheaper, faster player with a great attitude,” Reinebold said. “He’ll be a hero in Philadelphia and will make Jalen Hurts even better.” Analysts had compared Lemon to Detroit Lions wideout Amon‑Ra St.
Brown before the draft, and now he will line up alongside DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and quarterback Jalen Hurts to revitalize an offense that faced heavy criticism last season. “He came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right there and then,” said Eagles analyst Reynolds. “He looked tough, competitive, and he said these Eagles fans are getting a dog.
He’s the kind of gritty player the fanbase will love.” The Rams’ decision to select Simpson reflects a broader trend in the league: teams are increasingly willing to gamble on high‑upside, less‑proven talent in the middle of the first round, hoping to develop a quarterback who can eventually lead the franchise. While some critics argue that the Rams should have stuck with the safety of a proven veteran, others see Simpson as a potential long‑term solution who can grow under the tutelage of a Hall‑of‑Fame‑caliber offensive coordinator and a seasoned mentor like Stafford.
As the draft moves into its final day, fans can continue to follow the action live on Sky Sports Main Event, Action, and Mix, with day three concluding on Saturday afternoon. The selections made on Thursday night will undoubtedly be dissected for weeks to come, as analysts and fans alike try to gauge whether the Rams’ surprise pick will pay off or become another footnote in the annals of NFL Draft surprises.