The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night added another headline‑grabbing surprise in the form of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Going into the draft, analysts were split down the middle: some projected Simpson as a late first‑round talent, while others doubted he would even hear his name called before the second round. In the end, the Los Angeles Rams defied the consensus, selecting Simpson with the 13th overall pick.
This decision sparked a flurry of debate, divided opinions, and a noticeably restrained reaction from Rams head coach Sean McVay, who appeared unusually subdued during the post‑draft coverage. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment perfectly on the Inside the Huddle podcast, saying, "I can't use the exact words from the broadcast, but essentially, are you kidding me?" Reinebold suggested that even McVay seemed taken aback by the Rams' move. "It really knocked me for a loop," he continued. "I spent the rest of the draft trying to make sense of it.
I thought, okay, we have Matthew Stafford with two years left, and we need a solid transition plan." Reinebold broke down the Rams' evaluation process, noting that the team weighed six games of strong film against nine games that were less impressive. He also highlighted the roster context: the Rams have a receiver, Puka Nacua, currently rehabbing, and a veteran deep‑slot threat in Davante Adams, who is nearing the end of his career. In that mix, the Rams saw Simpson as a perfect fit, ticking enough boxes to justify a long‑term commitment. Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by veteran Matthew Stafford, a 38‑year‑old who just came off an MVP‑caliber season that brought the Rams within a single game of the Super Bowl.
Simpson's college résumé includes a single full season as a starter for the Crimson Tide, where he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions over 15 starts. The season was a tale of two halves; he finished strong, throwing seven touchdowns to four picks, but his early‑season struggles raised questions about his draft stock. Reinebold emphasized his belief in body language, observing that McVay, usually known for his upbeat demeanor, was the opposite of his usual self when discussing Simpson. "He's not the guy you expect to see on the podium talking about this pick," Reinebold said.
The Rams also retain other quarterback options. Stetson Bennett, drafted in the third round 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, noting both had limited college playing time but possess accuracy and sound mechanics, even if they lack elite arm strength or standout physical traits.
"If you're going to take one, you might as well take the one who checks more boxes," he added. Another dramatic moment unfolded when USC wide receiver Makai Lemon was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot. Lemon had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who seemed poised to take him at No.
21, but Eagles general manager Howie Roseman traded up to seize him before the Steelers could act. This move came amid rumors that the Eagles might consider trading star receiver A.J.
Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1. Reinebold praised Roseman's maneuver, calling it "incredible" and noting that the Eagles were looking for a younger, cheaper, faster receiver with a strong work ethic to complement quarterback Jalen Hurts. "He'll be a hero there," Reinebold predicted, envisioning Lemon boosting the Eagles' offense alongside talents like DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley and Hurts himself. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions wideout Amon‑Ra St.
Brown, and his arrival in Philadelphia is expected to add a new dimension to 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 former player Reynolds. "He looks tough, competitive, and the fans will love his gritty style." The Rams' decision to draft Simpson reflects a broader strategic shift. With Stafford nearing the end of his tenure, the team appears to be constructing a pipeline that blends veteran leadership with youthful potential.
Simpson's skill set—accuracy, poise in the pocket, and a solid football IQ—aligns with McVay's offensive philosophy, which values quick decision‑making and precise route execution. While Simpson may not possess the cannon arm of a prototypical first‑round quarterback, his developmental trajectory and familiarity with a winning culture at Alabama could make him a valuable asset in the Rams' long‑term plans. For fans eager to follow the unfolding drama, day two of the NFL Draft began at midnight on Friday, streaming live across Sky Sports Main Event, Action, and Mix.
The draft concluded on Saturday with day three coverage starting at 5 p.m. on Sky Sports Action, offering a comprehensive look at how each team shaped its future roster through surprise picks, strategic trades, and calculated risks.