The NFL Draft never fails to deliver surprises, and Thursday night’s selections produced perhaps the most jaw‑dropping moment of the entire event: the Los Angeles Rams reaching for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. Simpson’s draft stock had been a subject of heated 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 sparked a flurry of commentary, division among fans, and a noticeably subdued response from head coach Sean McVay, who appeared almost uncharacteristically restrained. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the collective disbelief on the "Inside the Huddle" podcast, saying, "I can’t repeat the exact words from the podcast, but essentially, are you kidding me?" He suggested that McVay himself might have been taken aback by the selection, noting that the move “really knocked me for a loop.” Reinebold explained that he spent the remainder of the draft trying to rationalize the pick, weighing the Rams’ existing quarterback situation—veteran Matthew Stafford with two years left on his contract and a clear transition plan—against the potential of a rookie who had shown flashes of brilliance but also displayed inconsistency. Reinebold broke down Simpson’s college résumé: after sitting behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, Simpson started only one full season. In 15 starts he completed 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions.
The numbers suggest solid production, yet his performance waned in the latter half of the season, where he threw seven touchdowns against four interceptions, raising questions about his readiness for the NFL. The Rams’ front office, however, saw something they liked. Reinebold recounted a conversation where the team evaluated wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was also a recent draft pick, and concluded that Simpson “checked enough boxes” to merit a long‑term commitment.
The Rams already have a deep receiver corps—Puka Nacua is currently rehabbing, veteran Davante Adams is nearing the end of his career, and Lemon adds youthful speed—so the addition of a quarterback with a strong football IQ and poise could be the missing piece. Simpson will now join a quarterback room led by Matthew Stafford, the 38‑year‑old who just came off an MVP‑caliber season that nearly delivered a Super Bowl appearance.
The presence of seasoned veterans like Stafford and third‑round pick Stetson Bennett (selected from Georgia in 2023) provides a safety net for Simpson’s development. Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly contemplating retirement, potentially opening another slot for the rookie to earn snaps.
Reinebold compared Bennett and Simpson, noting that both are “players who didn’t get a ton of college reps, have good mechanics, are accurate, but don’t necessarily wow with raw arm talent or physical gifts.” He argued that the Rams’ decision to take Simpson reflects a strategic shift: rather than chasing a prototypical cannon‑arm quarterback, they opted for a player with composure, leadership qualities, and a willingness to learn. The draft night also featured drama surrounding USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at the 20th overall spot after a last‑minute trade. Lemon had been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were poised to take him at No.
21, but Eagles GM Howie Roseman moved up to snatch him. Reinebold praised Roseman’s maneuver, calling him “incredible” and suggesting the move could reshape Philadelphia’s offense, especially with ongoing speculation about a possible trade of A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1. Analysts had drawn parallels between Lemon and Detroit Lions star Amon‑Ra St.
Brown, emphasizing Lemon’s speed and play‑making ability. Once in Philadelphia, Lemon will join a receiving group that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and quarterback Jalen Hurts—an offense that faced heavy criticism last season but now looks poised for a resurgence. Reinebold quoted Eagles insider Reynolds, who said Lemon arrived with a “dog‑like” intensity, ready to make big plays and energize the fan base.
Beyond the headline picks, the draft underscored a broader trend: teams are increasingly valuing intangibles such as body language, football IQ, and cultural fit over sheer athleticism. Reinebold highlighted McVay’s normally upbeat demeanor, noting that his unusually restrained reaction to Simpson’s selection may signal a deeper strategic calculation rather than simple surprise. For fans wanting to follow the action, Sky Sports will broadcast day two of the draft from midnight on Friday across its Main Event, Action, and Mix channels, with the final day concluding on Saturday at 5 p.m. on Sky Sports Action.
Those interested in streaming can do so without a contract, and the Sky Sports app provides additional access, including a WhatsApp channel for updates. In summary, the Rams’ bold move to take Ty Simpson at No.
13 reflects a calculated gamble on a quarterback who combines accuracy, poise, and a willingness to grow within a veteran‑laden environment. While the pick sparked immediate debate and left many analysts scrambling for explanations, it also illustrates the evolving philosophy of NFL front offices that prioritize fit and potential over traditional metrics. Whether Simpson will evolve into a franchise leader or become a footnote remains to be seen, but his selection has already injected a fresh narrative into the 2024 draft story.