The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night offered perhaps the most surprising of all: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Heading into the draft, analysts were split on Simpson's projected slot.
Some believed he could slip into the late first round, while others doubted he would even crack the top thirty‑two picks. In the end, the Los Angeles Rams defied the consensus and grabbed him with the 13th overall pick, a move that sparked instant debate among fans and pundits alike.
The reaction from Rams head coach Sean McVay was notably restrained, a stark contrast to his usual exuberant demeanor. Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment on the Inside the Huddle podcast, saying, "I can't use the exact words from the broadcast, but essentially, are you kidding me?" He speculated that McVay might have been taken aback by the decision, noting that the pick forced the Rams to rethink their entire draft strategy. Reinebold explained his own thought process during the draft. He had imagined a scenario where the Rams would stick with veteran Matthew Stafford for another two seasons, using the remaining picks to build a smooth transition plan.
"There were six games of solid film and nine games that were less impressive," he said, highlighting the mixed tape that likely contributed to the uncertainty surrounding Simpson. When the Rams selected wide receiver Makai Lemon shortly after, Reinebold saw a logical fit: "You have a receiver in rehab—Puka Nacua—and you can never have too many reliable targets. Add a veteran like Davante Adams at the tail end of his career, and suddenly Ty Simpson looks like a piece that checks enough boxes for a long‑term commitment." Simpson now joins a quarterback room led by the 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, fresh off an MVP‑caliber season that saw him one game shy of a Super Bowl appearance.
Simpson's college résumé is modest but respectable. After serving as a backup to Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he earned the starting role for a single season. Over 15 starts, he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns against five interceptions.
The season was a tale of two halves; his early performances were strong, but he faltered toward the end, tossing seven touchdowns to four interceptions and raising questions about his draft stock. Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language in evaluating players, noting that McVay, typically upbeat and gregarious, appeared unusually subdued when discussing Simpson. "That wasn't the Sean McVay we know," Reinebold observed, suggesting the pick may have been more calculated than emotional.
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, saying, "Both are quarterbacks who didn't log a massive number of college starts. They're accurate, they have sound mechanics, but they aren't going to wow you with raw arm strength or athleticism.
If you have to choose one, the decision comes down to nuance." The draft night also featured a dramatic moment involving USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. Initially believed to be heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers at the 21st spot, Lemon was instead snatched by the Philadelphia Eagles, who traded up to the 20th pick. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman orchestrated the move, prompting Reinebold to praise Roseman's savvy: "I don't want to call him a genius—that's too strong—but he's definitely incredible." Roseman's maneuver came amid speculation that the Eagles might trade star receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1.
Reinebold speculated that the Eagles were seeking a younger, cheaper, and faster weapon to complement quarterback Jalen Hurts. "He's going to be a hero there, an absolute hero, and he'll make Hurts better," he said, underscoring the strategic intent behind the pick. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions wideout Amon‑Ra St.
Brown, and now Lemon will join a Philadelphia offense that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and Hurts himself. Eagles analyst Reynolds noted Lemon's immediate impact: "He came on looking like he wanted to start playing a game right then and there. He looked tough, competitive, and he said these Eagles fans are getting a dog.
You feel like he's that kind of player—hard‑nosed, ready to make plays, and exactly the type of personality the fan base will love." Overall, the Rams' decision to select Ty Simpson at 13 sparked a cascade of reactions, from surprise to strategic analysis. It forced observers to reconsider the team's short‑term plans with Stafford and the long‑term development of a young quarterback who, despite limited starting experience, possesses a solid foundation and the confidence of a coach willing to invest in his potential. Meanwhile, the Eagles' bold trade‑up for Lemon highlighted how quickly draft narratives can shift when general managers act decisively.
Fans can continue to follow the unfolding story as the draft concludes on day three, with live coverage available on Sky Sports Main Event, Action, and Mix.