The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night’s selections provided perhaps the most startling surprise of the entire event: Ty Simpson. The Alabama quarterback had been the subject of wildly divergent forecasts as the draft approached. Some experts 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 when the Los Angeles Rams reached for Simpson with the 13th overall pick, sparking a flurry of debate, division among analysts, and a noticeably subdued reaction from the usually exuberant Rams head coach, Sean McVay.
Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold captured the sentiment perfectly during his appearance on the "Inside the Huddle" podcast. "I can’t quote the exact words from the podcast, but essentially, are you kidding me?" Reinebold said, indicating that McVay appeared genuinely surprised by the Rams’ decision to select Simpson at that spot. He admitted the pick threw him for a loop and forced him to re‑evaluate the Rams’ entire draft strategy.
"I spent the rest of the draft trying to make sense of it. I thought, okay, we have Matthew Stafford for another two years, and we need a transition plan," Reinebold explained. "There are six games of solid film and nine games that are, frankly, not great." Reinebold went on to compare Simpson with the Rams’ other receiving options, noting that the team already has a receiver in rehabilitation (Puka Nacua) and a veteran stalwart in Davante Adams, who is nearing the end of his career. Yet, the Rams saw something in Simpson that fit their long‑term blueprint.
"I looked at Makai Lemon and thought, ‘that’s a perfect fit.’ You can never have too many good receivers, and Simpson checked enough boxes for us to commit to him for the future," Reinebold said. Simpson now joins a quarterback room anchored by 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, who is coming off an MVP‑caliber season that saw him one game shy of a Super Bowl appearance. After spending his college years as a backup to Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, Simpson only started one full season.
In that year he completed 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions over 15 starts. The season was a tale of two halves: early success gave way to a late‑season slump where he threw seven touchdowns against four interceptions, raising questions about his draft stock. Reinebold emphasized the importance of body language in evaluating a player, noting that McVay’s normally upbeat demeanor was notably absent when discussing Simpson.
"Sean McVay is usually very gregarious and positive, but he wasn’t the guy stepping up to the podium to talk about Ty Simpson," Reinebold observed. The Rams still have other quarterback options on the roster. Stetson Bennett, a third‑round pick out of Georgia in 2023, remains in the mix, while veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly weighing retirement. Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, saying, "Both are guys who didn’t see a ton of playing time in college.
They’re accurate, have good mechanics, but they won’t wow you with raw arm strength or extraordinary physical gifts. If you’re going to take one, you need to know what you’re getting." The night also featured drama surrounding USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, who was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at 20th overall. Lemon had been on the phone with the Pittsburgh Steelers, apparently poised to fall to them at the 21st pick, when Eagles general manager Howie Roseman traded up to secure him. This move came amid speculation 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” and noting that the Eagles were looking for a younger, cheaper, faster receiver with a strong work ethic to complement Jalen Hurts. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions wideout Amon‑Ra St Brown, but now he will join a Philadelphia offense that includes DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and Hurts himself. "He came in looking like he wanted to start playing a game right then and there," said Eagles analyst Reynolds.
"He looks tough, competitive, and the fans will love his gritty style." The Rams’ decision to draft Simpson has broader implications for their future. With Stafford expected to play out the next two seasons, the Rams appear to be constructing a clear succession plan.
Simpson’s skill set—accurate short‑to‑intermediate throws, poise in the pocket, and a quick release—aligns with the Rams’ offensive philosophy under McVay, which emphasizes timing routes and precision rather than pure arm strength. Moreover, his experience in a pro‑style system at Alabama should ease his transition to the NFL. While some critics argue that Simpson’s limited starting experience makes him a gamble, others point to his performance against top SEC defenses as evidence of his readiness. In games against LSU and Georgia, he displayed the ability to read complex coverages and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage, traits that McVay values highly.
Additionally, his modest turnover rate—five interceptions in 15 starts—suggests he makes careful decisions with the ball, an essential quality for a rookie quarterback entering a high‑pressure environment. The Rams also have a solid supporting cast to aid Simpson’s development.
Veteran offensive linemen like Andrew Whitworth (though now retired, his mentorship remains valuable) and current starters provide protection, while the receiving corps—comprising Nacua, Adams, and Lemon—offers a blend of veteran savvy and youthful explosiveness. This environment should give Simpson ample opportunity to grow without being thrust into the spotlight prematurely.
In summary, the Rams’ selection of Ty Simpson at 13th overall was a bold move that caught many observers off guard. It reflects a strategic decision to invest in a quarterback who fits the team’s long‑term vision, even if his immediate impact may be limited. As the draft continues and the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see whether this surprise pick pays dividends and how quickly Simpson can adapt to the professional level. The drama of the draft, the strategic trades, and the nuanced evaluations of talent all underscore why the NFL Draft remains one of the most captivating events in sports each year.