The NFL Draft never fails to deliver a few jaw‑dropping moments, and Thursday night produced perhaps the most startling surprise of the entire event: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Heading into draft week, analysts were split on Simpson’s projected slot. Some argued he belonged late in the first round, while others doubted he would even break into the top thirty‑two picks.
In the end, the consensus proved wrong when the Los Angeles Rams reached for him with the 13th overall selection. The pick instantly ignited a flurry of debate among fans and pundits alike, and it also seemed to catch Rams head coach Sean McVay off‑guard. In a post‑draft interview on Sky Sports’ "Inside the Huddle," commentator Jeff Reinebold tried to convey McVay’s reaction without quoting him directly, saying, “I can’t use the exact words from the podcast, but essentially, are you kidding me?” Reinebold speculated that McVay was genuinely surprised by the decision, noting that the Rams had been expected to stick with a more conventional plan centered around veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Reinebold explained his own thought process during the later rounds: “I spent the rest of the draft trying to make sense of it. I was thinking, ‘Okay, we have Stafford for two more years, and then we’ll have a transition plan.’” He added that the Rams had a mixed tape of Simpson’s college play – six games of solid performance balanced against nine games that raised concerns.
The Rams, however, apparently saw enough upside to commit a high first‑round pick to the young signal‑caller. The Rams’ quarterback room now features a 38‑year‑old Matthew Stafford, who entered the 2023 season fresh off an MVP‑caliber campaign that brought the team within a single game of the Super Bowl.
Joining them is Stetson Bennett, a third‑round pick out of Georgia in 2023, and the veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who is reportedly weighing retirement. Reinebold drew a parallel between Bennett and Simpson, saying, “Both didn’t log a ton of snaps in college, both are accurate and have good mechanics, but they don’t wow with raw arm strength or elite athleticism.” He suggested that the Rams might be looking for a different type of quarterback to complement their existing roster. Simpson’s college résumé reflects a modest but respectable body of work. After serving as a backup to Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama, he earned the starting role for a single season.
In that year he completed 305 of 473 attempts for 3,567 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns against five interceptions over 15 starts. The season unfolded in two distinct halves: an early stretch of efficient play gave way to a later period where he threw seven touchdowns but also four interceptions, prompting lingering questions about his draft stock. Beyond the quarterback discussion, the draft night also featured a dramatic moment involving USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. The Eagles, who had been eyeing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 21st pick, leapt ahead to the 20th spot to secure Lemon before the Steelers could act.
General Manager Howie Roseman’s maneuver was described by Reinebold as “incredible,” though he stopped short of calling it genius. The move came amid swirling rumors that the Philadelphia Eagles might consider trading star receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1.
Reinebold suggested that acquiring a younger, cheaper, and faster receiver like Lemon could give the Eagles a fresh weapon to complement quarterback Jalen Hurts, potentially elevating Hurts’ performance. Analysts had previously compared Lemon to Detroit Lions’ standout Amon‑Ra St.
Brown, noting similar size and play‑making ability. Once drafted, Lemon was praised for his immediate readiness, with commentator Reynolds noting, “He looked tough, competitive, and eager to jump into a game right then and there.” The sentiment echoed the excitement of Eagles fans, who anticipate that Lemon’s gritty style will resonate with the city’s passionate fan base. The Rams’ decision to invest a high pick in Simpson signals a strategic shift. While many expected the team to focus on bolstering the receiving corps or adding defensive depth, they instead chose to secure a potential long‑term successor to Stafford.
The move suggests that Los Angeles is willing to gamble on a quarterback with limited starting experience but a strong football IQ and solid mechanics. If Simpson can translate his college accuracy to the professional level and develop under the tutelage of a seasoned veteran like Stafford, he could become a valuable asset for the Rams’ future. For fans who missed the live action, day two of the NFL Draft continued into the early hours of Friday, with coverage on Sky Sports Main Event, Action, and Mix. The event wrapped up on Saturday with the final round, delivering a mix of surprise picks, strategic trades, and the ever‑present speculation that defines the NFL’s annual talent showcase.
The Rams’ bold selection of Ty Simpson will undoubtedly be dissected in the weeks to come, as analysts assess whether the gamble pays off or becomes another draft cautionary tale.