Rams Draft Ty Simpson in Surprise First-Round Twist Amid Matthew Stafford Era
After weeks of speculation, the Los Angeles Rams used the 13th pick in this year’s draft to select former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
Simpson will immediately step in as the understudy and potential successor to reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford.
The selection marked the first time in a decade that the Rams picked an offensive player in the first round, with the last time being Jared Goff with the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
They are also the first team to have a quarterback win the MVP award, then draft a quarterback in the first round in the following NFL Draft, since the Green Bay Packers did so in 1967.
Following the move, Simpson expressed his excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead for him in Los Angeles.
“Two of the greatest minds in offense, especially with Coach McVay and the quarterbacks from an offensive standpoint,” Simpson told ESPN. “And then Matthew is just one of the greatest of all time. So, I’m looking forward to it.”
Simpson is coming off a productive campaign, where he threw for 3,567 yards on a 64.7 percent completion rate with 28 touchdown passes.
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He’s heading into a situation where he won’t be expected to start right away, as the Rams are reportedly allowing Stafford to dictate the final chapter of his career. Simpson will have the opportunity to learn behind one of the league’s top quarterbacks and head coaches.
The Rams also have Stetson Bennett on the roster ahead of the 2026 season.
