In a nearly unprecedented situation, the Los Angeles Rams found themselves with a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft and used it to shock the football world.
With the No. 13 pick, Sean McVay and company called up Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson to potentially be their heir to Matthew Stafford. Despite being the consensus No. 2 quarterback in the draft, Simpson’s early exit from the draft board is surprising, with most analysts projecting a late first-round or even early second-round landing
spot for the Crimson Tide’s one-year starter.
While it’s a shock to the NFL world, it appears this decision was made early this morning as McVay called Stafford to reassure him about the pick, according to FOX’s Jay Glazer.
In his one year starting for Alabama, Simpson posted 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 64% of his passes. He’ll get to sit behind Stafford for at least the upcoming season before the Rams are faced with a difficult decision at the sport’s most important position.
