The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, positioning him as the heir apparent to Matthew Stafford, who is entering his final season under contract. The move signals the Rams' long-term vision, despite their current Super Bowl contender status.
Core Facts:
- The Rams traded up to select Simpson, who started only 15 games at Alabama but impressed with 3,567 passing yards and 28 touchdowns in 2025.
- Stafford, 38, remains the starter for 2026, but his future beyond that season is uncertain.
Deeper Context:
Stafford’s Uncertain Future: Stafford has flirted with retirement in recent offseasons, and the Rams are preparing for his eventual departure. The team also has Stetson Bennett on the roster, though he is not seen as a long-term solution.
Simpson’s Development Path: Simpson will learn under Stafford and coach Sean McVay, who led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 2021 and a near-repeat in 2025. The Rams have a strong roster, including recent additions like Trent McDuffie, making them favorites for Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium.
Draft Strategy: The Rams have historically prioritized immediate roster improvements over long-term drafting, but this pick suggests a shift in philosophy. The selection was seen as a surprise by some analysts, who noted Simpson was not universally regarded as a first-round prospect.
Competing Perspectives: Some analysts argue the Rams could have addressed immediate needs with the 13th pick, while others praise the move as a forward-thinking investment in a weak quarterback class.