The Los Angeles Rams have selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson as the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a decision made official on April 23, 2026, following a trade with the Atlanta Falcons.
Why it matters: Simpson’s selection marks a strategic move for the Rams as they look to build for the future. With veteran Matthew Stafford potentially nearing the end of his career, the Rams aim to secure their quarterback position for years to come.
The Rams traded up to the 13th spot to secure Simpson, who was highly regarded following an impressive college career.
Head coach Sean McVay expressed excitement about Simpson’s potential impact on the team.
Simpson is expected to learn from Stafford, who has been a key player for the Rams since joining the team.
Driving the news: The Rams made the announcement during the first round of the draft, where they highlighted Simpson's skills and leadership qualities as reasons for their choice.
General manager Les Snead and McVay communicated directly with Simpson during the draft call, emphasizing their enthusiasm about bringing him to Los Angeles.
In a video shared by the Rams, Simpson can be heard expressing his eagerness to join the team, saying, "Excited to get to work with you!"
State of play: Simpson’s selection comes at a time when the Rams are looking to revitalize their roster after a challenging season.
The team hopes that Simpson's addition will spark a new era, especially as they transition away from relying solely on Stafford.
Simpson’s performance at Alabama showcased his ability to handle pressure and lead effectively, attributes the Rams find valuable.
The big picture: The Rams are focused on building a competitive team capable of contending for championships in the coming years.
With Simpson on board, the Rams are aiming to create a balanced offense that can adapt to various game situations.
McVay’s track record of developing quarterbacks bodes well for Simpson’s growth and adjustment to the NFL.
What they're saying: Reactions from fans and analysts have been largely positive, with many praising the Rams for their bold decision.
Fans took to social media to express their excitement over the Rams' choice, highlighting Simpson’s college achievements.
Analysts noted that pairing Simpson with Stafford could provide a unique mentorship opportunity.
By the numbers: Simpson was the third quarterback selected in the first round of the 2026 draft.
He completed 67% of his passes in his final season at Alabama, throwing for 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns.
His performance earned him numerous accolades, solidifying his status as a top prospect.
Between the lines: The Rams' decision to draft a quarterback indicates a shift in their long-term strategy.
By securing Simpson, the Rams are not just thinking about immediate results but also about sustainable success.
Simpson’s development under McVay could redefine the Rams’ offensive strategy moving forward.
What's next: Simpson is expected to participate in the Rams' offseason workouts, where he will begin acclimating to the NFL environment.
The Rams will focus on integrating him into their offensive schemes and preparing him for the upcoming season.
As Simpson learns from Stafford, fans closely to see how quickly he adapts to the professional level.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not represent independently verified reporting.