The Los Angeles Rams delivered one of the most surprising selections of the 2026 NFL Draft’s opening round in Pittsburgh, choosing Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. The move sent ripples through Acrisure Stadium as analysts and fans alike reacted to a decision few had projected for the Rams, who entered the night with Matthew Stafford firmly entrenched as their starting quarterback.
According to the Rams’ official draft tracker, the team announced Simpson as their first-round selection shortly after the pick was made, with video footage showing the quarterback receiving the call on stage. Simpson, who played his college football at Alabama, expressed disbelief at being selected by Los Angeles but emphasized his excitement about the opportunity to learn from Stafford and perform under head coach Sean McVay.
The Rams’ official website featured multiple angles of the moment, including Simpson’s reaction to being chosen, his comments about his father’s influence on his development, and highlights from his time at Alabama. In one clip, Simpson said he “couldn’t ask for a better situation” upon joining the Rams, noting the chance to develop behind a veteran quarterback in a proven offensive system.
Sporting News highlighted the selection as a defining moment of the first round, labeling it a “stunner” that shifted perceptions of the Rams’ draft strategy. The outlet noted that while other surprise moves occurred — such as the Arizona Cardinals selecting running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 and the Dallas Cowboys trading up for safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 — the Rams’ choice of Simpson stood out due to the quarterback position already being filled by a recent NFL MVP.
The Rams entered the 2026 draft with a clear need to address defensive depth and offensive line consistency, according to pre-draft analyses from multiple sports outlets. Instead, they opted to add a young quarterback to their roster, a decision that invites questions about their long-term plans at the position. Stafford, who won the NFL MVP award in 2025, remains under contract with the team through at least the 2027 season, though no official details about extensions or succession planning have been released by the franchise.
Simpson’s collegiate career at Alabama included appearances in high-stakes games, though specific statistics from his final season were not detailed in the verified sources available. His selection marks him as one of the few quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2026 draft who did not win a major national award like the Heisman Trophy — that honor went to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who was selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The 2026 NFL Draft began on Thursday night in Pittsburgh, with Rounds 2 and 3 scheduled for Friday evening and Rounds 4 through 7 set for Saturday afternoon. The Rams are expected to continue addressing roster needs in the subsequent rounds, particularly on defense and along the offensive line, where depth has been a concern entering the latest league year.
For fans following the draft, the Rams’ official website provided a real-time tracker of all their selections, updated throughout the event with video interviews, articles, and photos of each pick. The team encouraged engagement through its digital platforms, inviting supporters to share reactions using official team hashtags.
The selection of Ty Simpson adds another layer to the Rams’ ongoing narrative of balancing immediate competitiveness with future flexibility. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on how Simpson integrates into the quarterback room and whether his development accelerates under McVay’s offensive scheme.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft, including analysis of Day 2 selections and how each team’s choices may shape the upcoming season.
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