Malaise chez les Rams après leur choix au repêchage? | JDQ – Journal de Québec

The Los Angeles Rams’ decision to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft has sparked immediate debate among fans and analysts, with many questioning whether the move represents a strategic necessity or a premature gamble given the team’s current quarterback situation.

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, the Rams made a bold selection that surprised many draft observers. As reported by multiple sources including AP News and Sportsnet, the team chose Simpson despite his not being widely projected as a first-round prospect on several draft boards. This decision came shortly after quarterback Matthew Stafford, the 2021 NFL MVP, publicly confirmed his intention to return to the Rams for the 2026 season and beyond.

Rams general manager Les Snead defended the pick by emphasizing Simpson’s perseverance developed during his three years as a backup to Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe at Alabama. Snead specifically cited “the perseverance that you have when you go through hard things” as a key factor in the evaluation, noting how Simpson remained ready despite limited playing time behind two highly-touted quarterbacks.

Head coach Sean McVay was quick to clarify the team’s immediate quarterback hierarchy, stating unequivocally: “Let’s create one thing clear: This is Matthew’s team.” McVay further explained that Simpson would initially compete with Stetson Bennett for the backup role behind Stafford, indicating the selection was made with long-term succession planning in mind rather than immediate starting considerations.

The selection represents only the second time in the past decade that the Rams have used a first-round pick on a quarterback, underscoring the significance of the decision for the franchise’s future direction. While Stafford has already announced his return for next season, the Rams appear to be proactively addressing the eventual transition from their veteran quarterback, who will be 38 years old entering the 2026 season.

Simpson himself expressed surprise at being selected in the first round, noting he had minimal pre-draft contact with the Rams organization. In his remarks following the selection, he stated: “The fact that an organization like the Los Angeles Rams believed in me and took a chance on me is just something that I’m so grateful for,” reflecting both his gratitude and the unexpected nature of the selection.

As the Rams navigate the immediate aftermath of this draft decision, the team faces the challenge of integrating a young quarterback into a roster built around an established veteran while maintaining team cohesion and competitive focus for the upcoming season. The selection has initiated conversations about the balance between planning for the future and maximizing the present window of contention with Stafford still at the helm.

The Rams’ next official step will be the commencement of rookie minicamp and organized team activities, where Simpson will begin his integration into the team’s quarterback room and compete for a position in the depth chart behind Stafford and Bennett.

Share your thoughts on the Rams’ quarterback strategy and join the conversation about the team’s approach to balancing immediate competitiveness with future planning.