Grading Rams' selection of QB Ty Simpson in Round 1

The Los Angeles Rams have their next franchise quarterback. Or, at least they hope they do.

With the 13th overall pick, the Rams drafted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. It was viewed as a reach by many, with most analysts believing Simpson would go late in the first round or fall out of the top 32 picks. However, Sean McVay and Les Snead must feel confident in the former Crimson Tide signal caller – confident enough to use their earliest pick since 2016 on him.

The reactions were predictably negative among Rams fans. It’s clear most of them did not want Simpson in L.A. Analysts are more on board with it, taking a broader view of the selection and seeing it as a chance to prepare for the future with a roster that’s ready to win a title now.

McVay and Snead have nailed too many picks in the past to question the process with this selection. But on the surface, and given the overall view of Simpson as a prospect, it did feel a bit early.

Simpson didn’t look like a first-round prospect in the second half of last season. He struggled to read coverages, his accuracy dropped off and he didn’t look as comfortable on intermediate and deep throws.

But the Rams are banking on the theory that they’re getting the guy they saw in the first half of the year – the quarterback who had 20 touchdown passes and one interception in the first eight games.

The only way this pick works out is if Simpson becomes an above-average starter for the Rams by 2028. If he has to sit and wait for two years before being handed the reins and then still struggles, it’ll be viewed as a colossal failure by the Rams’ front office.

The good news is, he couldn’t have landed in a better situation. Matthew Stafford is the reigning MVP and the perfect person for Simpson to learn from. He’s seen every coverage and defensive scheme there is. He’s played under center and out of the shotgun. He’s been play-action heavy and in a straight drop-back offense.

There’s nothing Stafford can’t teach Simpson. It’s now up to Simpson to develop under the tutelage of Stafford, McVay and QBs coach Dave Ragone. Time will tell how this selection pans out but it’s hard to blame the Rams for preparing for life after Stafford. The Packers did it with Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. The Chiefs did it with Alex Smith.

Simpson will be one of the rare first-round quarterbacks with a chance to sit and learn, which should work in his favor.

Grade: C

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2026 NFL Draft grades: Rams select QB Ty Simpson 13th overall