Rams Surprise with Ty Simpson Draft Pick
Matthew Stafford, fresh off winning NFL MVP, received an unconventional reward—a watch crafted in the likeness of Ty Simpson.
In a surprising move during the first round of the NFL Draft, the Rams selected Simpson as the 13th overall pick. This choice put to rest the expectation that Alabama’s quarterback might linger into the second round before being chosen.
This situation mirrors a previous incident in 2024 when the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a lucrative deal but then drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th overall pick, creating a complicated quarterback situation.
However, the Rams seem to have avoided that pitfall. They informed the 38-year-old Stafford that while drafting Simpson was on the table, his starting position remains secure as long as he wants it. Only time will tell if that’s still true come fall, especially with the weight of a Super Bowl contender’s expectations. Simpson, after all, played four seasons at Alabama, starting 15 games last season.
On another note, Rams backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is contemplating retirement.
Before the draft, Simpson’s father, a former high school coach, apparently sought advice from Rams GM Les Snead about how his son might be perceived in the NFL. While there was speculation that Simpson could be a first-round pick, Snead’s involvement seemed to stem from a personal interest.
It’s worth noting that Simpson was a one-year starter at Alabama. Historically, quarterbacks who have started fewer than 30 games in college have had mixed success in the NFL.
A review of quarterbacks selected in the first or second round from 2021 to 2025 reveals that 12 out of 20 started fewer than 30 college games. Only Drake Maye and CJ Stroud have made it to the Pro Bowl so far, but the list includes other notable names like Bryce Young, JJ McCarthy, and Zach Wilson—some of whom have seen more ups and downs than expected.
Here are five additional observations from the first round.
1. Cardinals Make a Big Move
The Cardinals selected Jeremiah Love as their highest draft pick since 2018, offering him a four-year, $50.5 million contract. This includes the highest guarantees ever given to a running back, along with an average annual salary placing him among the top of his position.
Clearly, the Cardinals were in need of a key player and someone to represent the franchise, and Love fits the bill.
2. Competing Coaches
Brian Daboll and Robert Saleh, both coaches previously in New York, seem to have differing vibes. Saleh, with his defense-focused approach, appears to take a backseat to Daboll’s offensive strategy.
The Titans caused quite a stir by picking receiver Colonel Tate with the 4th overall pick instead of a defensive quarterback, especially after securing Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency. Priorities evidently shifted towards ensuring that the future No. 1 pick, Cam Ward, has the necessary tools for success.
3. Ohio State Dominance
Four players from Ohio State were chosen in the first 11 picks: Tate, edge/linebacker Arbel Reese, linebacker Sonny Stiles, and safety Caleb Downs. Many Ohio State fans might argue Downs is the top talent, and it’s interesting that he was the last of the group to be picked.
There were plenty of mock drafts suggesting that the Giants would choose either Stiles or Downs, and now they are set to compete against each other in the NFC East.
The Cowboys, known for their strong drafting, traded to move up and secure a key player for their defensive needs.
4. Early Offensive Line Picks
The draft saw a surge of offensive linemen starting around the 14th pick. In total, seven offensive linemen were selected within the first 21 picks, marking the highest number since 2013.
5. Another NFC East Trade
Reflecting back to 2021, when the likes of DeVonta Smith and Micah Parsons were chosen in the first round, the NFC East rivals repeated history. The Eagles moved up to select receiver Makai Lemon, while the Cowboys strategically picked pass rusher Malachi Lawrence three spots later.
