PITTSBURGH — Rams’ Surprising Pick in NFL Draft

The Rams made quite a splash during the NFL draft by selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. This choice comes with its fair share of skepticism, particularly considering that Simpson may not step onto the field until 2028. Given the team’s Super Bowl-or-bust mentality, it’s an unexpected move.

Fans and critics alike were likely left with mixed reactions, from outrage to humor, regarding Simpson’s selection. Still, the Rams’ decision to take a long-term view could pay off, potentially redefining their path to future success.

Good organizations tend to look beyond the immediate future—planning for days, weeks, or even years ahead. By prioritizing a sustainable approach, the Rams could ensure a more enduring success rather than fleeting achievements.

If Simpson lives up to the team’s expectations—which, let’s face it, they wouldn’t have picked him at No. 13 if they didn’t believe in his potential—he might someday succeed Stafford as the team’s starter. This transition, when it happens, may be more understated than dramatic, but that could actually be a good thing. It highlights the solid foundation that general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay have built over the years.

Being able to focus on Simpson might also allow the Rams to strategically think about a crucial position on the field, which could prevent a sharp decline when Stafford eventually retires. A lot of factors will influence this outcome, but the priority will be on Simpson realizing his talent and McVay’s coaching pushing him to excel. With a roster as deep as the Rams’, it was wise to seize this opportunity now because landing a quarterback of Simpson’s caliber isn’t always a given.

Had the Rams not addressed their cornerback shortcomings in the early days of free agency, this draft choice may have come with even more scrutiny. Instead, they fortified their roster by trading for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and signing Jalen Watson from the Chiefs, giving them the flexibility to consider long-term strategies at the 13th pick.

While the Rams have a talented roster, there’s no certainty that their later-round picks would make a meaningful impact in 2025. Any player chosen at that point would have had to fight hard just for a chance to play.

The Rams clearly understood that their selection would provoke criticism across media and social platforms—from Pittsburgh to the West Coast. Fan reactions likely range from shock to outright discontent.

In summary, during the first round of the 2026 draft, the Rams turned a vulnerability in their cornerback lineup into a position of strength while also securing a quarterback with hopes of leading them to a Super Bowl. They still have additional picks to make this weekend, and Snead and McVay have consistently shown an ability to uncover valuable talent beyond the first round.