Rams Draft Ty Simpson, Potential Stafford Successor

0:00On April 24, the Los Angeles Rams dropped jaws in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft by grabbing Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at the 13th overall pick. With Matthew Stafford, their 38-year-old MVP from last year, still leading the huddle, this move sets up Simpson as a potential heir, apparent to sit and learn behind the vet right away, analysts called it a reach since most figured Simpson would slide to the late first round, or even the second. The Rams passed on trading back, even though they rarely picked as high, and their general manager felt the value was too good to pass up on a falling quarterback. Fans and experts buzzed about it, with some wondering if teams like the Arizona Cardinals or New York Jets might have jumped in later. Stafford's age has everyone thinking succession plan, but the surprise pick lit up draft rooms everywhere. Looking at trade down pass, the Rams could have dealt with the Buccaneers at 15, where Tampa base snag sliding pass rusher Rubin Vane Jr., and celebrated wildly, or maybe the Lions

1:03at 17, who eyed moving up for an offensive lineman, but held steady after the Rams went quarterback. In the end, Los Angeles stood firm to lock in their guy early, betting big on Simpson's upside without risking a slide. This sets the stage for an intriguing rookie year under Stafford's wing.