Rams' QB Hunt: Simpson's Rise, Stafford's Shadow

0:00On March 3rd, the Los Angeles Rams face a thin quarterback class in the 2026 NFL draft as they plan behind starter Matthew Stafford. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza stands alone as the clear top prospect with little consensus on who follows. Teens hunting elite signal callers like the Rams might need to strike early or wait for a developmental pick later on. Meanwhile, Alabama's Ty Simpson is gaining serious buzz after the combine, with analysts Todd McShay projecting him as high as the sixth overall pick to the Cleveland Browns. That rising stock could push him out of reach if the Rams want to shot without trading up aggressively. Analysts are split on Simpson as a Rams target. ESPN's Louis Riddick calls him their favorite quarterback prospect, and Dan Orlovsky praises his early 2025 college season as the best. Among peers, still, many doubt he start right away, questioning if he's worth a premium pick. Central manager less need likely won't chase Simpson up the board, as he's not seen as

1:01an instant starter or long-term lock. The Rams have bigger holes at cornerback that demand attention first, and early non-quarterback gems like Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love could. Fall right to them at pick 13. As Simpson's height builds, it opens doors with the Rams to snag impact talent elsewhere without overreaching, keeping their draft strategy flexible for.