Rams Shock Draft: Ty Simpson over Makai Lemon

0:00On April 24th, the Los Angeles Rams dropped jaws in the 2026 NFL draft by snagging Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with their 13. Overall pick, they had a shot at USC White receiver Mackay Lemon right there on the board, but went quarterback instead to shake things up for Super Bowl push. Stafford's future hangs in the balance with retirement whispers, so the Rams grabbed Simpson as smart insurance at the position. Pre-draft talk peaked him as a late first-rounder at Best, making this move a total curveball. Fans and analysts are buzzing hard. Lemon's one of the top receivers in a stack class, and with Devonte Adams and Pukanakua nearing contract ends. That spot needed love. Still, passing on him sparked debates about balancing the roster now versus later. The deep wide receiver pool lets the Rams circle back in round two or three for death, without panic. Simpson steps in as a high upside arm to bridge any gaps. Rams frontoff is playing chess, locking down the future while keeping contention alive this season.