PITTSBURGH — The Rams have found their potential quarterback of the future.
Potentially.
In a draft night stunner, they selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the NFL draft. In doing so, they preemptively addressed the looming need to replace Matthew Stafford.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses after being chosen by the Los Angeles Rams with the13th overall pick. APThe 38-year-old Stafford is essentially playing on a year-to-year basis. And with his departure growing more and more imminent, the Rams are bringing in Simpson to groom him to eventually be his heir apparent.
In his one season as a starter, Simpson threw for 3,567 passing yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Grade: B
Rams coach Sean McVay said he’d only be interested in selecting a quarterback this early in the draft if he was convinced the player could be a franchise-caliber quarterback. McVay obviously believes that. If he’s right, he just solved a long-range issue. But there is risk involved, without question.
What they’re saying
“I think it’s very similar to where I am now with Matthew, right? You know, learning under Bryce (Young), learning under Jalen Milroe, of what I can do better and what I need to work on. And it’s very similar to Matthew, it’s just on a bigger stage and now. He’s one of the greatest of all time to do it. So I’m super blessed, and I can’t wait to get started” — Simpson on the possibility of sitting and learning behind Stafford the way he did at Alabama.
Ty Simpson considered a $6.5 million offer from Miami before entering the 2026 NFL Draft, where he was drafted by the LA Rams with the No. 13 overall pick. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesWhat’s next
As of now, the Rams have picks in the second round at No. 61 and the third round at No. 93 on the second day of the draft on Friday. Among the positions they could target are offensive line, linebacker, safety and cornerback.
Among the players on the board who could help are Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell, Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard, and Georgia defensive tackle Christen Miller.
