ESPN Sees Massive Potential in Ty Simpson With Rams

The Los Angeles Rams surprised a lot of pundits and even their own fans at the 2026 NFL Draft when they selected Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick instead of going a safer route with a wideout or defensive end.

Sean McVay’s Rams are already considered one of the favorites to contend for the Super Bowl next season, and the popular belief was that they would use the early draft pick they acquired from the Atlanta Falcons to bolster their chances with a player who could contribute immediately.

With reigning MVP Matthew Stafford in the building and feeling healthy after a long offseason, the only times we might see Simpson this campaign are in the preseason and at the end of the regular season if the Rams have already clinched a playoff spot.

But the pick was not for 2026, 2027, or maybe even 2028, as the Rams want to have their succession plan with Stafford locked down to open themselves up to other opportunities with their current draft capital.

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And ESPN‘s Matt Bowen agrees, noting that maybe the Simpson pick won’t grade well this upcoming season, but it might be the perfect situation for both the Alabama QB and the Rams in the future.

“With Matthew Stafford returning as the No. 1, Simpson will have time to develop in an offense that fits his throwing style and mobility,” he wrote. “Simpson is a mechanically sound passer who can make the NFL-level throws. Plus, he can work the edges on boot and play-action. … Once Simpson gets his chance to start, look for McVay to give him more defined reads and movement concepts. He’ll be put in a position to see the entire field and deliver the ball on time.”

It was a risk-taking move to grab Simpson with such a premium pick, but if the Rams can somehow win the Super Bowl this coming year and then see Simpson develop into a true franchise QB, the decision to take the Crimson Tide signal-caller might go down as one of the savvier moves of the century.

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This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 11:04 AM.