Rams Secure Quarterback Ty Simpson in Draft

The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson as the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a move that surprised many observers given the team's current roster. This decision positions Simpson as a potential long-term successor to the reigning MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is 38 years old.

The Rams, who were close to reaching the Super Bowl in the previous season, had been widely expected to draft a wide receiver or offensive tackle to bolster their immediate competitive prospects.

This strategy of drafting a quarterback while an established starter is still active has historical precedents in the NFL. Teams like the Green Bay Packers have notably employed this approach, preparing for future transitions at the quarterback position. The effectiveness of such a strategy varies, with some instances leading to successful transitions and others resulting in complex roster management issues.

Past examples include the Atlanta Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr. in 2024 despite signing Kirk Cousins to a significant contract, and the Green Bay Packers selecting Jordan Love in 2020 while Aaron Rodgers was still their starting quarterback.

These cases illustrate the potential for both strategic foresight and immediate disruption within a team's quarterback room. The Rams' decision with Simpson is an aggressive long-term play, the outcome of which will become clear over the next few seasons.