The Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft. They acquired the selection in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons last year when they moved up to acquire James Pearce Jr. The decision to draft Simpson puzzled fans and analysts alike almost immediately because the Rams positioned themselves as a win now team.
Mock drafts indicated the Rams interest in players like Makai Lemon and Kenyon Sadiq; however, obviously those predictions failed to materialize. The team opted to think long term and draft the potential successor to Matthew Stafford.
Given this approach, the news appears to be great news for the Seattle Seahawks. The Rams entered the NFL Draft as the favorite (+700/+750) to win the Lombardi Trophy in the 2026-27 season. Sportsbooks list the Seahawks (+900/+950) right behind them. Factoring in that the Rams used this pick to think long term, its possible those odds become closer after the draft.
Sean McVay Seems Upset with the Selection
GettyRams Head Coach Sean McVay seemed visibily upset in his post draft press conference Thursday.
In the Rams post first round press conference, Head Coach Sean McVay seemed visibly upset with the selection of Ty Simpson. He consistently referred to the squad as “Matt’s team.” Matt obviously being Matthew Stafford. However, General Manager Les Snead appeared much more enthusiastic about the move.
McVay discussed the selection in depth. He said, “There was a lot of players that we liked. When you do look at it, I think the thing you liked about the body of work is — let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew’s team. You get a chance to be able to address the backup quarterback, we’ve got Stetson, we’ve talked about the importance of [Jimmy Garappolo], so to be able to add somebody that you can evaluate a body of work that he was asked to play the position and a lot of things that do translate: concepts, reading with his feet, some of the different things in the dropback and the play action game, the movement game.”
Prior the draft, rumors circulated that Garappolo could retire this offseason, and that linked the Rams to drafting a quarterback. That being said, nobody expected Simpson this early. Many thought he was a pick destined to fall out of the first round especially because of his lack of experience in the first round.
Tweets Reacting to the Press Conference
GettyReporters at the press conference questioned McVay’s emotions about the selection.
Reporters at the press conference noted the change in demeanor of McVay and Snead. Snead was amped up about the selection, but he also has personal ties to the Simpson family. McVay evaluated the selection but many noted that his lack of enthusiasm throughout the occasion.
The selection has been panned by draft analysts, noting his lack of size and development. Simpson struggled towards the end of the college football season, and analysts did not view him as ready for the NFL regardless of his potential.
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