Rams Pick Ty Simpson 13th in 2026 NFL Draft

The Rams picked Ty Simpson 13th overall, making him the second quarterback chosen in the 2026 NFL Draft. He had 3,567 passing yards last season.
By Newsroom | Sports, NFL |

The Los Angeles Rams made a surprising move in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. This decision places Simpson as the second quarterback off the board, following Fernando Mendoza, who was chosen first overall. Simpson's selection signals a long-term plan for the Rams, positioning him as a successor to veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The Rams drafted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This selection was anticipated by some, with the team reportedly linked to Simpson throughout the draft process, and whispers intensifying just before the event. Simpson's performance last season, including 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and only five interceptions, marks his sole year as a starter.

NFL draft 2026: Rams make shock pick of QB Ty Simpson at No 13 as Mendoza goes No 1 – live - 1

Simpson is expected to serve as the Rams' No. 2 quarterback, learning behind Stafford before eventually taking over the starting role. This approach suggests an emphasis on player development, with Simpson reportedly needing an "NFL redshirt season." The Rams’ interest in Simpson was reportedly reinforced by conversations between his father and Rams General Manager Les Snead, who apparently conveyed that Simpson possessed first-round talent.

Read More: Las Vegas Raiders pick Fernando Mendoza number 1 in 2026 NFL Draft

Draft Day Buzz and Context

While Simpson was widely considered the second-best quarterback in this draft class, behind Mendoza, his status as a first-round lock was not universally agreed upon. His experience as a starter at Alabama was limited to a single season. Despite this, the Rams’ choice at 13th overall appears to align with earlier projections and internal evaluations.

NFL draft 2026: Rams make shock pick of QB Ty Simpson at No 13 as Mendoza goes No 1 – live - 2

The broader NFL Draft saw other notable movements, including the New York Giants holding picks 2 and 16, and trades altering the draft order for teams like the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, and Dallas Cowboys. Details of these specific trades, however, remain fragmented in the available information.

Background: Simpson's Journey

Ty Simpson officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on January 7, 2026, after four years at Alabama. His collegiate career saw him step in for an injured player in Alabama's Rose Bowl loss. He is noted for his dual-threat capabilities, with statistics from his starting year showcasing strong passing numbers alongside his involvement in the run game. Prior mock drafts, like one from PFF in October 2025, had speculated on Simpson’s potential landing spots, including the top overall pick for the New York Jets.

Read More: Browns Target KC Concepcion for Pick 24 in 2026 NFL Draft

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Los Angeles Rams pick Ty Simpson 13th in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This move is seen as a long-term plan to have him eventually replace veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Q: What are Ty Simpson's stats from last season?
In his only year as a starter for Alabama, Ty Simpson passed for 3,567 yards, threw 28 touchdowns, and had only five interceptions.
Q: What is the plan for Ty Simpson with the Rams?
Ty Simpson is expected to be the second-string quarterback behind Matthew Stafford. He will learn from Stafford for about a year before taking over as the starter.
Q: Was Ty Simpson expected to be picked so early?
While some expected him to be picked in the first round, his selection at 13th overall by the Rams was a significant move. He was considered the second-best quarterback in the draft class after Fernando Mendoza.
Q: How does Ty Simpson fit into the Rams' future?
The Rams are developing Ty Simpson for the future, giving him a year to learn the NFL game before he becomes the starting quarterback. This shows their focus on building for the long term.