Ty Simpson Drafted No. 13 Overall By Los Angeles Rams In 2026 NFL Draft

Justin Rimpi
; Quarterback Ty Simpson throws during Pro Day.

Former Alabama Crimson Tide Quarterback Ty Simpson was drafted No. 13 overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was the No. 2 QB in the draft class behind No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. There was a great debate regarding where Simpson would land in the NFL. He also reportedly mulled going back to college for the 2026 season, where he was offered $6.5 million to stay in school as a member of the Miami Hurricanes. He decided to turn pro regardless.

Simpson enters the league with limited starting experience in college. He only started one season(2025) in college. A lack of starts entering the NFL is always a slippery slope. Only time will tell if Simpson’s skill set will translate to the next level.

The Rationale Behind the Pick

Before NFL fans get up in arms, the Rams‘ rationale behind this pick makes perfect sense. Los Angeles has just drafted an insurance policy for whenever reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford decides to hang up his cleats. The Rams had no glaring hole entering the 2026 NFL Draft, so they planned for their future. That is the mark of a team looking to transition seamlessly once Stafford departs.

Even though Simpson may not get much playing time until 2027 or 2028, he will get to learn under Stafford and Super Bowl-winning Head Coach Sean McVay. Simpson is not ready to step into the NFL at this time, so sitting behind Stafford holding a clipboard is exactly what the doctor ordered.

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Justin has been a sportswriter for nearly a decade. He has previously written for 247 Sports and Sports Illustrated.