The Los Angeles Rams dropped a bombshell on NFL Draft night, selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick—a move that has everyone talking about the future of Matthew Stafford under center.
Simpson, who lit up the college football scene in 2025 with a 64.5% completion rate, 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, was widely expected to be a first-round talent. But few anticipated the Rams would pull the trigger this early, especially with Stafford still under contract through 2026.
According to FOX's Jay Glazer, the Rams informed Stafford of their plan before the pick was announced. The message? They're thinking long-term, and Simpson is being groomed as the eventual heir to the throne. For now, though, the job remains Stafford's. Don't expect to see Simpson under center this season unless disaster strikes.
Social media erupted with reactions. One fan tweeted, “The Rams are getting ready for life without Matthew Stafford. They were so close last year, and opt for the future rather than the now. Stafford can't be a happy camper right now.” Another added, “Wow did not think Ty Simpson would go this early.”
Not everyone was thrilled. One frustrated fan declared, “This is hilariously bad. They should've traded the pick away like they usually do.” Meanwhile, a more optimistic observer joked, “McVay saw Shanahan scamming stats for Purdy and said let me get my own joystick.”
Interestingly, Simpson's connection to the Rams predates the draft. His father reportedly spoke with Rams general manager Les Snead during the pre-draft process, and Snead gave his word that Simpson would be a first-round pick. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed, “When Ty Simpson was trying to decide whether or not he should come out of Alabama and enter the draft, his father consulted with, among other people, Les Snead, the GM of the Rams, who told him Ty was, in fact, a first-rounder. Could the Rams, maybe in a trade-back situation, be looking at Simpson? We shall see.”
The Rams clearly did their homework. Simpson turned down lucrative NIL offers to return to Alabama, betting on himself and the draft. That gamble paid off in a big way. Now, he gets to learn from a future Hall of Famer in Stafford, soaking up knowledge while waiting for his chance.
What does this mean for Stafford? It puts a ticking clock on his tenure, but it doesn't mean he's being pushed out the door. The Rams are simply hedging their bets, ensuring they have a plan B when the 37-year-old eventually hangs up his cleats. For now, it's still Stafford's show—but Simpson is waiting in the wings.
For more draft buzz, check out Orlovsky's last-minute plea to NFL GMs and Kay Adams and Ty Simpson's pre-draft wing date.
