If you thought Rams fans would be celebrating after their team grabbed a quarterback in the first round, think again. When Los Angeles used the 13th overall pick to snag Alabama's Ty Simpson, the reaction wasn't joy—it was pure, unadulterated rage. The Rams have Matthew Stafford under center, and they were just one win away from the Super Bowl. So why did GM Les Snead go rogue?
The pick stunned analysts and fans alike. Simpson wasn't considered a top-15 talent by most draft boards; many projected him as an early second-rounder, maybe a trade-up target for QB-needy teams like the Cardinals or Jets. But the Rams, with a roster built to win now, decided to invest in the future instead of shoring up glaring holes. And the faithful are not having it.
Social media lit up with fury. One fan vented, "This (expletive) JUST got drafted and he already updating the IG profile, yeah (expletive) just annoyed me even more." Another took aim at the front office: "Not even gonna hate on Ty its not his fault. Snead was huffing glue in the draft room." The criticism didn't stop there. "Now we see why the rams never have 1st round picks," wrote a third. And perhaps the most scathing: "Wasting the 13th overall pick on a future career backup QB has to be one of the worst picks in years, if not the worst. This is something I’d expect from the Browns, not the Rams."
It's not just about Simpson's Instagram updates or his pre-draft wing date that stole the show. It's about what the Rams passed up. With needs at wide receiver, offensive line, and defense, many believe Snead blew a golden opportunity to add a difference-maker. One fan summed it up: "McVay should be annoyed they have a win now roster that could have used a Lemon or Saddiq especially since (Davante Adams) is older."
The Rams are in a tricky spot. They have a veteran QB in Stafford who can still sling it, but his clock is ticking. Is Matthew Stafford's clock ticking? That's the question many are asking. If Simpson sits for a year or two and then takes over, it could be a smooth transition. But if the Rams regress in 2026, Snead will have a lot to answer for.
Even coach Sean McVay has had to field questions about the pick. McVay dodged questions on Stafford's reaction, which only fueled speculation. And while ESPN's Dan Orlovsky made a last-minute plea for teams to draft Simpson, most experts saw him as a reach at No. 13.
The Rams' front office clearly sees Simpson as a long-term investment. But for a fanbase that watched their team come within a game of the Super Bowl, the message is clear: they wanted to win now. Instead, they got a project. And they're not happy about it.
