The Stafford Successor: Why the Rams’ Shocking Ty Simpson Pick is a Masterstroke

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The Los Angeles Rams provided the defining “jaw-drop” moment of the 2026 NFL Draft’s opening night. While the early picks followed the predicted script, GM Les Snead reminded the league of his aggressive nature by trading up with the Atlanta Falcons to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 overall.

The pick was a genuine shocker—not because of Simpson’s talent, but because of the aggressive draft slot and the presence of a reigning MVP in the building.

The “Shocker” Factor: Defying the Mock Drafts

Entering Thursday night, Ty Simpson was widely viewed as a “fringe” first-round prospect. Most major big boards, including those from FOX Sports and NFL Network, had him ranked in the late 20s or early 30s.

The Trade: To secure Simpson, the Rams surrendered significant Day 2 capital to move into the top 15.
The Reach? Many analysts expected the Rams to address their aging defensive line or find a successor to Cooper Kupp. By taking a quarterback at 13, Sean McVay signaled that the Rams weren’t just looking for a backup—they were looking for the next decade of the franchise.

The Master and the MVP: A Dream Development Room

For a quarterback like Simpson, who is praised for his rhythm and processing but criticized for having only 15 college starts, there is no better destination than Los Angeles.

Learning from Matthew Stafford: Stafford isn’t just a veteran; he is the reigning NFL MVP coming off a legendary 2025 season (4,707 yards, 46 TDs). Stafford has already committed to his 18th season in 2026, meaning Simpson will have a front-row seat to watch a future Hall of Famer operate.
The McVay Lab: Sean McVay’s offense relies on a quarterback who can process information quickly and deliver the ball with “zip” in the intermediate areas—Simpson’s two greatest strengths. Simpson told reporters after the draft, “Learning from Sean McVay and Matthew, one of the greatest ever… I’m just going to be a sponge.”

Why It Works: The “Succession” Strategy

The Rams have seen the success of the “sit and learn” model (most recently with Jordan Love in Green Bay). With Stafford turning 38, the Rams are insulating themselves against the inevitable.

Zero Pressure: Unlike Fernando Mendoza (Raiders), Simpson won’t be expected to save a franchise in Week 1.
Roster Strength: Simpson joins a team that is currently a Super Bowl contender, meaning when he eventually takes the reins, he won’t be entering a rebuilding project
Scheme Continuity: McVay can now tailor the offense of the future around Simpson’s specific mobility, which is slightly more dynamic than the traditional statuesque pocket passer.

It was a “shocker” because the Rams did the one thing nobody expected: they got ahead of the curve. By the time Matthew Stafford decides to hang up his cleats, Ty Simpson will have earned a Ph.D. in quarterbacking from two of the best minds in the sport’s history. Los Angeles didn’t just draft a player; they drafted an insurance policy for their dynasty.