Ty Simpson is considered the top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft not named Fernando Mendoza. Teams like the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers are surely interested in the Alabama star. But what about the Los Angeles Rams?
Recently, FanSided’s Cody Williams released a three-round mock draft. He has the Rams taking Simpson late in the first round (29th overall pick):
“29. Los Angeles Rams – QB Ty Simpson
Ty Simpson is on the fringe of being worth a first-round pick in my book. The arm talent, frame, and athleticism are what you want, but his decision-making and ability to navigate pressure were suspect. However, for the Rams, getting him with an extra first-round pick while also not needing him to start right away and getting the fifth-year option is extremely valuable. Again, the tools in the toolbox are there for Simpson to be a starting NFL quarterback, especially with Sean McVay, and LA has the time to let him further come into his own.”
The Rams need a quarterback of the future, and maybe Ty Simpson is the man for the job.
Analyst Predicts Rams to Draft Quarterback Ty Simpson
Looking Back at His Career
Ty Simpson attended Westview High School in Martin, Tennessee. During his senior year, he passed for 2,827 yards and 41 touchdowns against three interceptions. He also rushed for 862 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Simpson was rated a five-star recruit coming out of high school. He received college offers from schools like Clemson, Tennessee, and Ole Miss. Yet, he ultimately committed to Alabama.
In 2022, Simpson redshirted his freshman season at Alabama. Bryce Young was the starter that year. Simpson then served as a backup the following two years.
Simpson was named the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback in 2025. This past season, he threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions while completing 64.5 percent of his passes. Simpson had several big-time games like his 382-yard, four-touchdown performance against Wisconsin. He also threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns versus Vanderbilt.
Simpson led Alabama to an appearance in the SEC championship and earned a 34-24 win over Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff. However, they lost 38-3 to Fernando Mendoza’s Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl.
Ty Simpson later opted to enter the 2026 NFL Draftover returning to Alabama – or entering the Transfer Portal.
Should the Rams Draft Ty Simpson?
Jan 4, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Rams have another first-round pick in this year’s draft (13th overall). Williams has the team using that pick to take cornerback Jermod McCoy. The Tennessee product makes sense, seeing that Los Angeles needs help in the secondary.
But does it also make sense to draft Ty Simpson? The Rams, of course, have one of the league’s best quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford. The three-time Pro Bowler is coming off a sensational season, leading the NFL in both passing yards (4,707) and passing touchdowns (46). He also led the Rams to a 12-5 record and won the first MVP award of his stellar career.
Stafford ended retirement rumors and announced he’s returning for the 2026 season. But at age 38, he’s obviously not going to be around forever. With that said, it wouldn’t be foolish to draft Ty Simpson. He could sit and learn from Stafford, and then possibly become QB1 down the road. So yes, the Rams should consider taking Simpson.
Main Image: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images