With the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams stunned their fans and Insiders alike when they selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
It came as a surprise to many, considering the Rams are in their Super Bowl window right now, have veteran Matthew Stafford at quarterback, and didn't take a player who could immediately help them, instead using their pick on a player who could do so years from now.
Meanwhile, Rams head coach Sean McVay appeared surly and grumpy standing next to general manager Les Snead as the selection was announced, sparking speculation as to what it could mean. However, when asked about the controversy, Simpson said that not only did he not see McVay's reaction, but that the Rams head coach is “fired up” to have him in the fold.
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“I didn't really see it,” Simpson said via NBC Sports of McVay's reaction that went viral on social media.
“I know one thing, though,” Simpson said. “I know Coach McVay has been in contact and he’s super fired up. And I’m super excited. . . . I know that I couldn’t have asked for a better situation, not only with the best player in the league in front of me but the best coach in the league at the helm.”
Insider Chris Simms later said that he spoke with McVay, who admitted to being “grumpy” but that it was because of something that took place immediately before the pick was made, and wasn't his genuine reaction to the pick of Simpson with the 13th overall pick.
With the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams stunned their fans and Insiders alike when they selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. It came as a surprise to many, considering the Rams are in their Super Bowl window right now, have veteran Matthew Stafford at quarterback, and didn't take a player who could immediately help them, instead using their pick on a player who could do so years from now.