Ty Simpson has not taken a regular-season snap for theLos Angeles Rams yet, even-so the rookie quarterback is already drawing criticism from some evaluators following his selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The former Alabama standout was picked 13th overall despite entering the draft with questions about his experience, physical profile, and long-term upside. Those concerns resurfaced on June 23 when an analyst delivered a blunt assessment of Simpson’s first-round credentials.
Analyst Delivers Harsh Evaluation Of Rams Rookie Ty Simpson
Apr 24, 2026; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams first-round draft pick Ty Simpson speaks to media during a press conference at Code Next at Hollywood Park. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Speaking on the Ross Tucker Podcast, football analyst Emory Hunt questioned whether Simpson fit the profile of a QB typically selected so high in the draft.
“When you talk about first round, you want to get guys that are finished products OR have elite traits… he has NEITHER.”
“When you talk about first round, you want to get guys that are finished products OR have elite traits… he has NEITHER.”@FBallGamePlan with some harsh words about Rams rookie QB Ty Simpson: pic.twitter.com/xB7cBfN39F
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) June 23, 2026
The criticism seems like one of many that have been made against Simpson ever since he went through the pre-draft process. Many scouts complimented him for his accuracy and decision making, but there were some who thought that he did not have enough experience playing as a starting quarterback and was not as physically gifted as other top quarterback prospects.
Some also mentioned Simpson’s performance during the last games of the 2025 season. Having started strong playing for Alabama, Simpson struggled toward the end because of the serious case of gastritis and then got injured with a cracked rib during the Rose Bowl. For some NFL executives, this was a sign that his physical attributes were under scrutiny.
However, the criticisms do not stop Simpson from denying such accusations. In an interview in Up & Adams before the draft, he noted that the criticism he has been receiving for athleticism and arm strength is hard to understand. Moreover, the 23-year-old has made it perfectly clear that what anyone else thinks about him does not matter. Simpson told Sports Illustrated that all he cared about was making the Rams’ decision right.
“I really get upset when people say that I’m not athletic, and I don’t have arm strength. I don’t know where they kind of get that from.”
“I really didn’t care, to be honest with you. Everybody can have an opinion, but it’s my job to take care of my business.” (ViaSI)
For now, Simpson is expected to develop behind veteran QB Matthew Stafford. The Rams view him as a long-term investment, however, as Hunt’s comments show, the debate over whether he deserved to be a first-round pick is far from over.