The Los Angeles Rams delivered the biggest shock of the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. The move came as a surprise even to head coach Sean McVay, who appeared less than enthusiastic at the post-pick press conference. Simpson, who started just 15 games in college, said he had never met McVay. However, Rams general manager Les Snead had previously told Simpson he was a first-round prospect, and stuck to his word.
Simpson is a historic outlier in terms of size, weight and starting experience. At 6ft 1in and 211lb, he lacks the body armour to survive a long NFL season. Only one quarterback with 15 or fewer college starts has made a Pro Bowl: Mitchell Trubisky. Simpson is not an elite athlete, and his slight frame raises durability concerns after a rib injury derailed his second half of the 2025 college season. However, he played in a pro-style system and showed intelligence, toughness and a willingness to push the ball downfield, traits that fit McVay's offence.
The Rams are in a championship window with Matthew Stafford at quarterback, but Stafford has toyed with retirement. If Simpson develops, he could extend that window. For now, he will learn behind Stafford, but needs reps that may not come soon. The Dallas Cowboys, meanwhile, addressed their disastrous defence by trading up one spot to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Downs was the best all-around player in the draft, a versatile safety who can cover, blitz and stop the run. He led the Buckeyes defence in tackles and splash plays, and his slide highlights the league's continued undervaluing of hybrid defensive backs.
The New York Jets used their first-round pick to add speed to their offence, selecting a wide receiver known for his explosive playmaking ability. The pick aims to inject juice into a unit that struggled to stretch the field last season. The Jets have been active in free agency and the draft to support their young quarterback, and this selection provides a deep threat to open up the passing game.
Overall, the first round saw a faster pace and several teams making bold moves. The Rams' reach for a quarterback, the Cowboys' retooling of their defence, and the Jets' addition of speed were among the key storylines. The draft continues with rounds two and three on Friday.
