The Los Angeles Rams delivered the biggest surprise of the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday, selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. The move left even Rams head coach Sean McVay seemingly unenthusiastic, and Simpson admitted he had never met McVay before the draft.
Simpson started just 15 games in college and was considered a fringe first-round prospect. Rams general manager Les Snead had told Simpson he would be a first-round pick, and kept his word despite the reach. The Rams, who have one of the best rosters in the league and are in the middle of a championship window, believe Simpson could extend that window beyond the career of quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has considered retirement.
However, Simpson is a historic outlier in size, weight, and starting experience. Only one quarterback with 15 or fewer college starts has made a Pro Bowl: Mitchell Trubisky, who was quickly moved on from by the Chicago Bears. Simpson, at 6ft 1in and 211lb, also lacks elite athletic tools, and his slight frame raises concerns about durability over a long NFL season.
On the positive side, Simpson played in a pro-style system at Alabama and showed intelligence, toughness, and a willingness to push the ball downfield. Those skills fit well with McVay's offence, which relies on throws over the middle. But Simpson's lack of elite traits and injury history, including a rib injury that derailed his second half of the 2025 season, make him a high-risk pick.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys used their two first-round picks to address their disastrous defence. They traded up one spot to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, widely considered the best all-around player in the draft. Downs is a versatile safety who can cover from the slot or deep, play against the run, and blitz effectively. He led the Buckeyes defence in tackles and splash plays, and his addition is expected to provide much-needed playmaking and versatility to Dallas's re-made unit.
