After plenty of surprises in the first 12 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft, it was finally the Los Angeles Rams' turn to make a selection. At No. 13 overall, the Rams drafted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.

The Rams were linked to Simpson throughout the draft process, with whispers heating up right before the draft. Now, they get who they hope will be their successor to Matthew Stafford, using the 13th overall pick on the Alabama signal caller.

Simpson was only a one-year starter for the Crimson Tide, and it was an up-and-down year for him. He started out hot, looking like a potential No. 1 overall pick, before regressing significantly in the second half of the season. That clearly didn't scare the Rams away, though. They believe strongly in his potential and he'll be afforded the chance to sit and learn behind Stafford for at least one season.

This is only the second quarterback the Rams have drafted under Sean McVay, with Stetson Bennett being the other; he was a fourth-round pick in 2023.

Last season, Simpson threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns with only five interceptions, his lone season as the starter. He completed 64.5% of his passes and averaged 7.5 yards per attempt.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Rams select QB Ty Simpson 13th overall