The Alabama quarterback has been selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It takes the former Crimson Tide star off the board after what was one of the more interesting draft stocks to watch this year.
Considered to be the second-best quarterback in the class, Simpson was never projected to be a top-five selection and some had him slipping out of the first round entirely. Ranked at No. 33 overall on Ayrton Ostly's big board, Simpson saw his draft stock take a hit down the stretch for Alabama in 2025.
Still, Simpson didn't have to wait long to hear his name called in the draft's first round. Los Angeles is betting on the 23-year-old to show that his early-season results in 2025 are what should be expected going forward.
Provided the fit is right and Simpson stays healthy, perhaps the club might've found its quarterback of the future.
Here's a look at where Simpson figures to slot in on the depth chart and how he fits with the Rams:
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
1 / 6Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stageThe NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Simpson will slot in behind Matthew Stafford, the 2025 NFL MVP, for his first NFL season. Below is a look at Los Angeles' quarterback depth chart, which is currently three-deep.
Stafford is coming off the best season of his NFL career. That said, it isn't clear exactly how much longer he will play. He turned 38 during the offseason and has been the subject of retirement rumors in the past.
As such, it made sense for the Rams to invest in a quarterback of the future. Simpson will fit the bill perfectly. He showed the accuracy, ball placement skills and pocket mobility needed to eventually become a quality NFL starter, but he enters the league as an inexperienced product as a one-year college starter.
Simpson will be able to spend his rookie season learning behind Stafford. He can get acclimated to Sean McVay's offense and be groomed to eventually replace Stafford in either 2027 or 2028, depending on how much longer the veteran signal-caller wants to continue playing.
The Rams also entered the 2026 NFL Draft in need of a backup quarterback, with Jimmy Garoppolo remaining unsigned and contemplating retirement. Simpson will be an ideal developmental candidate for that role and should be able to win it over Bennett with ease.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who drafted Ty Simpson? QB's fit with Rams, depth chart