Rams news: Les Snead stands by Ty Simpson pick over over win-now move

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Randall Barnes, ClutchPoints

Wed, Apr 29, 2026 ·

2 min read

Rams news: Les Snead stands by Ty Simpson pick over over win-now move appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

The Rams’ picking Ty Simpson with the 13th pick in last week’s NFL draft has the football world buzzing. Many people believe that the selection of the former Alabama star was to get the heir apparent to Matthew Stafford , with his career nearing its end despite his high level of play over the past few seasons. But Simpson’s selection wasn’t as dramatic as many believe.

Rams general manager Les Snead joined The Pat McAfee Show to set the record straight on Tuesday. Per his comments, the Rams saw Simpson as a steal at the 13th pick and decided to select with that in mind.

“I know Sean sat down with Matthew and Sean was the one that was communicating what our plans were, if Ty were to fall to 13. By the time we chatted with Matthew there was a, if you want to call it a good guesstimate that Ty would have a chance to fall to 13. I think at the end of the day Matthew was a very, very smart player. He comprehends what the plan is. He understands it. He’s a professional, that’s what he does. At the end of the day he’s the reigning MVP. We were able to articulate this along the way.”

Sneed’s comments echo ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter’s comments from Monday about Stafford and Stenson Bennett being aware of the pick for Simpson.

“The Rams that afternoon called both Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett to let them know, ’Hey, just want to give you a heads up they are planning and intending to take Ty Simpson tonight.’ That was in the afternoon. So they were given a heads up in advance, they handled it the right way. There’s not simple way of doing it, but the Rams handled it about as well as you could.”

Simpson took the helm of the Alabama offense following Jalen Milroe’s graduation from the program. He finished the 2025 season throwing for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions, while also rushing for 93 yards on 90 attempts and 2 touchdowns. Alabama went 11-4 and made the College Football Playoff, but ultimately lost to the eventual college football champion, the Indiana Hoosiers, 38-3 in the 2026 Rose Bowl.

He now looks to prove himself in the Rams QB room, backing up the reigning NFL MVP.