Simpson to Rams 'most shocking pick' since Penix
Kyle Dvorchak breaks down why the Los Angeles Rams selecting quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 was such a surprise, discussing how he will have to compete for the second string role with Matthew Stafford at the helm.
Video Transcript
The Los Angeles Rams with the number 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft truly made it has to be the most shocking pick we've seen a team make, not only this year, but I'd say back since the Falcons took Michael Penix in a somewhat similar situation.
I will say we're probably closer to the timeline of Ty Simpson playing, although Penix ended up playing as a rookie.
But I think the team is closer on the timeline to seeing Ty Simpson play than Penix was when he was a rookie, specifically because Matthew Stafford, 38 years old and only under contract for one more season.
This is a team that is somehow both in a win now mode.
You think specifically when they go out and trade their second first round pick for Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs and in a win later mode by obviously taking a quarterback in Ty Simpson, who almost certainly will not be playing as a rookie.
Sean McVay in the post-draft press conference specifically said that Stafford is our guy.
He preys on Stafford.
I think he's trying to quell that situation a little bit, even though Stafford reportedly knew beforehand.
It's unclear how much beforehand he knew, but did know beforehand.
But I think Sean McVay was doing some deference to him saying, you're the starter.
And he actually said Simpson will have to compete with Stetson Bennett for the QB2 role.
Again, I think he's kind of placating Stafford there.
I do think almost certainly Ty Simpson secures that QB2 role should anything happen to Stafford, whether it be injury or just late in the season, things aren't going well.
Maybe we see Simpson, but I do think it's still one last ride for Matthew Stafford.
They're going to have Puka this year and they kept Devontae Adams despite there being trade rumors.
So I think they're going to push all in except for the Ty Simpson pick for a Super Bowl this year with the assumption that we've probably seen the last of Matthew Stafford after 2026, at which point it is Ty Simpson in 2027.
