Overview
- The Rams used their No. 13 pick on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson as a succession-oriented choice while keeping Matthew Stafford as the clear starter.
- Stafford said Thursday he understands the pick, noted his age, and emphasized that his primary job is to prepare himself and the team to play.
- Los Angeles signed Stafford to a short extension that guarantees near-term control of the position and creates future decision points that delay committing to Simpson as the starter.
- Simpson has joined offseason work and is expected to compete with returning backup Stetson Bennett for the No. 2 job rather than start in 2026.
- The pick drew mixed external grades because Simpson had limited college starts and lower draft projections, and the Rams plan to develop him behind veteran coaching from Sean McVay and on-field leadership from Stafford.