Ty Simpson's decision to forgo further college football, despite receiving enticing offers to transfer within the NCAA, is certainly noteworthy. Instead of pursuing those opportunities, he opted to dedicate himself to his final season as the starting quarterback at Alabama. As he prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft, the key question now revolves around where this talented quarterback will be selected.
Todd McShay from The Ringer has suggested that the Los Angeles Rams could be an ideal landing spot for Simpson. With head coach Sean McVay's team holding two first-round picks, they are on the lookout for their future quarterback. It’s important to note that Simpson wouldn't be thrust into a starting position immediately given that veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is still on the roster. However, when the Rams decide to move on from Stafford, Simpson could be ready to step in.
"I’m looking at the Rams at picks 13 and 30," McShay stated during an appearance on The Ryen Russillo Show. "I can't think of a better situation for Ty Simpson. For a young quarterback to go and learn, you know? Look at Patrick Mahomes; he had Alex Smith. Simpson would have the chance to sit behind Stafford without the pressure of taking his job, unlike what happened with Aaron Rodgers. He would have the opportunity to learn from one of the top offensive coaches in the NFL. Let’s see where this thing goes in 2027."
Matthew Stafford is entering the 2026 season on the last year of the two-year contract he signed with the Rams. Following a heartbreaking loss in the NFC Championship game, where the Seattle Seahawks, a division rival, advanced to the Super Bowl, it’s clear that the Rams are eager to position themselves for success next season. McShay envisions Simpson observing this journey as a way to kickstart his NFL career.
It's worth noting that Simpson's experience is somewhat limited. His time at Alabama in 2025 was tumultuous, with early-season performances raising expectations that he might be the top overall pick. However, his performance waned towards the end of the season, particularly as Kalen DeBoer’s offense struggled to find its rhythm.
"I’m telling you, for games two through nine, Ty Simpson was the best quarterback in college football," McShay remarked, emphasizing Simpson's impressive potential as a quarterback prospect.
Meanwhile, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza is projected to be the top selection by the Las Vegas Raiders in Thursday night’s draft from Pittsburgh. This sets the stage for a competitive race to become the second quarterback taken in the draft. It's important to remember that the landscape can shift dramatically leading up to the event. Nevertheless, McShay sees a real possibility for Simpson to be selected in the first round by the Rams.
