NFL Draft: Why Did the Rams Draft Ty Simpson 13th Overall? Was It A Surprise?

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss the surprise selection of Ty Simpson by the Los Angeles Rams at No. 13 in the 2026 NFL Draft, including reports of secret pre-draft meetings with Sean McVay and what those conversations might reveal about the team’s long-term plans at quarterback.

The situation around Ty Simpson and the Los Angeles Rams is one of the bigger surprises of the 2026 NFL Draft. Simpson was selected 13th overall, which caught many off guard given the Rams already have Matthew Stafford and weren’t widely expected to take a quarterback that early. Reports also indicate that Simpson and head coach Sean McVay held “secret meetings” during the pre-draft process. Those conversations were kept quiet to avoid other teams realizing how interested the Rams were, which may explain why the pick came as a surprise on draft night. Simpson later confirmed those meetings took place. What really happened?