After sitting behind Alabama’s Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe, Simpson started one season for the Crimson Tide, completing 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns with five interceptions in Ryan Grubb’s spread scheme.
With just 15 college starts, Simpson entered the draft as one of the most polarizing figures in 2026. The 23-year-old boasts NFL-level processing and flashed early in 2025, making a number of big throws that put him in the Heisman Trophy conversation as Bama ran to an 8-1 record. Through the first nine games, Simpson threw 21 touchdowns to one interception. However, the QB struggled as the defense increased the pressure. In the last six games, Simpson threw seven TDs in four interceptions and had plenty of turnovers.
Heading into the draft, the question was whether Simpson’s rollercoaster season was a product of circumstance or an indication that he would struggle at the next level. The history of a quarterback with so few starts is not a pretty one.
Still, Simpson boasts traits that could serve him well in the NFL. He works quickly, reads the entire court and is not shy about taking his shots. The QB boasts stellar mechanics and can hit targets with ease. His arm is solid, if not spectacular, and he can make every throw with precision. His command of the offense, ability to be a general on the field, find his way in the pocket and toughness mean it all. Simpson showed the ability to make big plays, even if his targeting and blocking let him down at times.
The lack of representation made evaluation difficult and led to differing opinions regarding the QB. Down the stretch, Simpson struggled at times with the pressure and looked like he could do otherwise as the punches piled up. The QB didn’t always throw with anticipation and could be too quick to stop him as things unfolded down the field. With average height and build, can he overcome the NFL pressure and negate some of the turnovers that put him in tough spots?
The signs are there for Simpson to become an NFL starter, but the lack of reps and uneven play are concerns. Aries believe in positivity. Allowing him to sit behind Stafford gives Simpson more runway to learn rather than being thrown into the fire.
LA had a crying need behind Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo was a free agent and considered retiring. They filled that hole with a future plan.
“We’re always going to make decisions that we think are best for the short term and the long term,” McVay explained regarding Simpson’s selection. “We will be excited to be able to work with him and we are there.”
For a club that filled its biggest hole at corner during the free agency trade, trading for Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson, adding a quarterback at No. 13 is a luxury pick for LA. Given the questionable depth of the draft, the Rams made the most sense to stake their future at the most important position in sports.
The Rams won’t push Stafford out the door, allowing him to decide when he wants to retire. However, they now have a plan in place when MVP calls it a career.