The Los Angeles Rams are still in their Super Bowl era as long as Matthew Stafford is behind center, but the NFC franchise just stunned fans with their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.McVay and Co. were just minutes away from reaching the Super Bowl last season before losing to in-division rivals Seattle Seahawks. However, Rams fans aren’t thrilled by how the team is approaching this year’s draft.MORE: Watch 2026 NFL Draft live on Fubo (free trial)In fact, the Los Angeles head coach even looked baffled Thursday night when the Rams’ pick was revealed by commissioner Roger Goodell. General manager Les Snead and the Rams opted to go with Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.https://t.co/dRlDfSYTGepic.twitter.com/nHeGDifCwE— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) April 24, 2026The Rams’ selection is simply dumbfounding for a number of reasons.
The main issue with taking Simpson in the first round is that Stafford’s window as a Super Bowl-caliber signal caller is closing.Rams ruin Super Bowl chances with questionable NFL Draft pickLos Angeles features a talented offensive core of players that certainly needs aiding by adding an elite defensive prospect. Meanwhile, the former college football star seemingly could’ve gone much later in Round 1.Simpson enters the NFL well behind newly-acquired Las Vegas Raiders star Fernando Mendoza in terms of readiness. Mendoza proved to be the clear number one quarterback talent throughout the NFL Draft process.MORE: 2026 NFL Draft tracker & results, full list of first-round picksHowever, interesting storylines about the connection between the Rams GM and Simpson’s father are being revealed.
NFL reporter Albert Breer reported Thursday that Snead and UT-Martin coach Jason Simpson are extremely close.Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson with the Los Angeles Rams at the 2026 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesBreer even indicated that the Rams GM played a big role in helping guide Ty during the NFL Draft process and urged him to not return to college. Los Angeles undoubtedly needs to think about life after Stafford, but now simply isn’t the time.Last season, the Rams showed once again how McVay can make the offense into a juggernaut with Stafford, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams leading the way.
However, the team’s defense certainly needs addressing.The Rams already invested in former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie with a trade prior to the draft. Meanwhile, Los Angeles ranked no. 17 in the league last year in yards allowed, which signaled a clear need for a defensive reinforcement in Round 1.