13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Wait for it. If the draft were today, I wouldn’t put Simpson in this spot. But history tells me that he will rise. Simpson’s smart, he stayed for four years at Alabama, and he’s the son of lifelong football coach Jason Simpson, who’s been the HC at UT Martin for the past 20 years. Much has been made of his lack of starting experience, but this guy grew up around ball and knows the game better than most quarterbacks at this career stage. On the field, I love Simpson’s pocket manipulation, anticipation as a passer, toughness, smarts, fast eyes, and competitiveness. He also has a stronger arm and is more mobile than people give him credit for. Plus, his tape through nine games was the best of any QB in the country—and I’ll debate that with anyone. I’ll be honest: I want this for Simpson. Sean McVay is a proven quarterback developer, and Simpson would have time—with at least a season to sit behind Matthew Stafford—to watch and learn. Maybe it will be later in the first round at pick 29. Maybe it won’t happen at all. But I love this fit.