LA Rams shock NFL Draft pick Ty Simpson confident in ability to succeed Matthew Stafford

THE Los Angeles Rams shocked the NFL world when they drafted Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick.

While the rest of the league wraps their heads around that choice, the Rams and Simpson are confident in their future together.

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Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams Credit: AP

Matthew Stafford warms up before the Wild Card Playoff game between the Vikings and Rams on January 13, 2025 Credit: Getty

Prior to the 2026 NFL Draft, Simpson took part in a prospect showcase alongside Special Olympics athletes.

And after he spent time with the kids, he faced the media about his upcoming selection in Pittsburgh.

It was there that he shared his confidence in his ability to lead a team, which would end up becoming the Rams.

“Yeah, I think the tape speaks for itself,” Simpson told The U.S. Sun.

Read more on the NFL Draft

“But when it talks about everything else, whether it’s when I go into a facility or go into a team and I take them over, just never asking anybody to do anything else I don’t wanna do myself.

“So I think it comes with leadership, IQ, and my physical traits and tape speaks for itself.

“I just know that I’m going to be able to be my best and perform how I need to.”

Simpson was expected to be a first-round pick in this year’s draft, but no one expected that he would go as high as No. 13.

The Rams were always seen as a landing spot for him, but it seemed more likely that they would trade back or trade up into the back end of the first round to get him.

Instead, they stuck in their spot and ensured no other team would steal Simpson away from them.

The Rams are an ideal landing spot for Simpson, as he can sit behind Matthew Stafford and learn from him until the future Hall of Famer is ready to retire.

He can hone his skills from one of the best to ever play quarterback before taking the reigns in Los Angeles.

Simpson didn’t have bad production in college either, passing for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions.

However, he only had one year of starting experience, making it even better than he can sit and learn behind Stafford.

Simpson is confident in his ability to one day lead the Rams, and the team will certainly be hoping that confidence translates to success a few years down the road.

Simpson is interviewed after the NFL’s annual prospect clinic ahead of the NFL Draft Credit: AP