Why didn't Rams trade down for Ty Simpson? 3 better options instead of picking QB at No. 13

Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The story of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft was the Los Angeles Rams , who stunned the league by taking Alabama QB Ty Simpson at No. 13 overall.

The Rams were not connected to Simpson much during the draft process considering their starting quarterback, Matthew Stafford, won the MVP award last year. However, Stafford is 38 years-old and is facing retirement soon, so Simpson gives Los Angeles a potential successor to learn behind the veteran this year. While the Rams got the player they wanted at No.

13, many analysts consider it a reach because they though Simpson would fall to the end of the first round. So, it's possible that Los Angeles could have traded back in the first round and still gotten Simpson to secure a successful night. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler , the Rams did in fact get calls for the 13th pick, largely for Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane.

The Ravens took Ioane one spot later, so it appears that teams knew they had to jump Baltimore in order to get the guard. With that in mind, here's a look at why the Rams didn't trade down and a few teams who may have been interested in trading up. 2026 NFL DRAFT HQ: Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available Why didn't Rams trade down for Ty Simpson The Rams ultimately stood pat at No.