Ex-Rams DE explains why the Ty Simpson pick was actually smart
The former Rams edge rusher said the Ty Simpson pick embodied what the franchise is all about.
The Los Angeles Rams ' bold decision to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 in the 2026 NFL draft has been met with skepticism from fans, NFL experts, and peers alike. Instead of adding an immediate impact play for the Rams' Super Bowl run, L.
A. made a play for its long-term future by bringing in a young quarterback who doesn't need to (and won't) start right away. And while many have criticized general manager Les Snead for this move, one of his former players thinks it's a great idea.
Veteran defensive end Chris Long, who played for the Rams from 2008 to 2015 (so, three years with Snead), said that what L. A. did is the equivalent of winning the lottery (with the Atlanta Falcons' pick turning into the No.
13 overall selection) and putting the money in the bank instead of immediately spending it. "Like, that's some rich people [expletive] man and that's just what the Rams are," Long said. "They're so rich that they were like, 'Yeah, I think we have everything we want.