Drafting Ty Simpson was necessary for Rams

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: (EDITORS NOTE: This image was created using a tilt-shift lens. ) Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide poses on the NFL Network set during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images As much as the Los Angeles Rams’ selection of quarterback Ty Simpson was a shock for fans and the NFL community, it was a necessary pick at 13th overall.

LA has successfully rebuilt its roster through the draft since their 2021 Super Bowl victory and subsequent collapse. Simpson is a needle the team is hoping to thread in order to stave off a similar downturn. If Simpson successfully becomes the Rams’ next franchise quarterback, he will help solve a slew of problems for his new team: More salary cap space to re-sign ascending players Retaining premium draft capital Flexibility to add veterans through trades and free agency Ending the year-to-year cycle with Matthew Stafford A fork in the road was placed in front of the Rams.

Les Snead and Sean McVay were given two options: go all-in for another Super Bowl or hedge their bets for sustained success in the future. They instead asked, “why not BOTH? ” The selection of Simpson was far from a panic move.

It also was not a luxury pick. Taking a quarterback addresses the franchise’s precarious quarterback succession, resets salary cap realities, and extends the team’s window of contention. There is no other way to interpret this news than to conclude that McVay and Snead are building the roster for the long haul.