The most controversial pick in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL draft goes to the Los Angeles Rams.
Had the team traded up for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the late 20s, then most people likely would’ve thought anything of it.
But the fact that they took him 13th overall when dynamic playmakers like USC wide receiver Makai Lemon and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq were still on the board is what had social media fired up on Thursday night.
Among those questioning the Rams’ decision to use its only first-round pick — and one as high as 13 — on a QB is ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper, who named the Rams as one of the draft’s biggest losers from the first round.
“This team is in win-now mode as it tries to capitalize on a really good roster with 38-year-old Matthew Stafford playing on a year-to-year basis,” Kiper wrote. “I really thought the Rams would go get another playmaker for Stafford, or at least boost his protection with someone such as tackle Monroe Freeling. This is a Super Bowl-caliber team!
“Instead, the Rams took Simpson, who I wasn’t positive would even go in Round 1, let alone this high. I did have Simpson in my final mock but not until late in the 20s. So this was a little surprising to say the least. There was talk that the Rams were interested in him at No. 29 before they traded that pick, but No. 13? Way, way too rich.”
Kiper explained that he likes Simpson as a prospect, stating he’s accurate and has a lot of promise, but he also noted that he has just 15 career starts under his belt and he only looked good for half of the Crimson Tide’s season.
But like most of the football world, Kiper didn’t understand why the Rams would use a premium first-round selection on a player for the future instead of helping the team go all-in on Stafford’s last few years.
“I get that Simpson is the heir apparent here, and Los Angeles is smart for planning for the future,” Kiper continued. “But using the No. 13 pick on a QB with lingering questions when the Rams had the chance to do something to help them right now doesn’t fit with the contention window.”
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