Only one team makes sense for Ty Simpson

While it's almost impossible to envision a scenario in which Fernando Mendoza isn't the No. 1 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, all bets are off after that.

Most rankings agree that the Alabama Crimson Tide's Ty Simpson is the second-best quarterback prospect in this class, but there's no clarity regarding whether he'll go in the first round and which team might make a run at him. However, of all the teams that have been even slightly tied to him, he and his camp should be praying to land with the Los Angeles Rams. That might not be the fastest path to becoming a starter, but it might be the safest. 

The Rams and Ty Simpson need each other

Ty Simpson was a starter for just one year in Alabama. His tape was a mixed bag, as he looked like the best quarterback in the nation before an injury and so-and-so for the remainder of the season.

As such, he could strongly benefit from one year of development behind Matthew Stafford and under Sean McVay's tutelage. Of course, the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets may offer him a quicker path to the field, but we've seen quarterbacks ruin their careers by playing before being ready.

Simpson needs to stay on the sidelines and hold a clipboard for at least one season, and learning from one of the most talented passers of this era should work wonders for his development. Stafford isn't going to play for much longer, and the Rams' backup QB situation is far from impressive. Simpson could give them a bit of a boost as well.

McVay has one of the brightest football minds in the game, and all young and raw players should want to play for him. Whether the Rams will be interested in taking him at some point remains to be seen, but this is clearly a strong match.