Rams' Ty Simpson draft move sends one message to NFL

The Los Angeles Rams surprised the NFL world when they selected quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. After all, why would they need a first-round quarterback if they already have reigning MVP Matthew Stafford?

Well, Stafford is 38 years old, so Simpson is largely being seen as a successor to Stafford, which makes sense. So, this move shows that the Los Angeles Rams are serious about landing an heir apparent to their franchise quarterback and giving him time to develop. But, it also says something else.

Rams' decision to draft Ty Simpson says one thing

The Rams' move shows also that they're confident in their current roster, enough that they didn't need to use that pick to take a potential starter in another position.

It's something that Eric Edholm of the NFL's official website notes in an April 27 feature with NFL power rankings out of the draft. He puts the Rams at a high No. 2.

"With its first two picks of the draft, Los Angeles selected a quarterback who might not take a snap in 2026 and a sixth tight end for the roster," he notes. "I can understand Rams fans' frustrations, but that approach tells me that the team believes it has a Super Bowl-caliber roster right now and can afford to make such moves."

He adds that they could have found "another Puka Nacua in the Rams' draft mix, but they certainly won't go into next season counting on much in the way of rookie help to win it all."

So, it appears Sean McVay has found his Stafford successor, and that's his focus right now, as opposed to having to focus on the Rams' other players. The Rams' 2026 NFL Draft moves show that they already think they have a roster ready to get back to the Super Bowl, with their main issue now being building for a post-Stafford future.