Rams' Ty Simpson reacts to potential Sean McVay draft controversy

How Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looked and sounded shortly after his club made Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson the 13th overall selection of the 2026 NFL Draft understandably caused some to wonder if McVay was less than thrilled with the decision. 

McVay and general manager Les Snead have since attempted to put a potential controversy regarding the drafting of Simpson to bed on multiple occasions. Over the weekend, Simpson was asked about McVay's initial reaction to what was one of the more surprising picks of the draft's first round.

Ty Simpson "didn't really see" how Sean McVay reacted to the draft pick

"I didn't really see it," Simpson said, per Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. "I know one thing, though. I know Coach McVay has been in contact, and he's super fired up. And I'm super excited. I know that I couldn't have asked for a better situation, not only with the best player in the league in front of me but the best coach in the league at the helm." 

The win-now Rams spending a valuable draft asset on an eventual replacement for starting quarterback and reigning regular-season Most Valuable Player Matthew Stafford instead of on a 2026 Week 1 starting player predictably raised eyebrows among many members of the football community. If Stafford signs an adjusted contract or an extension this spring or summer, such a deal could ensure he's atop the Rams' depth chart for at least the next two seasons. 

What Matthew Stafford said to Ty Simpson about the draft pick

Simpson revealed that he received text messages from Stafford and from Stafford’s wife, Kelly, after the Rams drafted the promising prospect. 

"...He was like, 'Welcome, man. I’m super pumped,'" Simpson said about the message from Stafford. "He was like, 'Loved watching you play, but you played for the wrong jersey,' because he’s pumping up Georgia. So when I see him on Monday, I’m going to give him heck about that. But it’s cool. I’m super excited, especially having him and [backup quarterback Stetson Bennett IV] in there, Georgia guys, and me, an Alabama guy, so I’ve got to stand up for myself."

Simpson added that he wants to "soak up as much as I can from Matthew and the guys and be the best player I can be." Rams fans shouldn't see what that looks like during meaningful games anytime soon unless disaster strikes the club later this year.