Rams’ GM’s Close Relationship with Ty Simpson’s Father Adds to Draft Controversy

Alabama alum Ty Simpson has the tools to become successful in the NFL, but does not help the Los Angeles Rams right away.

Rams’ GM’s Close Relationship with Ty Simpson’s Father Adds to Draft Controversy

Les Snead and Ty Simpson (Image via Around the NFL/NFL/X)

In Short
  • The Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, surprising many analysts.
  • Rams GM Les Snead reportedly influenced Simpson's family to encourage his declaration for the draft, despite a lucrative NIL offer from Miami.
  • Critics, including former players, argue the Rams should have prioritized immediate impact players over drafting a quarterback for the future.

Even though there were enough reasons to be excited about most of the selections from the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams became the center of attention after they selected Ty Simpson way before anyone predicted him to go.

Almost every mock draft had the Alabama QB going late in the first round or early in the second. In fact, the teams they predicted would go after Simpson were the Arizona Cardinals and maybe the New York Jets.

Both had the draft capital to move up and the obvious need at the most important position in football. Even though they are looking towards rebuilding their rosters, they could allow the Tennessee native to sit back and learn.

But it seems the Rams took Nick Saban‘s sit-back-and-learn suggestion too seriously and stunned everyone by using their 13th overall pick. Now, something else has come to light.

His dad, Jason, who is the head coach of UT Martin, was calling people that he knows in the NFL… seeking input… One of the people he leaned heavily on… was Les Snead.

Tom Pelissero revealed on Good Morning Football

The NFL Network insider went on to reveal that Rams GM Les Snead swayed the Simpson family into convincing their son to declare for the NFL Draft. That was despite the Miami Hurricanes having a $6.5 million NIL offer on the table.

Tom Pelissero did not explicitly insinuate that Snead did his friend a favor. Rather, he was enamored by Ty Simpson before he even played in the disastrous Rose Bowl loss, so he was already on board.

Former players frustrated by Rams selecting Ty Simpson

While this link between Les Snead and Ty Simpson’s father has sparked some narratives on social media, the real question some former players are asking is about Matthew Stafford.

Ty Simpson and his parents at the NFL Draft
Ty Simpson and his parents at the NFL Draft (Image via NFL/X)

If I’m Matthew Stafford, … I’m upset that you didn’t get me another playmaker.

Ryan Clark said on First Take

The Super Bowl champion acknowledged that the reigning league MVP might not be frustrated with his team drafting a signal caller whom he can mentor and hand over the reins to when he is done.

At the same time, Clark believes that the Rams did a disservice to Stafford by not drafting another wide receiver. He pointed to the fact that the franchise was not selecting up until late in the second round. By then, most of the better pass catchers will be gone, and they will be left to gather scraps.

The difference between the Rams and the Super Bowl LX-winning Seattle Seahawks was down to a few plays. For them to get over the hump, Ryan Clark stressed that they need an impact addition.

Rams picking Ty Simpson baffles Mike Greenberg

Ryan Clark was not the only one who felt that the Los Angeles Rams might have over thought it while selecting Simpson. They needed players who could contribute right away.

It’s an absolutely terrible pick by the Rams. … They have Matthew at an age where he is the very definition of year-to-year. They are the best team in the NFL last year, and didn’t win the whole thing… He (Simpson) will contribute zero to their effort to win the Super Bowl next year.

Mike Greenberg said on The Rich Eisen Show

The Get Up host referred to past instances when the Green Bay Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love under similar situations.

After Rodgers joined the Packers, Brett Favre never won another Super Bowl. The same can be said about the former, who is still trying to prove his worth after the Packers drafted Love.

Mike Greenberg was in no way dismissing Ty Simpson’s abilities or his potential. Rather, he was throwing caution to the wind, as winning in the NFL does not come easily. Since their starting quarterback is year-to-year, success is not guaranteed.

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