Rams GM Dismisses Narratives Surrounding Sean McVay’s Negative Reaction to Ty Simpson Draft

The Los Angeles Rams selecting Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick stunned everyone as he was predicted to go late in the first round.

Rams GM Dismisses Narratives Surrounding Sean McVay’s Negative Reaction to Ty Simpson Draft

Les Snead, Ty Simpson at the Draft, and Sean McVay (Image via Holden Cantor/Evan Cervantes/X)

In Short
  • Les Snead clarified that Sean McVay's body language during the press conference was due to the stress of the draft process.
  • The Rams felt pressured to select Ty Simpson at 13 due to trades affecting their draft strategy.
  • Ty Simpson has not yet heard from Matthew Stafford but is eager to connect with him for guidance.

Moments after Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the Los Angeles Rams were selecting Ty Simpson with their 13th overall pick, all eyes turned towards the franchise’s top brass.

Fans and members of the media wanted to scrutinize the Rams’ draft room and try to figure out if everyone was on board with this selection.

The Alabama QB was supposed to be a late first-round or an early second-round pick, which is why eyebrows were raised across the football world.

After their analysis, those on social media pointed out how head coach Sean McVay was visibly uninterested during the Rams’ post-first-round press conference.

Sean and I are going to always work together in these types of decisions… But there was a lot that was going on into maneuvering that draft. We’re in lockstep… We’re collaborative. It’s him and I partnering to try to do the best for the Rams.

Les Snead said on ESPN Los Angeles

This was the Rams’ GM clarifying that it was more about the stress from the faster-than-usual Day of the 2026 NFL Draft. They had to figure out which teams were in position to draft Ty Simpson, and they had to make do with what they could.

It seems as if Les Snead is suggesting that the trades that happened prior to them using their 13th overall pick piled on the pressure. At the same time, he made it clear that he and Sean McVay were in unison about selecting their quarterback of the future.

Draft expert agrees Rams selecting Ty Simpson was forced by other trades

While Les Snead clarified what actually led to Sean McVay‘s questionable body language at their press conference, the question still remains as to why they selected Ty Simpson, as they could have brought in someone who could have helped them win a Super Bowl this year.

Everything was tied to the Arizona Cardinals via the Rams… They (Cardinals) are going to move into the late first-round, the space we thought the Rams were interested in, Ty Simpson. Not at 13, rather at 29. Once 29 was dealt, he’s off limits for the Rams. Now, Arizona could jump back in.

Mel Kiper Jr. said on NFL Draft Countdown

That means that this move was seemingly forced upon the Rams. They felt they could trade up into the latter stages of the first round to draft the 23-year-old.

Mel Kiper Jr. pointed out that the franchise could have been better off drafting someone like Makai Lemon, who was still available, to give Matthew Stafford another impactful target.

The draft expert added that the Rams were very close to making it to Super Bowl LX. That is why there are so many questions surrounding this draft pick, as everyone feels the organization could have selected someone else.

Ty Simpson has not received a welcome call from Matthew Stafford yet

Matthew Stafford is the reigning league MVP and suddenly seems to have that fire inside him to continue playing for at least the upcoming season.

Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford
Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford (Image via Barstool Sports/X)

With the Rams clearly in line to contend for the Super Bowl this time, the question marks surrounding Ty Simpson’s selection seem justified. But the team’s best player was informed of their decision to draft the Tennessee native. However, Stafford has not welcomed him yet.

Kelly has actually texted me on Instagram and welcomed me and told me to hit her up if we need anything. But I can’t wait to talk to Matthew. I’m super ecstatic because I just want to pick his brain about everything.

Ty Simpson told reporters

The newest member of the organization revealed that Stafford has not yet reached out to him, but he cannot wait to connect with the veteran QB and learn from him.

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