The gap between the top two quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft proved to be 12 picks.
Alabama’s Ty Simpson landed with the Rams with the 13th pick in Thursday’s draft, becoming the second quarterback selected after the Raiders took Fernando Mendoza first as expected.
While the world knew Mendoza would be selected first, the remaining quarterbacks came with question marks that made projecting their landing spots difficult.
Now, Simpson lands as Matthew Stafford’s backup in Los Angeles as he awaits to take over.
Simpson, 23, only started for the Crimson Tide for one season and had a strong showing, tallying 3,567 passing yards and 28 passing touchdowns to five interceptions.
The junior is more of a traditional drop-back quarterback, averaging 2.0 rushing yards per carry in his career.
Simpson’s collegiate career ended with a dud, completing 12-of-16 passes for a paltry 67 yards during Indiana’s 38-3 beatdown of Alabama in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
While he could have returned for another season, Simpson opted to enter the NFL draft and join a quarterback class that is underwhelming.
“Grateful for every single second. Blessed beyond measure to be able to chase my dreams,” he posted to Instagram in January. “Time to roll. Roll Tide.”
The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy ranked Simpson the class’ No. 2 quarterback, praising his ability to throw with anticipation but noting he can hold onto the ball too long.
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky actually ranked Simpson ahead of Mendoza.
“I think when we look at the body of work and what was asked of these two quarterbacks, you have to start with the question, who needed to do more to carry their football team to play well? Ty Simpson and it’s not close between those two quarterbacks,” Orlovsky said in late March.
Early draft speculation included rumblings about whether the Jets could use their second first-round pick — No. 16 — to select him or if the Steelers could use the No. 21 selection to draft Simpson.
“If I have the opportunity to play in New York,” Simpson said during the Scouting Combine, “they’re going to get the best Ty Simpson.”
