Sean McVay's tense press conference after Ty Simpson pick draws eyes

Was it an unlucky No. 13 for the Los Angeles Rams?

>With the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson on April 23, perhaps the biggest of many first-round surprises. While analysts and draft gurus pegged Simpson to have first round-pick ceiling, Simpson's range was expected to be at the back end of the first half, or perhaps even early Day 2.

>While most head coaches would be thrilled to secure their passer of the future, head coach Sean McVay didn't seem thrilled with the selection, if his demeanor and body language during LA's post-draft press conference was any indication.

>McVay seemed visibly agitated and was largely short with his responses as general manager Les Snead answered most of the questions during the duo's post-Round 1 media availability.

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#Ramshouse GM Les Snead & HC Sean McVay spoke w/ me about what they saw that intrigued them to draft QB Ty Simpson w/ the 13th pick

🎥: @NitecastMedia 🏈 #NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/b06rjPwtqF

— Nick Hamilton (@NickHamilton213) April 24, 2026The coach also seemed a bit reserved on the draft call with the passer.

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Ty Simpson gets the call from the Rams pic.twitter.com/sf869lShUE

— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) April 24, 2026MORE: How Ty Simpson fits in LA with Matthew Stafford, Rams

>Interestingly, when asked if Simpson was a player that the Rams targeted, McVay seemed to skirt the question and opted to reinforce that the keys of the Rams' high-powered offense still belongs to reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, and that Simpson will be locked in a QB competition for the No. 2 spot.

>"When you do look at it, I think the thing you like the body of work – let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew's team – you get a chance to be able to address the backup quarterback. We've got Stetson [Bennett]. We've talked about the importance of Jimmy [Garoppolo].

>"So to be able to add somebody that you can evaluate a body of work where he was asked to play the position and a lot of things that do translate in terms of concepts, reading with his feet, some of the different things in the drop back in the play action game and the movement game."

>The coach also said that there were a number of players the team liked at pick No. 13, but ultimately landed on Simpson given that he was an easier evaluation.

>The Rams have persistently been in "win-now mode" under Snead and McVay. Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, the team traded nine of its last 10 first-round picks for veteran players

Why did the Rams draft Ty Simpson?General manager Les Snead weighed in on what he saw that sold the team on Simpson.

>"I think at the end of the day, processing football. Someone who can execute a passing offense, has mobility. So that's probably the macro, there's a lot more variables that go into it, but that's the macro, I would say."

>McVay added that the team had a chance to address the backup quarterback spot, and that Simpson will compete with Stetson Bennett for the QB2 job.

>Additionally, all NFL franchises value the idea of having a succession plan at quarterback. Stafford finished the 2025 season, ending in an MVP award, but the Rams fell short of a Super Bowl appearance again. Stafford, 38, is likely nearing the end of his career, leaving the Rams with a chance to draft their passer of the future.

>Snead also pointed out that he knows Simpson's father, Jason Simpson, back to their playing days in college.

>"I can't say I don't have a real personal relationship, other than he's been real successful at UT-Martin," Snead said.

>This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sean McVay had a curious response to Rams drafting Ty Simpson