Rams Could Emerge as 'Wild Card' Landing Spot for Top SEC QB in 2026 NFL Draft

For several years, the Los Angeles Rams have been linked to quarterbacks ahead of the NFL Draft. It makes sense, as Matthew Stafford continues to age and the franchise begins planning for its future at the position. This year is no different, but the speculation may carry more weight than usual.

Stafford is coming off an MVP-caliber season and has shown little sign of slowing down. The veteran is expected to remain the starter in 2026, but at 38 years old, the window to identify his successor is narrowing. That makes this draft a logical time for the Rams to act.

Unlike many teams, Los Angeles does not enter the draft with glaring needs. Holding the 13th overall pick, they have widely been projected to target a wide receiver. However, with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams already on the roster, the team is only seeking depth.

Draft analyst Todd McShay believes the depth of this year's receiver class allows the Rams to address that need later in the second round, potentially freeing up their first-round pick for quarterback Ty Simpson, who was a second-team All-SEC in 2025.

"That frees up the 13th pick in the NFL draft," McShay said on the latest episode of 'The McShay Show'. "And maybe it's moved back, and maybe, but I don't know why they need additional picks. They don't. It becomes a luxury pick."

"The Rams become this wild card that people don't like, that everyone in the league wants them to take Ty Simpson. Not because they think Ty Simpson sucks, because teams in the league, if they don't need a quarterback, the greatest thing to happen in the world is a quarterback goes before him because it pushes the rest of the pot down."

8) In dicta of Rams-Simpson discussion, McShay mentions he's heard some Thieneman stuff with #Rams. Thinks #Panthers like Thieneman too. He calls LAR a wildcard; not convinced they go WR Rd 1

— Nick Guarisco (@FantasyLawGuy) April 20, 2026

The concern, however, is Simpson's limited experience. He has just one full season as a starter, a profile that has historically carried significant risk. Over the past decade, Anthony Richardson, Mitchell Trubisky, and Dwayne Haskins are the only three quarterbacks selected in the first round with 15 or fewer starts, and all three have busted.

However, the Rams could offer an ideal development environment. Sitting behind Stafford would allow Simpson to learn the system without the pressure of starting immediately, with former Rams quarterback Jim Everett believing the Alabama QB fits what head coach Sean McVay looks for in a quarterback.

"I think he can play. And I think he comes from a family with a mindset that Sean McVay loves. It's been odd that there's been zero talk about it," said Everett in a recent interview with Action Network. "Matthew Stafford's an enthusiast, and I think that gives you a little insight on the type of guy Sean McVay wants to be his quarterback…Honestly, I think it's a little bit like Ty Simpson as well, and if I had to go out on a limb, that would be a guy that probably would remind me of a Sean McVay-type guy. I'm not saying he's gonna be all that. I'm just saying I think he has a work ethic."

This is not the first time the Rams have been linked to a first-round quarterback. In 2024, there were reports they could trade up for Bo Nix, and they were also connected to Jaxson Dart. At the time, those rumors carried less urgency, especially with the team signing Jimmy Garoppolo to short-term deals.

This year, however, Garoppolo has not been re-signed, and Stetson Bennett remains the only backup behind Stafford. That suggests Los Angeles could seriously consider drafting a quarterback, and with Fernando Mendoza out of reach, Simpson may be their most realistic option.

McShay also noted that the Arizona Cardinalshave real interest in Simpson, though they are expected to trade back into late into Day 1 rather than select him with the No. 3 pick. That scenario could pressure the Rams to act at No. 13 if they want to secure their potential quarterback of the future.

Related: Rams Create 'Terrifying Trio' at WR in Blockbuster Trade Proposal

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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 8:11 AM.