Rams' first-round pick Ty Simpson faces 'career backup' label, analyst says

The Los Angeles Rams surprised many by selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The pick came as a shock given the Rams have reigning MVP Matthew Stafford as their starter.

Former two-time NFL general manager Scot McCloughan has offered a blunt assessment of Simpson's future. Speaking on the Team 980 in Washington, D.C., McCloughan said he believes Simpson is "overdrafted" and destined to be a "career backup," comparing him to Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Simpson started for Alabama in 2024, throwing for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns while leading the Crimson Tide to the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff. He also dealt with a back injury during the season.

The McCarthy comparison

McCloughan likened Simpson to McCarthy, who was drafted 10th overall by the Vikings in 2024. McCarthy missed his rookie season due to injury and struggled when given the starting role last year. He is now competing with Kyler Murray for Minnesota's starting quarterback job.

"He's like J.J. McCarthy. He's like Mac Jones. He's a career backup," McCloughan said. "Ideally, he might start, but that's because of where his pick was and they want to prove everybody right."

• Simpson was selected 13th overall by the Rams, a team that already has a star quarterback in Matthew Stafford.
• McCloughan questioned the Rams' roster-building strategy with this pick.
• Simpson led Alabama to the SEC Championship Game and College Football Playoff in his lone season as starter.
• McCarthy, the comparison, is battling for the Vikings' starting job after an injury-plagued early career.

Both Simpson and McCarthy face uphill battles to prove their doubters wrong. The Rams have not indicated any immediate plans for Simpson, who will likely learn behind Stafford. The NFL season is set to begin in September.