Featured image: Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson poses after being chosen by the Los Angeles Rams with the 13th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

The Los Angeles Rams surprised draft experts by taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th pick. Simpson, a native of Martin, Tennessee, who started just 15 games in college, was among 16 prospects who came to Pittsburgh even though many draft boards had him going in the second round.

Simpson exuded confidence when he walked the red carpet.

“Absolutely, I am confident,” Simpson said. “That’s why I decided to come out. You know with the offensive infrastructure we had in Alabama with other coaches and the offensive system, the weight room, everything was set up to better you for the NFL. And that’s why I stayed at ’Bama.”

Check out the photos from Simpson’s historic night below.