
It would be shocking if the Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the NFL Draft without the approval of Sean McVay. However, his body language during the post-Draft press conference and past interviews from prior to Thursday raise some questions about his involvement.
The 10th-year head coach appeared to be frustrated by the selection. Less than enthralled, if you will.
There are a lot of dynamics at play with this pick and the NFL is a business at the end of the day. That doesn’t mean a head coach can’t show emotion — good or bad — about the decision of his boss.
The Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson in the NFL Draft.
Already armed with what many fans and analysts consider the best roster in football, the Los Angeles Rams had a unique opportunity to add another instant-impact playmaker to play alongside Matthew Stafford. Especially considering that the 2026 NFL Draft class is highlighted by lineman and receivers.
Rarely, if ever, does a 12-win team from the year prior pick inside the top 15 after reaching the conference championship game. The Rams had a chance to bolster their offense with someone like Jordyn Tyson, Carnell Tate, Monroe Freeling, Makai Lemon, Francis Mauigoa or Kenyon Sadiq.
Some of those guys were already gone by the time Los Angeles was on the clock but it didn’t matter.
Roger Goodell walked out onto the stage in Pittsburgh to announce Ty Simpson as the team’s selection. The Rams drafted a quarterback with the No. 13 overall pick with the reigning MVP still on the roster.
Nobody saw it coming!
McVay spoke about Simpson during an interview with Kay Adams at the end of March. He made it seem like he was impressed, but not in love. He even said “there’s a lot of other guys I like at that 13th pick.”
There are a lot of Ty Simpson opinions floating around right now, here's what Rams HC Sean McVay had to say about the Alabama QB:@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/JqLPfvz7NO
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 30, 2026
Maybe it was a smoke screen. Maybe it was an indication of his true feelings.
Sean McVay was not enthusiastic.
Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead spoke about the selection of Ty Simpson on Thursday night. He was very optimistic.
“I think it’s been a process that started in the offseason, per se, especially when Sean and the coaching staff got involved. That process goes all the way up until even into the latter parts of last week. Then at that point in time, like I’ve mentioned here, the sea is going to shape the 13th pick you. You had to fall.”
McVay did not show the same amount of enthusiasm. His body language was… off.
It seemed like he was staring daggers at Snead. His voice lacked enthusiasm, which is not usually the case for McVay.
Video from Sean McVay and Les Snead’s press conference after selecting Ty Simpson.
— Eric Williams (@edubnfl22) April 24, 2026
McVay emphasized this is Matthew Stafford’s team and their new first round pick will compete with Stetson Bennett for the backup role. pic.twitter.com/qdjOw4ubgU
This particular moment went extremely viral:
— YANKOFF IS A STAR (@pahrduve) April 24, 2026
Les Snead and UT-Martin head coach Jason Simpson — the father of Ty — have a strong relationship. The former even helped to advise the latter during his son’s decision on whether or not to turn pro.
And then he drafted him!
Maybe Sean McVay did not agree with the decision to draft Ty Simpson. Or, maybe, the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams was holding over some of his emotions from his conversation with Stafford. They are very close.
McVay informed the veteran quarterback of the Simpson pick prior to the first round and promised him that the starting job is not up for the taking. Stafford understood but I cannot imagine he was thrilled.
Perhaps McVay held back his excitement about Simpson so not to upset Stafford. Or maybe he was truly furious with the decision to draft a future quarterback in a year where the Rams are position to win now.