Mel Kiper strongly criticizes Rams for surprising Ty Simpson pick at No. 13 overall

The Los Angeles Rams pulled off the stunner of the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick.

It was a major surprise and drew plenty of questions and criticism right after the pick was made by fans and media alike.

And after the draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper also shared his take, which also levied some heavy criticism at the Rams for this strange selection.

Rams criticized by Mel Kiper for Ty Simpson pick

"There was talk that the Rams were interested in him at No. 29 before they traded that pick, but No. 13? Way, way too rich," Kiper writes. "... But using the No. 13 pick on a QB with lingering questions when the Rams had the chance to do something to help them right now doesn't fit with the contention window."

The Rams' pick of Simpson was a shocker, with many experts, Kiper included, predicting he'd be a player some team would trade back into the first round for in the late 20's at the earliest.

Almost everyone didn't expect Simpson to be the pick for the Rams at 13th overall. It was a true stunner, and it has received significant criticism.

Kiper's criticism is well warranted. He was picked too early, with the No. 13 pick being, as Kiper put it, "Way, way too rich."

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If Simpson went at the end of the first round, it would be a bit more digestible. Instead, he goes at 13th overall in a move that most didn't expect.

But what makes this a whole lot worse is that the Rams are trying to win the Super Bowl this year by going all-in. And yet, this pick of Simpson in Round 1 doesn't fit with such a plan.

The Rams are planning for the future with this pick, which doesn't fit with how the rest of their offseason has gone. They needed to address their backup quarterback spot, but this is not the kind of move many would've expected from the Rams to fill that need.

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