April 24 (UPI) -- Fresh off becoming the Los Angeles Rams' first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, quarterback Ty Simpson said he's never met new coach Sean McVay.
Simpson made the revelation Thursday on SiriusXM and confirmed lack of contact with the Rams during his first news conference with local reporters. He also said he hasn't met Rams general manager Les Snead, who worked with McVay to select him in Thursday's first round.
"It was really brief, to be honest," Simpson said of his contact with the Rams. "I met with some scouts at Alabama and that was really it. They talked to my agent, but that was really not much."
NFL franchise decision makers frequently attempt to cloak their interest in prospects so other teams don't take them before they have the opportunity. But the news of not meeting with a potential franchise quarterback is somewhat unusual, as NFL teams also are notorious for conducting exhaustive research on prospects before committing to them with high-value picks.
Simpson, who was projected as a late first-round or early second-round selection entering the first night of the 2026 NFL Draft, joined the Rams at No. 13 overall.
The Athletic reported that McVay hasn't met with a prospect before drafting him since 2020. But the Rams also had just one first-round pick since 2016, when they selected quarterback Jared Goff at No. 1 overall. Jeff Fisher, the Rams' coach at that time, met with Goff the team picked him.
Simpson said he also has yet to speak with incumbent starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. McVay said he spoke to Stafford before the Rams selected Simpson, but chose to keep the details of those talks private. He told reporters Simpson "is going to compete" with Stetson Bennett for backup duties.
"Let's make one thing clear: this is Matthew's team," McVay said.
Snead helped advise Simpson's family about his decision whether to stay in college or enter the 2026 NFL Draft. He appeared more enthused about Simpson's selection than McVay was throughout their joint news conference.
McVay, who often gave brief responses to questions about Simpson, said the Rams liked "a lot of players" and "a lot of thought" went into his selection.
"This was my first time talking to Les," Simpson said Thursday. "It was something that was super surreal. I know my dad had spoken with him briefly, but this was my first contact and it was cool.
"I'm looking forward to meeting him and getting to know coach."
McVay said the Rams considered the short- and long-term outlook of their franchise when selecting Simpson. He said Simpson used similar concepts at Alabama and noted that his ability to read with his feet, style of dropping back, use of play-action and similarities in the movement game between Alabama and the Rams eased his evaluation.
The Rams signed Stafford to a two-year, $84 million restructured contract last off-season. The three-time Pro Bowl selection and 2020-21 Super Bowl champion went on to lead the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 passing scores en route to his first MVP Award. Stafford, 38, will make about $40 million this coming season.
The Rams enter the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft with two selections, one in the second round and another in the third round. They have four Day 3 selections, with one is the sixth round and three in the seventh round.
Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be the second and third rounds, will air at 7 p.m. EDT Friday on NFL Network, ABC and ESPN. The final day, rounds four through seven, will air at noon Saturday on the same platforms.