ESPN analyst defends Rams' Ty Simpson pick for Patrick Mahomes and Jordan Love reasons originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Rams made some very confusing picks during the 2026 NFL Draft, but their selection of Ty Simpson was the obvious stunner.

With the Rams in win-now mode, taking a backup, developmental quarterback is a very strange decision for the Rams.

However, ESPN's Matt Miller defended this pick by referencing the Kansas City Chiefs selection of Patrick Mahomes and the Green Bay Packers selection of Jordan Love in recent years.

"On value, Simpson wasn't a match for where he was selected," Miller writes. "But the idea of drafting a quarterback before you need one is strong. It worked for Green Bay - twice. It worked for Kansas City when Alex Smith was taking the Chiefs to the playoffs."

The Rams taking Simpson at the No. 13 selection in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft was a true stunner and drew plenty of criticism.

But Miller is defending the pick by referencing the success the Packers got after they took Love and also Aaron Rodgers back in the day, while they had a starting quarterback still on the roster.

More: Puka Nacua, Byron Young, other 2023 draft picks expected to be extended by Rams

The Chiefs' selection of Mahomes was a similar example, as they were a playoff contender with Alex Smith, and still picked a QB early in the draft.

This defense of the Rams' pick makes sense from that angle, as if the Rams can have a quarterback ready to completely take over when Matthew Stafford retires, instead of trying to find a new one, would be ideal.

However, the Rams were one of the best teams in the NFL last year, and would've been better off taking a top wide receiver like Makai Lemon instead of Simpson at No. 13 to maximize their championship window with Stafford.

In an ideal world, the Simpson pick will turn into what Mahomes, Love, and Rodgers became. But, more likely is that the Rams will come to regret this pick, as turning into an elite QB like those three will be incredibly difficult.

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