The Los Angeles Rams' bold move to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson didn't just shock the NFL world, it was also a first in league history.
L.A. became the first team to draft a quarterback in the first round the year after their starter (Matthew Stafford) won MVP and returned to the team (h/t @elmambablanco on X).
Before this, the highest a team had ever drafted a quarterback after an MVP campaign was in 2011, when the New England Patriots selected Ryan Mallett at No. 74 overall following Tom Brady’s 2010 MVP win. The Patriots actually did it two years early, too, when they also selected Kevin O'Connell at No. 94 in 2008 after Brady’s first MVP season.
While the Rams' drafting a quarterback wasn't entirely unexpected, given Stafford’s age and recurring retirement rumors, the price tag was. Spending the No. 13 overall pick is a massive investment, especially considering Stafford has no immediate plans to step aside.
The closest we came to this situation was in 2020, when the Green Bay Packers took Jordan Love with the No. 26 overall pick. However, that was six years after Aaron Rodgers won his second MVP. And, funny enough, Rodgers went on to win two consecutive MVPs in the season immediately following the Love pick. The Ravens took a quarterback in each of two drafts following Lamar Jackson's MVP season, but both were late Day 3 picks.
The difference between the Patriots, Packers and Ravens, though, is that all knew they'd have their starting quarterback for at least three more seasons. The Rams do not, which is perhaps why they felt compelled to figure out who would step into Stafford's shoes as soon as 2027.
Many will question the Rams' pick at No. 13, especially since many draft experts believe the Rams could have traded back and taken him later if they wanted to. But L.A. got their guy in the end and now have a clear succession plan for when Stafford eventually hangs it up — either after the 2026 season or some other time.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams make NFL history with aggressive Ty Simpson draft pick