For more than six weeks, Dan Orlovksy took his lumps for saying that quarterback Ty Simpson projected as the better pro compared to consensus No. 1 overall prospect Fernando Mendoza. The ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback also remained adamant that Simpson would be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Few could have experienced the validation that Orlovsky felt when the Los Angeles Rams – in the most surprising move of the first round – selected Simpson No. 13 overall.
"I just, truly, in my gut thought he would be a first-round pick," Orlovsky told USA TODAY Sports.
Insiders and experts struggling to find a team and fit for Simpson as the draft approached only reinforced his belief.
“There’s no way that all these people – coach-wise, as smart as they are – and I’m the only person who thinks that,” Orlovsky said.
The Rams, considered one of the best-run organizations in the league with general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay at the helm, making the pick only added a layer of validation.
“Because you’re not taking him unless you’re both (Snead and McVay) like, ‘Yup, we’re doing this,’” Orlovsky said. “It being the Rams, even more kind of validates it for me and just reinforces ‘Just keep trusting what you’re doing, because more often than not it works out.’”
1. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, IndianaThe first round of the 2026 NFL Draft brings franchise‑defining moments as teams make their selections from the top of the board.See how picks 1 through 32 came off the clock as the next generation of NFL talent enters the league.
Kansas City Chiefs (from Browns) − CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Washington Commanders − LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
New Orleans Saints − WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Cleveland Browns (from Chiefs) − OL Spencer Fano, Utah
Giants (from Cincinnati Bengals) − OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
Dallas Cowboys (from Dolphins) − S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Miami Dolphins (from Cowboys) − OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) − QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Tampa Bay Buccaneers − DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) − TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Philadelphia Eagles (from Green Bay Packers via Cowboys) − WR Makai Lemon, USC
Pittsburgh Steelers − OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State