LA Rams GM Les Snead Visits Manning Passing Academy

The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in late April 2026, designating him as the projected successor to Matthew Stafford.

The selection followed a comprehensive scouting process that began in June 2025, when Rams general manager Les Snead attended the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, Louisiana, to conduct due diligence on quarterbacks, according to reporting from TSN.

Over the subsequent year, the Rams’ scouting staff identified Simpson as a player who would fit the requirements of the position and work effectively with head coach Sean McVay. Nicole Blake, the director of scouting, stated that the organization was drawn to Simpson’s intelligence and his performance within Alabama’s pro-style system.

Blake noted that Simpson makes a lot of pro-style throws and that the translation to the professional level was very easy to see.

Experience and Draft Risk

Despite the Rams’ confidence in his fit, Simpson entered the league with limited starting experience. He made 15 college starts after spending time behind quarterbacks Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe.

According to ESPN Research, Simpson’s 15 career starts are the fourth fewest by any first-round quarterback selected over the last 25 years. Only three other first-round quarterbacks had fewer starts: Anthony Richardson Sr. With 13, Mitchell Trubisky with 13, and Dwayne Haskins with 14.

This lack of experience led some analysts to view the selection as a risk. Domonique Foxworth described the pick as a risky bet, and Booger McFarland expressed doubts regarding the selection of the 23-year-old quarterback.

Controversy Over Pre-Draft Meetings

The draft selection was initially clouded by conflicting reports regarding Simpson’s relationship with the Rams’ leadership. Following the draft, Simpson told the media that he had never spoken to general manager Les Snead and had never met head coach Sean McVay.

Days later, Simpson confessed that he had actually participated in several hours of secret meetings with McVay and other members of the Rams’ executive leadership prior to the draft.

The discrepancy led to public questions regarding McVay’s intentions and the nature of the team’s communication. Les Snead later addressed the situation during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, explaining that the secrecy was a deliberate strategy.

At the end of the day, here’s where it went awry. We do like to emphasize, Pat, hey, look, try to keep these private meetings between us, right, for that gamesmanship. Just, you know, we’d like for other teams not to know we’re interested.

Les Snead via Essentially Sports

Snead expressed sympathy for the rookie, noting that Simpson had simply followed the team’s instructions to maintain confidentiality during the pre-draft process.

So, we emphasize, keep it quiet. Felt really bad for Ty. He stayed on script. Poor guy stayed on script.

Les Snead via Essentially Sports

Simpson has since stated that he is looking forward to utilizing Matthew Stafford as a mentor as he transitions into the NFL.