The Los Angeles Rams are enjoying a stellar season with a 9-2 record, having secured victories in their last six games, establishing themselves as strong contenders for a deep playoff run in 2025. As excitement builds around the current season, attention is already turning toward future prospects, particularly the 2026 NFL Draft.
In a recent mock draft, analysts Nate Tice and Charles McDonald from Yahoo Sports predicted that the Rams may utilize their first-round pick to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Tice remarked on Simpson’s dynamic style of play, describing him as someone who aggressively attacks defenses, showcasing a strong arm while maintaining an instinct for the game. He noted that the opportunity to learn from veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford could provide Simpson with invaluable experience, allowing him to refine his skills as he adjusts to the demands of professional football.
At just 22 years old, Simpson has been making waves as the starting quarterback at Alabama after being a five-star recruit from Westview High School in Tennessee. This season, he has completed 66.9% of his passes for a total of 2,934 yards, accumulating 22 touchdowns against four interceptions over 11 games—a performance that speaks to his potential as an NFL quarterback.
In addition to their quarterback needs, Tice indicates that the Rams might also focus on strengthening their offensive line by selecting Northwestern offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan with their second first-round pick. Described as an intelligent and capable pass protector, Tiernan’s skills could provide an essential bridge for the Rams’ offensive line, particularly as they consider future transitions.
At 22 years old and having started every game over the last three seasons at Northwestern, Tiernan has the experience and size that the Rams could benefit from. His recruitment as a four-star player out of Michigan positions him as a promising prospect who could eventually replace veteran Rob Havenstein on the right side of the line.
While both quarterback and offensive tackle stand out as crucial long-term needs for the Rams, the current strong performance of Matthew Stafford complicates the decision to draft Simpson. Fans and analysts alike will be curious to see how the team balances their immediate needs with future aspirations as they look ahead to the draft. As the Rams continue to build a competitive roster, the focus remains not only on the present but also on crafting a victorious future.