PITTSBURGH () — The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick in the NFL draft on Thursday.
He was the second quarterback selected after Fernando Mendoza was taken at No. 1 by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Rams general manager Les Snead made a first-round pick for only the second time in the past decade – and he turned in a shocker by taking Simpson, who wasn’t considered a first-round talent on some draft boards.
Simpson is set to start his NFL career as a backup to Matthew Stafford, last season’s MVP.
“Let’s make one thing clear: This is Matthew’s team,” Rams coach Sean McVay told reporters.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Rams called Stafford Thursday to inform him that they planned to select Simpson.
Simpson was a starter for only one season with the Crimson Tide, passing for 3,567 yards and leading them to the Rose Bowl after three seasons as a backup.
The Rams fell one game short of reaching the Super Bowl last season, losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC championship game.
Los Angeles acquired the No. 13 pick from the Atlanta Falcons in a trade one year ago.
The 38-year-old Stafford has already announced he is returning to the Rams next season, his 17th in the NFL, but hasn’t committed beyond this year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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