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Former NFL player Jim Everett speaks during an interview on day 1 of SiriusXM at Super Bowl LVI.

The Los Angeles Rams pulled off one of the most surprising moves of the 2026 draft’s opening round on Thursday night, selecting Ty Simpson 13th overall, and franchise legend Jim Everett expressed strong thoughts about the decision.

Everett also dropped a strong take on the reactions to the decision.

As more details about the Rams’ synchronicity on the pick come to light, Everett’s stance stands out amid that of the franchise.

Former Rams QB Calls Out Fans

Most pre-draft projections had the Rams going with a skill position player. That was even amid their connections to various quarterbacks in the class.

In light of that, there was disappointment among the fanbase, but Everett was not for it.

He praised Rams general manager Les Snead for keeping the Rams’ interest in Simpson under wraps until the pick was made. He also noted that they beat out former offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and the Arizona Cardinals for the QB.

“Never seen [rams emoji] fans this soft over a pick. Let Les cook,” Everett urged in a post on April 24, adding “Rams took Simpson at 13, classic Snead long game. Stafford runs the show, Ty sits, & learns from McVay & Matthew” and asserting that there was no “Win-now panic? Nah…they’ve earned the leash & Secondary is way better!”

Everett believes the Rams will have plenty of opportunities to add to their trenches and skill positions on Days 2 and 3 of the draft.

The Rams are expected to have several intriguing options available to them on Day 2.

They no longer have to ponder what their future will look like at quarterback after Stafford, though. Simpson is now in tow, and at least one franchise icon, Everett, is fully on board with the decision.

“Trust the process….,” Everett added to his string of support for Snead (and Simpson) on social media. “Les is More” [ram and up arrow emojis].”

Rams Great Takes Hard-Line Stance on Ty Simpson

Everett, the Rams’ all-time passing leader, made his feelings clear, including as soon as LA selected Simpson with the 13th overall pick.

“Yes!!  [clapping hands emoji],” Everett posted on X on April 23. “All in with Ty!!”

“Welcome to the @RamsNFL @ty_simpson06!” Everett said in a follow-up post. “Congratulations!! So look forward to watching you in horns.  Every day, grind it!

Let’s goooo!”

Former player and scout Bucky Brooks is among those on the outside of the organization who see the vision.

“The Rams pass on the chance to take an immediate contributor to instead select a backup quarterback in Simpson,” Brooks wrote for NFL.com on April 23. “Sean McVay is the perfect coach to mold Simpson, who boasts clean footwork and is a natural pocket passer. After making just 15 starts at Alabama, Simpson gets the luxury to redshirt for at least one year and learn behind reigning MVP Matthew Stafford.”

However, it was polarizing among fans.

Simpson is inexperienced as a starter. That could extend the developmental time that he will need before he is ready to assume starting duties. With Stafford, there is no rush to get Simpson on the field, though.

However, Simpson’s experience will come in practice and during the preseason, when opposing defensive coordinators run vanilla schemes.

That is a bold undertaking for a team that was one win away from the Super Bowl last season.