Dan Orlovsky reacts to Rams selecting Ty Simpson with No. 13 overall pick
By David Wasson
Published:
The shock waves rippled across the National Football League on Thursday night when the Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick.
Simpson was regarded by many as a fringe first-round pick, but among those analysts who remained high on the Crimson Tide signal-caller was ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky – who had been adamant in his belief that Simpson will be a quality pro QB.
“The work always wins,” was Orlovsky’s message on X after the Rams’ pick was announced by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in Pittsburgh. Orlovsky expanded on his belief of Simpson’s talent on the NFL Network set after the pick was made.
“My gut throughout this whole process it that the tape says first-rounder,” Orlovsky said. “Everyone has been quiet about it because they liked him. I think he has a drive, even though it is a small sample size, against Wisconsin that I would put up against anyone.”
Simpson became the fifth Alabama quarterback taken in the first round, tied for third most of any collegiate program – joining Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts (2020), Mac Jones (2021) and Bryce Young (2023). Alabama also extended its streak with multiple first-round picks to 10 consecutive years, as offensive tackle Jaydn Proctor was taken with the No. 12 pick by the Miami Dolphins immediately before Simpson.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
