Poll: Settling the Draft's Big Debate

[Editor's note: Welcome to Athlon Sports' poll of the day, where we ask readers to weigh in on the biggest topic of the day. Thanks for voting, and be sure to sound off in the comment section.]

The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books. And even after six rounds of picks Friday and Saturday, the biggest story of the draft took place Thursday night, when the Los Angeles Rams drafted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in Round 1.

The good pick/bad pick debate was exemplified right here at Athlon Sports, where NFL analyst Doug Farrar argued that Simpson is a second-round talent at best and taking him that high was a mistake. Meanwhile, Andrew Perloff said the Rams made the right choice, and offered his reasoning.

My opinion? Well, I wouldn't have done it, but here's the thing: The Rams are the one team that can afford to do anything they want in the first round. This team had zero first-round picks between 2017 and 2023. The only first-round pick they've made in the last nine years was linebacker Jared Verse, and he was the Defensive Rookie of the Year. The first-round pick is gravy, so why not take a chance?

What do you think?

Thanks for voting. Be sure to make your voice heard and sound off in the comments section.

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This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 5:00 AM.