The San Francisco 49ers entered the 2026 NFL Draft facing heavy criticism for what many viewed as a series of reaches, especially in their first three selections: wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, defensive end Romello Height, and running back Kaelon Black. Yet as the dust settles on the opening rounds, the 49ers might owe a quiet debt of gratitude to their NFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Rams. In one bold — and widely panned — move, the Rams may have single-handedly spared San Francisco from bearing the full brunt of draft-day ridicule.

With the No. 13 overall pick — acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons the previous year — the Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Most analysts projected Simpson as a late first-round or even early second-round talent at best. Taking him at 13 was immediately labeled a significant reach, particularly for a Los Angeles team that still receives MVP-caliber play from veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford on a roster built for immediate Super Bowl contention.

This year’s draft class was notably thin at the top, with few true blue-chip prospects available. Many observers believed the Rams could have used the selection to add an impact player capable of contributing right away alongside Stafford. Instead, they invested a high first-round pick in a developmental quarterback who may need years to develop — assuming he develops at all.

The irony runs deeper. Reports indicated the Rams aggressively tried to trade down from No. 13 to secure Simpson later, mirroring the 49ers’ own efforts. According to ESPN’s Peter Schrager, Los Angeles explored a deal with the Detroit Lions at No. 17, motivated in part by Detroit’s interest in Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. That plan evaporated when the Miami Dolphins selected Proctor at No. 12. Despite frantic attempts to find another trade partner, none materialized. Rams general manager Les Snead ultimately pulled the trigger on Simpson rather than risk losing him entirely by the time their next pick rolled around at No. 61.

San Francisco faced a strikingly similar dilemma. After trading down twice and exiting Round 1, the 49ers shopped the No. 33 overall pick heading into Day 2. Like the Rams, they found no takers. Forced to decide whether to let De’Zhaun Stribling slip away or take him and absorb the inevitable criticism, they chose the latter.

In the grand scheme of the draft, both teams reached for talent they coveted. Yet the optics differ dramatically. A project quarterback taken at No. 13 dominates the conversation in ways that mid-first-round reaches simply cannot. The national narrative now centers on the Rams’ aggressive and questionable decision at the top of the draft, effectively providing cover for the 49ers’ own controversial selections.

For San Francisco, this is a gift. While questions about Stribling, Height, and Black will persist, they are quickly being overshadowed by the louder debate surrounding Simpson and the Rams. The 49ers’ mistakes haven’t been erased — but they’ve been conveniently pushed down the priority list of draft-day controversies.

So perhaps it’s time for the 49ers’ front office to pick up the phone — or at least drop a thank-you card in the mail to L.A. In a draft filled with scrutiny, the Rams’ bold swing at No. 13 may have just saved San Francisco from wearing the biggest target on its back. For that, a little gratitude might be in order.