How the Rams Landed on Ty Simpson: Breer’s Draft Insights

The Los Angeles Rams didn’t enter the draft window with a glaring hole at quarterback, but they left with a calculated investment in the future. Albert Breer’s NFL Draft takeaways spotlight how the Rams’ selection of Ty Simpson wasn’t a reach, a hype pick, or a locker room gesture—but a deliberate, intelligence-driven decision rooted in board alignment, projection, and organizational patience.

Simpson, a former five-star recruit from Alabama, wasn’t the consensus top quarterback on most draft boards. Yet Breer’s reporting reveals that the Rams have been tracking him for over a year, building a detailed profile that diverged from the broader media narrative. This wasn’t a last-minute swing for upside. It was a targeted acquisition based on internal modeling, coaching fit, and long-term succession planning.

The Rams’ Quarterback Conundrum: More Than Just Stafford For much of the past three seasons, the Rams’ quarterback room has revolved around Matthew Stafford. When healthy, he’s a top-10-caliber passer with elite arm talent and a Super Bowl ring. But he’s also 36, injury-prone, and carries a massive contract. The “next man up” has been Baker Mayfield, a rental who delivered a miracle run in 2023 but was never intended to be the long-term answer.

Enter Sam Darnold—the stopgap. The Rams signed him in 2024 to add stability and experience behind Stafford. But Darnold’s role is transparent: bridge the gap, mentor the rookie, and keep the offense functional. There was no delusion that he’s the future.

As Breer noted, “The Rams weren’t in full rebuild mode, but they were in succession mode.” They needed a quarterback with traits that could grow within Sean McVay’s system, fit the physical demands of the NFC West, and carry the torch in 2–3 years. That search led them to Ty Simpson.

Why Ty Simpson? Breer’s Evaluation Breakdown

Breer’s draft analysis emphasized that the Rams weren’t chasing stats or draft buzz. Simpson’s college production at Alabama was limited—just 21 career pass attempts. But the Rams, like several forward-thinking teams, prioritized practice tape, combine metrics, and private workouts over box score noise.

Here’s what stood out in Breer’s reporting:

• Elite physical traits: Simpson ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at 6’2”, 211 lbs—a rare blend of size and speed.
• Arm talent and velocity: Capable of making every NFL throw, including deep crossers and back-shoulder fades under pressure.
• Processing speed: According to Breer, Simpson tested high in cognitive assessments, a key factor for McVay’s pre-snap-heavy system.
• Coaching adaptability: Multiple sources cited Simpson’s ability to absorb complex scripts quickly during private visits.

Breer pointed out that while players like Jayden Daniels or Bo Nix went earlier due to production, Simpson represented a “projection pick” with higher upside—similar to how the 49ers viewed Trey Lance in 2021, though with less risk due to Simpson’s cleaner mechanics.

“The Rams didn’t fall in love with what Simpson did. They fell in love with what he could become—and they had the timeline to let it happen.” — Albert Breer, NFL Media

The Draft Room Math: How the Rams Engineered the Pick

One of Breer’s most revealing insights was how the Rams positioned themselves to land Simpson without overpaying.

They entered the draft with limited Day 2 capital—no second-round pick after trading up for Penei Sewell in 2023. But they held multiple third- and fourth-rounders. Their strategy? Let the quarterback run play out early, then pounce when the market cooled.

Teams like the Raiders, Falcons, and Panthers were rumored to be quarterback-needy, but all opted for safer, more polished prospects. By the top of Day 3, the board had reset. Simpson, despite first-round hype in January, was still on the board.

The Rams, holding the 102nd overall pick (third round), stayed patient. They’d already worked Simpson out privately and hosted him for a top-30 visit. When no team traded up for him early in Round 3, they pulled the trigger.

Breer highlighted that the Rams had Simpson rated as a late Day 2 talent—higher than his eventual landing spot. “They believed they were getting a second-round player at a third-round cost,” he wrote. “That’s value, even in a draft where quarterbacks are volatile.”

Internal Fit: Why Simpson Suits McVay’s System

It’s not enough to have tools. The Rams needed a quarterback who could thrive under McVay’s structure—one that demands quick decision-making, rhythm throws, and mobility within the pocket.

Simpson’s collegiate exposure came mostly in empty sets and spread concepts, but his processing in simulated NFL scenarios stood out. During the pre-draft process, the Rams ran him through a condensed version of their offense. He completed 88% of his throws in the session, including multiple reps against simulated pressure.

Breer noted that McVay’s staff was particularly impressed by Simpson’s ability to:

• Identify coverage pre-snap
• Adjust protections on the fly
• Execute RPOs with timing and tempo

“He doesn’t just run fast—he thinks fast,” a source told Breer. “That’s what Sean wants.”

The Rams also value quarterback mobility, but not as a gimmick. They want escape-ability, not designed runs. Simpson fits that mold perfectly—athletic enough to extend plays, but not reliant on his legs to create.

Compare him to Jordan Love or Anthony Richardson: all possess elite physical tools, but Simpson’s mechanics are cleaner, and his decision-making under pressure is more refined at this stage.

The Development Plan: No Rush, No Distraction

One of the biggest misconceptions about drafting a quarterback is the expectation of immediate play. The Rams have no such illusions.

Breer’s reporting confirmed that Simpson will spend his rookie year on the sideline, absorbing the playbook, building chemistry with receivers, and adapting to NFL speed. The plan mirrors how the Rams handled John Wolford—develop in peace, then compete when ready.

Key elements of Simpson’s development roadmap:

• Daily film study with Stafford and Darnold: Access to two vastly different quarterbacking styles—pure pocket passer and improvisational veteran.
• Offseason program focus on mechanics: Working with QBs coach Chris Weinke to refine footwork and timing on intermediate routes.
• 7-on-7 reps in OTAs: Limited to no-contact drills to protect his body and promote learning.
• Game management training: Weekly sessions on situational football, clock management, and red-zone decision-making.

Breer emphasized that the Rams’ success with developmental picks (e.g., Puka Nacua in 2023) gives them confidence in their system. “They’re not betting on talent alone,” he said. “They’re betting on their ability to coach it.”

Long-Term Vision: Building Around a 2026 Starter

The Rams aren’t building for 2024. They’re building for 2026.

Stafford’s contract runs through 2026, with a team option for 2027. Darnold is signed for two years. Simpson, on a standard rookie deal, has four years to develop before the Rams face a quarterback decision.

Breer outlined three potential scenarios:

1. Stafford retires in 2025: Darnold starts in 2026 with Simpson as backup.
2. Stafford plays through 2026: Simpson takes over in 2027.
3. Stafford declines sharply: Simpson thrust into action earlier, but with less pressure due to rookie contract flexibility.

The flexibility is key. Unlike teams that draft a QB early and feel forced to start them (e.g., Giants with Daniel Jones), the Rams have time. They can let Simpson marinate, make mistakes in practice, and emerge ready.

“This isn’t a win-now panic pick,” Breer wrote. “It’s a win-later foundation layer.”

What Other Teams Missed—And Why It Matters

Breer’s biggest revelation? Most teams dismissed Simpson due to lack of volume.

At Alabama, he was buried behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe. He attempted just 12 passes in 2023. For teams reliant on production-based scouting, that’s a red flag.

But the Rams—along with teams like the Chiefs and 49ers—prioritize trait-based evaluation. They look at:

• Physical ceiling
• Learning agility
• Psychological makeup
• Scheme fit

Simpson tested elite in all four. He scored in the 90th percentile on the Wonderlic, ranked top-5 among QBs in broad jump and shuttle, and received glowing character reports from Alabama coaches.

“The lack of reps isn’t a strike against him,” Breer argued. “It’s a data gap. And smart teams know how to fill data gaps with better questions.”

Other teams, focused on “what have you done,” passed. The Rams asked, “what can you become?”—and liked the answer.

Closing: How to Draft Like the Rams

The Rams’ selection of Ty Simpson isn’t a headline-grabber. It won’t trend on social media. But in the quiet calculus of NFL roster building, it may prove one of the smarter moves of the draft.

Albert Breer’s takeaways underscore a critical lesson: successful drafting isn’t about chasing consensus. It’s about internal conviction, timeline alignment, and the courage to bet on projection over production.

For fans, the takeaway is patience. Simpson won’t save the season. He might not even play a snap in 2024. But if the Rams’ evaluation holds, he could be the franchise quarterback by 2027—acquired without surrendering premium picks or cap space.

That’s not luck. That’s process.

Actionable Insight: When evaluating draft picks, look beyond the headlines. Study the team’s long-term needs, coaching priorities, and development track record. The best picks often don’t make the most noise on draft night—they make sense six months later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Rams draft Ty Simpson if Stafford is still playing? The Rams are planning for the post-Stafford era. Simpson is a long-term developmental pick, not an immediate replacement.

Did Ty Simpson start many games at Alabama? No. Simpson saw very limited action, with just 21 career pass attempts, due to playing behind established starters.

How does Ty Simpson fit with Sean McVay’s offense? His quick processing, arm strength, and mobility align well with McVay’s emphasis on tempo, pre-snap reads, and play-action efficiency.

Was Ty Simpson projected as a third-round pick? Most analysts had him as a late-round or priority free agent, but the Rams valued him higher based on private workouts and internal grading.

Can Ty Simpson become the Rams’ starter? If his development stays on track, yes—likely by 2026 or 2027, depending on Stafford’s health and performance.

What makes Albert Breer’s draft analysis stand out? Breer has deep access to front offices and focuses on process over hype, revealing how teams really evaluate players behind closed doors.

How do the Rams’ QB plans compare to other NFC West teams? While 49ers and Seahawks have younger starters, the Rams are uniquely positioned with a veteran bridge (Darnold) and a high-upside rookie, giving them flexibility.