The Los Angeles Rams didn’t have a first-round pick. They weren’t among the teams with the most draft capital. Yet, when the 2024 draft concluded, whispers began spreading through NFL circles: the Rams had quietly made one of the most intriguing developmental quarterback moves of the offseason—landing Alabama’s Ty Simpson in the later rounds.
Albert Breer, one of the most trusted voices in NFL reporting, dissected how this happened. His takeaways painted a picture not of a lucky find, but of disciplined evaluation, long-term vision, and a clear understanding of what the Rams need at quarterback beyond just Day 1 performance. This isn’t about immediate impact—it’s about shaping the future.
Breer’s reporting underscores a central theme: the Rams aren’t drafting for headlines. They’re drafting for organizational continuity, and Ty Simpson fits that mold in ways that go beyond the stat sheet.
Why the Rams Needed a Developmental Quarterback
The Rams entered the draft with Baker Mayfield as their starter—a proven veteran who revitalized their offense in the previous season. But Mayfield’s long-term future in L.A. was anything but certain. His contract was short-term, his injury history well-documented, and the team’s window of contention still open but narrowing.
Meanwhile, Stetson Bennett represented the immediate backup—a gritty college performer but limited in physical tools. The Rams needed a third quarterback, yes—but more importantly, they needed a projectable one. A player with traits that could grow under their system, coaching, and quarterback development infrastructure.
Breer noted that the Rams’ front office had been tracking developmental quarterbacks since the scouting cycle began. They weren’t chasing consensus sleepers or media darlings. Their list was internal, built on film study, metrics, and private interviews. Ty Simpson wasn’t the flashiest name, but he met every box on their checklist: arm talent, mobility, processing speed, and, crucially, coachability.
“The Rams weren’t looking for a savior,” Breer wrote. “They were looking for a student. Simpson fits that.”
How Albert Breer Breaks Down the Rams’ Evaluation Process
According to Breer’s reporting, the Rams’ approach to the quarterback class was rooted in process, not panic. While other teams scrambled for instant answers, L.A. operated with methodical precision.
- They prioritized three traits above all:
- Processing under pressure – Could the QB quickly diagnose coverages and make accurate throws when blitzed?
- Arm versatility – Capable of both quick, short throws and deeper, anticipation throws?
- Learning agility – Did they show measurable improvement from Year 1 to Year 3 in college?
Simpson, despite limited starting experience at Alabama, checked all three.
At Alabama, he played behind Jalen Milroe—a more dynamic athlete but a less refined passer. Simpson’s reps were sparse, but when he played, particularly in blowout wins and spring games, he showed the kind of quick decision-making and clean mechanics the Rams value. Breer highlighted Simpson’s 2023 spring game performance—12-of-15, 165 yards, two touchdowns—as a data point the Rams heavily weighted, despite its non-game context.
“NFL teams are increasingly valuing controlled reps in high-coachability environments,” Breer explained. “Simpson wasn’t polished, but he was precise. That’s what stood out.”
The Rams also conducted a private workout with Simpson in March, one of only a handful of teams to do so. Sources close to the process told Breer that Simpson aced the cognitive portion of the session, correctly identifying simulated coverages and making rapid-fire adjustments—something the Rams’ staff tracks via their in-house QB assessment model.
The Draft Room Moment: Why Simpson Was the Right Fit
When the draft arrived, the Rams held multiple Day 3 picks. With their third sixth-round selection (No. 197 overall), they pounced on Simpson. Breer’s sources indicated that Simpson was the only quarterback on their final board at that moment.
Other names—like Kyle McCord or Jaxson Dart—had been considered earlier, but concerns about fit and mechanics pushed them down. McCord’s footwork issues and Dart’s smaller frame didn’t align with the Rams’ long-term developmental model, which leans on quarterbacks who can grow into 6'2"+ frames with reliable delivery.
Simpson, at 6'3", 205 pounds, with a quick release and smooth dropbacks, mirrored traits the Rams saw in Jared Goff during his early years. “They’re not looking for Patrick Mahomes,” Breer said. “They’re looking for a quarterback who can grow into the system—and Simpson gives them that runway.”
It wasn’t just about physical traits, either. The Rams place heavy emphasis on psychological profile. They use a third-party assessment tool to gauge work ethic, resilience, and coachability. Simpson scored exceptionally high in all three, particularly in adaptive learning—a metric that measures how quickly a player adjusts after mistakes.
One example Breer cited: in a 2022 game against Western Kentucky, Simpson entered in relief and threw an interception on his second pass. On the next series, he corrected his footwork, avoided pressure better, and led a scoring drive. That kind of in-game adjustment is rare in young quarterbacks and exactly what the Rams want to nurture.
The Post-Draft Reality: What Simpson’s Arrival Means
Landing Simpson doesn’t change the Rams’ immediate quarterback hierarchy. Mayfield starts. Bennett backs him up. Simpson is third, likely to spend his rookie season on the scout team, absorbing the offense, and building strength.
But Breer stressed that being a third-stringer in L.A. isn’t a career death sentence. Under head coach Sean McVay and offensive coordinator Liam Coen, the Rams have a proven track record of developing young quarterbacks—even if they don’t start right away.
Case in point: John Wolford. Never a star, but carved out a multi-year NFL career after showing promise in practice and limited game action with the Rams. The system develops decision-making, timing, and situational awareness—skills that compound over time.
Simpson will benefit from daily exposure to Mayfield’s preparation, McVay’s detail-oriented meetings, and the structured rep allocation the team uses for developmental QBs. Breer noted that the Rams have a “300-rep rule” for young quarterbacks in training camp—ensuring they get meaningful, high-quality snaps even without live game time.
Additionally, Simpson’s familiarity with pro-style concepts at Alabama—Alabama runs a hybrid spread-pro system—means he won’t face the steep learning curve that some college passers do. He’s already comfortable with play-action, intermediate crossers, and progression reads—hallmarks of the Rams’ offense.
How Other Teams Missed the Signal
One of Breer’s most compelling takeaways was why Simpson fell to the sixth round. The answer isn’t about talent—it’s about narrative.
Simpson played behind two high-profile quarterbacks at Alabama—Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe. His stats were thin: 21 career pass attempts, no regular-season starts. In an era where scouts crave volume, Simpson’s lack of game film made him easy to overlook.
But Breer argues that film scarcity doesn’t equal lack of evaluation. “Smart teams don’t just count reps,” he said. “They evaluate the quality of those reps.”
Teams like the 49ers, Bills, and Chiefs—who also needed developmental QBs—passed on Simpson, reportedly due to concerns about “unknowns.” The Rams, however, viewed those unknowns as opportunities.
While other organizations sought “pro-ready” backups, the Rams embraced the long game. They see Simpson not as a finished product, but as a high-upside moldable piece—something increasingly rare in the modern draft.
“The draft isn’t just about finding talent,” Breer concluded. “It’s about finding the right kind of talent for your system. The Rams did that with Simpson.”
The Bigger Picture: Strategic Drafting in the McVay Era
This move fits a broader pattern in how the Rams build their roster. Since Sean McVay took over, they’ve consistently prioritized developmental players at key skill positions—especially quarterback and offensive line.
They’ve avoided overpaying for short-term fixes at QB, instead cultivating internal options. Even their trade for Matthew Stafford was framed as a win-now move with a long-term succession plan in mind.
Simpson is the latest piece of that succession blueprint. If Mayfield leaves after the season, the Rams won’t be scrambling. They’ll have a young, system-savvy quarterback already immersed in the offense.
Breer pointed out that the Rams have used late-round picks on QBs in three of the last five drafts—Wolford, Bennett, now Simpson. None were headline-grabbers, but each was selected with a clear developmental path.
This isn’t splashy. It’s sustainable.
What’s Next for Ty Simpson?
Simpson’s rookie season will likely be quiet. Expect limited preseason action, heavy participation in walkthroughs, and a focus on weight gain and pocket presence.
But don’t mistake silence for stagnation. The Rams’ quarterback development pipeline is one of the most structured in the league. Daily mental reps, weekly film review with Coen, and bi-monthly assessment meetings ensure continuous growth.
If Simpson shows progress—particularly in processing speed and deep-ball accuracy—he could challenge Bennett for the backup role by 2025. And if Mayfield departs, the door opens wider.
Breer’s final takeaway? “The Rams didn’t find a diamond in the rough. They found a raw gem they know how to polish.”
For fans focused on Day 1 fireworks, Simpson might seem underwhelming. But for those who understand the long game of roster building, this is exactly how smart teams stay competitive year after year.
The Rams didn’t just draft a quarterback. They drafted a project—with a plan.
FAQ
Why did the Rams draft Ty Simpson so late in the draft? Simpson had limited game experience at Alabama, playing behind Jalen Milroe and Bryce Young, which reduced his visibility. Despite strong traits, lack of volume led most teams to pass, but the Rams valued his high-upside profile.
Is Ty Simpson expected to start soon? No. He’s third on the depth chart behind Baker Mayfield and Stetson Bennett. His role in Year 1 is development and learning the offense.
How does Albert Breer view the Rams’ QB strategy? Breer sees it as patient and process-driven—focused on long-term development rather than quick fixes, with Simpson fitting their mold of a coachable, system-ready prospect.
What makes Ty Simpson a good fit for the Rams’ offense? He has good size, quick processing, clean mechanics, and experience in a pro-style system—traits that align with the Rams’ emphasis on timing, decision-making, and adaptability.
Did the Rams have other QB options? Yes, including Kyle McCord and Jaxson Dart, but concerns about mechanics, size, or fit led them to prefer Simpson’s developmental ceiling and cognitive profile.
How do the Rams develop young quarterbacks? Through structured rep allocation, cognitive assessments, daily mental reps, and close integration with the starting QB’s preparation—proven with past players like John Wolford.
Could Ty Simpson become a starter in the future? It’s possible. If he progresses quickly and the Rams maintain their development track record, he could compete for a starting role by 2026, depending on roster moves.
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