The Los Angeles Rams made a significant statement on the opening night of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. In a move that caught many observers by surprise, the Rams secured a high-upside signal-caller to develop behind their current starter. While the immediate focus remains on contending in 2026, this choice positions the franchise for long-term stability at the game’s most critical position.
With Matthew Stafford returning after his 2025 MVP season, Simpson enters an ideal environment for growth. The Rams’ decision reflects a patient approach that prioritizes development over immediate impact, aligning with successful quarterback transitions across the league.
Sitting Behind MVP Matthew Stafford
Ty Simpson will most likely begin his professional career as a backup, absorbing knowledge from Matthew Stafford, the 2025 Associated Press NFL MVP. Stafford, who announced his return for the 2026 season during his MVP acceptance speech, brings a wealth of experience, including a Super Bowl victory and consistent elite production.
At 38 years old heading into the season, Stafford remains one of the league’s top passers, but his presence offers Simpson something more valuable than playing time: daily mentorship from a future Hall of Famer. Simpson has already expressed excitement about the opportunity, crediting his own development path while noting the chance to learn from Stafford and head coach Sean McVay.
This arrangement allows Simpson to focus on the mental side of the game without the pressures of immediate starts. He can study film alongside Stafford, observe in-game adjustments, and build chemistry with the Rams’ receivers and offensive line during practice. Rams general manager Les Snead emphasized Simpson’s fit as someone who can execute a passing offense with mobility, setting the stage for a seamless transition whenever his time arrives.
Mastering Sean McVay’s Complex Offensive Scheme
The time Simpson spends behind Stafford will also provide an unparalleled opportunity to learn the intricate offensive scheme designed by head coach Sean McVay. McVay’s system, known for its heavy use of pre-snap motion, play-action, and layered route concepts, ranks among the most sophisticated in the NFL. It demands precise timing, quick decision-making, and a deep understanding of defensive coverages.
Simpson, who thrived in Alabama’s pro-style, shotgun-heavy attack under Nick Saban, arrives with a foundation that translates well. McVay’s offense rewards quarterbacks who excel at full-field reads and rhythm throws, areas where Simpson demonstrated growth in college. By sitting and observing, Simpson can internalize the playbook’s nuances, from protections to hot routes, without the trial-by-fire experience many rookies face.
Analysts have noted that McVay’s track record with quarterbacks, including Jared Goff’s early development into a Super Bowl-caliber player, suggests this redshirt year could accelerate Simpson’s readiness. The scheme’s emphasis on timing and anticipation plays to Simpson’s strengths in the intermediate passing game, where he consistently delivered accurate throws in 2025.
The Proven Benefits of Quarterbacks Sitting Behind Established Veterans
History shows that quarterbacks who sit behind established veterans early in their careers often emerge as more polished professionals. Examples abound: Aaron Rodgers spent three seasons learning behind Brett Favre in Green Bay, developing into a four-time MVP. Patrick Mahomes redshirted his rookie year behind Alex Smith in Kansas City, absorbing lessons on game management before leading the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowls.
Jimmy Garoppolo similarly benefited from backing up Tom Brady in New England, later stepping into successful starting roles. As Garoppolo once reflected, observing a veteran allows a young quarterback to visualize situations, ask targeted questions, and refine mechanics without game-day consequences.
Data and expert analysis support this model. While some rookies succeed immediately, those afforded development time frequently post higher career win rates and avoid early mistakes that can derail confidence. For Simpson, the luxury of a winning veteran ahead of him in a stable organization minimizes risk. He can focus on NFL-specific adjustments, such as faster defensive reactions and complex protections, while the Rams pursue another championship run.
Ty Simpson’s College Highlights: Strengths Poised for Professional Transition
Ty Simpson’s college career at Alabama provides a strong blueprint for his NFL potential. After limited appearances in his first three seasons, he took over as the full-time starter in 2025, delivering a standout campaign. In 15 games, he completed 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, with 28 touchdowns against just five interceptions. His 64.5 percent completion rate and 145.2 passer rating underscored his efficiency in the SEC, one of college football’s toughest conferences.
Simpson’s strengths shine in the pocket. He displays excellent footwork and composure, staying balanced while progressing through reads. His pre-snap recognition and quick processing allow him to attack all three levels of the field with anticipation throws, particularly effective on intermediate routes. Low turnover tendencies, with only five interceptions in his primary starting season, highlight his decision-making and ball security.
As a runner, Simpson adds value without forcing plays, recording 90 carries for 93 yards and two scores in 2025. His toughness stands out despite a listed frame of 6-foot-2 and 211 pounds; he routinely steps up into pressure and delivers strikes while absorbing hits. Scouting reports praise his arm talent for pushing the ball downfield accurately in structure, though occasional deep-ball inconsistencies remain an area for growth.
Transitioning to the pros, Simpson’s high football IQ and leadership, forged under Nick Saban, position him well. He led Alabama to an 11-4 record and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025, proving he can elevate those around him in big moments. With refinement in footwork consistency and arm strength under NFL coaching, his ceiling appears as a reliable, scheme-fitting starter.
A Pro Player to Emulate: An Athletic Kirk Cousins
As Simpson builds his NFL career, he could aspire to emulate an athletic version of Kirk Cousins. Cousins has built a successful career through precision accuracy, quick release, and mastery of timing-based offenses, posting consistent high-volume production across multiple teams. Like Cousins, Simpson thrives on rhythm and anticipation rather than pure athleticism alone, yet he brings added mobility that Cousins lacked early in his career.
This comp, highlighted in draft scouting reports, fits Simpson’s profile: a pocket operator with strong intermediate accuracy and the ability to extend plays when needed. Cousins’ longevity and ability to elevate supporting casts mirror the traits Simpson can develop under McVay and Stafford. By focusing on film study and mechanics, Simpson can follow a similar path to sustained excellence and playoff success.
Addressing Public Perception: Did Sean McVay Want Ty Simpson?
Some fans and observers have raised concerns about public perception following the draft, particularly regarding whether McVay fully endorsed the selection. During the post-pick press conference, McVay appeared subdued, offering brief responses while general manager Les Snead spoke enthusiastically about Simpson’s traits. McVay noted that Simpson would compete with incumbent backup Stetson Bennett for the QB2 role rather than being handed it outright, prompting speculation about internal alignment.
These visuals fueled online discussions, with some questioning if the pick aligned with McVay’s vision for immediate contention. However, a closer look reveals a positive context. McVay has a history of measured public comments, and his emphasis on competition underscores a merit-based culture that benefits development. Snead and the front office clearly targeted Simpson as the long-term successor, and McVay’s system has historically thrived with quarterbacks who learn its intricacies over time.
Simpson himself addressed the moment positively, focusing on the opportunity ahead. Far from a red flag, this dynamic reflects healthy organizational dialogue. McVay’s track record suggests he will maximize Simpson’s potential once the rookie earns snaps, turning any initial skepticism into validation.
A Forward-Looking Franchise Move
The Rams’ selection of Ty Simpson at No. 13 represents more than a draft choice; it embodies a commitment to sustainable excellence at quarterback. By pairing Simpson with Stafford’s mentorship and McVay’s elite scheme, the organization has created a developmental pathway proven to produce winners. Simpson’s college production, combined with his intangibles, positions him as a prospect ready to absorb lessons and emerge stronger.
As the 2026 season unfolds, Simpson’s role will evolve from observer to contributor. Fans can look forward to a future where the Rams maintain their offensive identity well beyond Stafford’s tenure. In a league where quarterback stability often dictates success, this pick offers the positive outlook Los Angeles seeks: a calculated investment in talent that could pay dividends for years to come.
