The Los Angeles Rams didn’t just draft a quarterback—they executed a quiet, high-leverage play in the later rounds to secure a developmental arm with explosive traits. When Albert Breer dissected the Rams’ 2024 draft decisions, one name stood out not for hype, but for pattern: Ty Simpson. A third-round pick from Alabama, Simpson wasn’t the consensus top quarterback, nor was he projected to go early. Yet, Breer’s NFL Draft takeaways revealed how the Rams’ process—rooted in film, athleticism, and long-term vision—led them straight to him.
This wasn’t a reach. It was precision.
Why Ty Simpson Was Overlooked
National narratives around Ty Simpson painted a familiar portrait: inconsistent production, limited starts, and a role often overshadowed by more seasoned quarterbacks at Alabama. In a league obsessed with stats and snap counts, Simpson’s resume looked thin—just 12 career starts, 2,800 yards, 21 TDs, 8 INTs. By traditional metrics, he didn’t crack the top tier.
But Albert Breer highlighted a critical flaw in that evaluation. “We’re still too reliant on counting stats in the draft,” Breer noted on his MMQB report. “Especially at quarterback, where context—offensive scheme, coaching, talent around you—shapes everything.”
Simpson operated in a run-heavy, committee-based Alabama offense under Nick Saban. His best games came against SEC competition—like a 280-yard, 3-TD performance against Texas A&M—but even those didn’t generate sustained buzz. The lack of volume masked his upside.
Breer’s take was clear: the market undervalued Simpson because he didn’t fit the “polished passer” archetype. But for teams prioritizing traits over transcripts—like the Rams—he was a gold mine waiting to be unearthed.
The Rams’ Draft Philosophy: Traits Over Track Record
The Rams didn’t enter draft week needing a Day 1 starter. With Matthew Stafford still under contract and relatively healthy, their focus was on the future—specifically, finding a quarterback with moldable tools and elite athletic upside.
Breer observed that the Rams' draft board “leans heavily on physical projection and processing speed.” Unlike teams that prioritize immediate readiness, Los Angeles has doubled down on quarterbacks with high athletic ceilings: think of their past interest in dual-threat prospects and their development of John Wolford.
Simpson fits that mold perfectly.
He ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the Combine, posted a 37-inch vertical, and demonstrated elite agility in cone drills. More importantly, Breer pointed to Simpson’s film showing “accurate ball placement on the move” and “real zip on intermediate throws.” These weren’t just workout metrics—they were game-transferable skills.
“We’ve seen this before,” Breer wrote. “A mobile QB from a pro-style program, underused, dismissed for lack of volume. Then he lands in the right system and… boom. Think Jalen Hurts. Think Anthony Richardson. The Rams aren’t betting on stats. They’re betting on traits that thrive in Sean McVay’s offense.”
How the Rams Crafted the Pick
Breer outlined a three-phase process the Rams used to zero in on Simpson—what he called “the Alabama arc playbook.”
Phase 1: Deep Film Audit The Rams’ scouting team didn’t just watch Simpson’s starts—they broke down every snap he was on the field, even in mop-up duty. They analyzed his footwork on third-and-long, his improvisation under pressure, and his communication at the line. What stood out was his “pre-snap recognition” and “quick reset after mistakes”—qualities McVay values above raw arm talent.
Phase 2: Private Workouts & Interviews Simpson participated in a private session with the Rams at Alabama’s pro day. While his throwing mechanics drew some criticism, Breer noted the Rams were “less concerned with textbook form and more interested in how quickly he adjusted to feedback.” Coaches reportedly gave him a single cue—“step faster on deep outs”—and he implemented it flawlessly on the next rep. That learning agility was a green light.
Phase 3: Medical & Psychological Deep Dive The Rams pulled full medical records and conducted extensive psychological profiling. Simpson scored high on “coaching receptiveness” and “competitive resilience”—key traits for a developmental project. Breer emphasized this step: “Teams miss on QBs not because of talent, but because of fit. The Rams built a psychographic profile for their next QB. Simpson matched it.”
By the time draft weekend arrived, Simpson wasn’t just an option—he was a targeted fit.
The Draft Room Decision: Waiting for Value
The Rams held the 78th overall pick in the third round. Breer detailed how they nearly moved on Malik Willis in Round 2 but backed off due to cost. Instead, they stayed patient.
Their board showed Simpson as a mid-third-round talent. When he fell to 78, it was a gift.
“Most teams panic when their guy drops,” Breer observed. “The Rams celebrated. They knew they were getting a player rated higher than his position—essentially a value steal.”
That patience reflected a broader trend in McVay and GM Les Snead’s draft approach: avoid overpaying, trust the board, and capitalize on market inefficiencies. Simpson, with his limited starts and “project” label, was exactly the kind of player others over-scouted against.
The Rams didn’t need to trade up. They let the board come to them.
Why Simpson Fits the McVay Offense
Sean McVay’s system has evolved—especially after Stafford’s injuries. The Rams now incorporate more RPOs, boot-action, and designed quarterback runs. Breer pointed out that “Simpson’s athleticism unlocks angles McVay hasn’t fully used since Jared Goff’s early days.”
Practical examples from Simpson’s college tape support this:
- RPO Decisions: Against LSU, Simpson read a crashing DE and pulled the ball, hitting a bubble screen for 18 yards. His processing speed was NFL-ready.
- Zone Read Execution: Alabama used him sparingly in true read-option looks, but when they did, he gained 5.8 yards per carry—higher than any QB on the roster.
- Play-Action Disguise: His stiff upper body mechanics (a critique from some scouts) actually helped sell play fakes, per Breer’s film review.
“People see stiffness and think ‘bad mechanics,’” Breer said. “But in McVay’s offense, where timing and rhythm matter, Simpson’s compact motion could be an asset. He’s not Lamar Jackson, but he doesn’t need to be. He just needs to be the right tool for this system.”
What the Rams Are Really Betting On
The Rams aren’t banking on Ty Simpson becoming a superstar. They’re betting on optionality.
Breer framed it as a “low-cost, high-upside hedge.” With Stafford entering his mid-30s and no clear successor on the roster, the Rams needed a developmental quarterback without sacrificing immediate talent. Simpson cost them only a third-round pick—no premium capital.
More importantly, they drafted him into a system that’s proven to develop QBs. Goff improved under McVay. Wolford showed flashes. Even Baker Mayfield had a renaissance year in a similar offense.
Simpson gets:
- A stable coaching environment
- A veteran quarterback to learn from
- An offense designed for quick reads and movement
- A front office that’s patient with development
“As long as he stays healthy and coachable,” Breer concluded, “Simpson has a real path to becoming a starter—maybe not next year, but within three seasons.”
What Other Teams Missed
Breer’s sharpest insight wasn’t about the Rams—it was about the league’s blind spots.
“We’re still drafting quarterbacks like it’s 2005,” he said. “We want the clean pocket passer with 3,500 yards and 30 TDs. But the NFL is moving toward mobility, adaptability, and processing under stress. Guys like Simpson—who thrive in chaos—are the future.”
Other teams passed on Simpson because:
- He didn’t start enough games
- His deep ball was inconsistent
- He played in a run-first system
- He lacked “pro-ready” mechanics
But Breer argued these aren’t red flags—they’re context.
“The same traits that made him ‘raw’ in college are the ones that make him moldable. The Rams didn’t draft a finished product. They drafted clay.”
The Road Ahead for Ty Simpson
Simpson’s rookie season will likely be a redshirt year. He’ll spend it learning McVay’s offense, refining his footwork, and adapting to NFL speed.
But come 2025, if Stafford shows decline or injury risk, Simpson could compete with Stetson Bennett for the backup role. By 2026, he could be the starter.
The Rams’ plan isn’t rushed. It’s methodical.
As Breer put it: “They didn’t draft Ty Simpson to save the season. They drafted him to extend the window.”
And in a league where quarterback value compounds over time, that’s not just smart drafting—it’s sustainable winning.
FAQ
Why did the Rams pick Ty Simpson in the third round? The Rams targeted Simpson for his elite athleticism, processing ability, and fit within Sean McVay’s evolving offense. They viewed him as a high-upside project available at a low cost.
Was Ty Simpson a consensus draft prospect? No. Simpson was widely seen as a mid-to-late round pick due to limited starts and inconsistent production at Alabama. His athletic traits, however, drew interest from several teams.
How does Simpson fit Sean McVay’s offense? Simpson’s mobility, quick decision-making, and RPO experience align with McVay’s increasing use of quarterback movement and play-action concepts.
What were Albert Breer’s key takeaways on this pick? Breer emphasized the Rams’ focus on traits over stats, their disciplined draft process, and the value of selecting a moldable quarterback in a favorable system.
Is Ty Simpson the Rams’ quarterback of the future? He’s a serious contender. While not guaranteed to start, Simpson has the tools and development path to challenge for the role within three years.
Did other teams pass on Simpson for valid reasons? Yes—concerns about his limited experience, mechanics, and lack of dominant college production were legitimate. But Breer argues these factors were overweighed by some teams.
How does this pick reflect the Rams’ overall draft strategy? It reflects their trend of targeting athletic, moldable players with high ceilings, especially at key offensive positions, while avoiding overpaying for perceived “safe” picks.
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