Top NFL media members have surprising take about Rams QB of the future and it shows how off base they are with Sean McVay
Ty Simpson makes little sense to the Rams.
For a few years in a row now, the Los Angeles Rams have been linked to numerous top quarterback prospects in the NFL Draft to replace Matthew Stafford. Last year, reports came out that said the Rams met with quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart, and inevitably, the Rams did not select a quarterback. Nor have they in any recent draft, despite fervent attempts to link them to any number of signal callers.
Despite that, we’re still getting push from several insiders that the Rams will definitely for sure take a quarterback in the first round this year. Former NFL executive Louis Riddick recently stated he “knows” the Rams “like” Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson. NFL Insider Tom Pelissero has stated he wouldn’t be shocked if the Rams selected Simpson 13th overall.
There’s just one (ok, more than one) problem with this theory to me. None of this matches how the Rams have operated over the last decade. It doesn’t make any sense.
Ty Simpson to the Rams makes little sense
I do think the idea of Simpson to the Rams, theoretically, makes sense. He is a quarterback, and the Rams need one for the future. That’s about how far the logic goes there, and that’s enough for most media analysts.
Simpson’s game, however, the thing that teams typically scout for, doesn’t really translate to the Rams. He only has 15 games under his belt as a starter, and it shows in his response to pressure. He gets rattled far too easily, panicking into ill-advised throws and dropping his eyes into the rush. You can immediately see his feet get frantic, and his ball placement gets erratic. Additionally, he takes far too many sacks trying to make something happen, and he’s not talented enough to make that up.
He’s not a quick enough processor to handle a significant mental workload, which comes with the territory of only starting 15 games. Could that theoretically improve with time? Sure, but that improves with experience, something the Rams can’t afford to give him as a rookie.
The Rams moved on from Jared Goff to Matthew Stafford because Stafford was A. Unrattled by pressure, something that undid the Rams offense every season Goff was under center, B. Could make every throw in the book, and C. Was a quick enough processor they could unleash their whole playbook without relying on play-action and scheme to carry their quarterback. McVay had had enough with Goff by the end of his career in LA, and the Rams paid a handsome price for Stafford because of this.
Now, you’re trying to convince me the Rams will invest a top pick in a quarterback who, in his best case scenario, is going back to that Goff style of playbook? McVay has constantly evolved as a play caller. What part of that is an evolution?
Sean McVay has made his stance clear on what he wants at QB
Even if we want to ignore what he does on the field and claim it’s subjective, it’s hard to discount McVay’s own words with what he wants at quarterback. Years ago, appearing on the “Flying Coach Podcast” with Peter Schrager, McVay said the following:
“If you said, when do the really rare quarterbacks express themselves especially nowadays? It might be in the framework of the pocket when things go outside the rhythm of the play. Tom [Brady] does it differently than Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers are doing it, but all of which is beautiful and makes them elite at what they do. You see some of the things and I’ve talked a lot about the excitement with Stafford. That’s one of the things I’m excited about him is, when it breaks down, getting through progressions, being able to move and manipulate, keep your eyes down the field. We talked about Josh Allen. I mean, some of the stuff that he did, and what Dak [Prescott]’s been able to do, these guys that you’re talking about are the premier players at the position. They have a creativity that illustrates itself when things go a little bit off schedule. And then oh by the way, when it is on schedule, they’re as close to automatic as it gets. I think that’s where the guys separate themselves.”
In McVay’s own words, he wants a passer who can be creative when plays break down, whether it’s with their processing ability (Brady, Dak, Stafford) or their physical talent (Mahomes, Rodgers, Allen). This show was right after the Rams made that trade for Stafford, so these issues were at the forefront of McVay’s mind. That’s just not Simpson’s game at all. Can he create some as a runner? Yeah, but it’s not a calling card of his game (nor should it be with his frame and injury history). Simpson is at his best completely on schedule and on time. When the bullets start flying, however, his play dipped off consistently. If I can see that, Sean McVay sure can.
Ty Simpson doesn’t fit the Rams’ window
A little over two weeks ago, Rams’ general manager Les Snead essentially said their next step was to go “all in” with one more year of Matthew Stafford, and that he wasn’t afraid to go back to his “eff them picks” self to do whatever it takes for a Super Bowl.
What part of that means taking a quarterback early? Yes, they have to think about life after Stafford, but we’ve been doing this same song and dance for years now, and the Rams haven’t bothered. Even last year, when they did not think Stafford would play early, they didn’t bother even looking at the quarterbacks.
Taking a quarterback just to take a quarterback is how teams get stuck with Kenny Pickett, Mac Jones, Desmond Ridder, etc. As many complaints as I’ve had with the Rams’ operation over the years, making decisions like that is just something they’ve not ever done. They avoid drafting for need like the plague, and more or less, they don’t often reach for talent regardless of position. Doing so now goes against everything they’ve done in recent memory.
For one final point here, and perhaps the one that matters the most: When have the Rams ever told anyone what they want or like? They are notorious for smoke screens and misdirections, particularly when it comes to the draft. Remember when they leaked the fact they were meeting with Chop Robinson just before the 2024 NFL Draft for the sole purpose of drawing attention away from their interest in Jared Verse? You just can’t buy what anyone says publicly about the team.
Los Angeles Rams News
Los Angeles Rams add promising young star to coaching staff whose hire could have major implications for the future
Sean McVay might have struck gold again with his latest coaching hire.
