The Los Angeles Rams didn’t make headlines on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. No blockbuster trades, no top-10 quarterback selections. But by Day 3, a quiet yet telling move emerged: the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the later rounds. Albert Breer, one of the sharpest voices in NFL draft analysis, zeroed in on this pick not as a reach, but as a textbook example of disciplined roster-building—blending medical recovery curves, developmental upside, and long-term quarterback planning. His takeaways reveal more than just why the Rams picked Simpson; they expose how modern NFL franchises are redefining value in the draft’s back half.
This wasn’t a splash. It was a signal.
The Quiet Logic Behind a Late-Round QB Gamble
Most late-round quarterback picks are either afterthoughts or hope plays. Ty Simpson’s selection doesn’t fit either mold. At Alabama, Simpson spent years behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe—two high-level passers—limiting his game reps. Yet he impressed scouts during spring practices and the Crimson Tide’s pro day with clean mechanics, a quick release, and above-average arm strength.
Albert Breer highlighted a key point: “The Rams didn’t fall in love with production. They fell in love with projection.” That distinction is critical. Simpson’s college stats don’t jump off the page—just 10 career pass attempts—but his physical traits and cognitive processing during drills told a different story.
The Rams, under GM Les Snead and coach Sean McVay, have learned the hard way how fragile quarterback depth can be. Matthew Stafford’s injuries, the stopgap use of Stetson Bennett, and the lack of a true developmental arm made addressing the position non-negotiable—even with Stafford under contract.
Breer observed: “They needed a QB who could sit, learn, and grow without immediate pressure. Simpson fits that mold perfectly.”
Why the Rams Saw What Others Missed
NFL teams often over-index on recent performance. Simpson, buried on Alabama’s depth chart and returning from a 2023 shoulder injury, became easy to overlook. But Breer pointed to the Rams’ advanced medical evaluations as a differentiator.
“They didn’t just look at the MRI,” Breer noted. “They looked at his rehab trajectory, his throwing volume post-recovery, and how his mechanics changed—or didn’t—after the surgery.”
Internal Rams assessments reportedly showed Simpson had regained full strength and velocity by winter 2024, a green flag others may have missed. While some teams flagged his injury and inactivity, the Rams used that downtime to their advantage: Simpson had more film room reps than most young QBs, absorbing Alabama’s complex system.
That intangible—football intelligence—was another box checked. McVay’s offense demands precision reads and pre-snap processing. Simpson, according to Breer, tested well cognitively during the pre-draft process, particularly in simulated play-calling drills.
What the Rams valued in Simpson: - Clean throwing motion under stress - High football IQ and playbook absorption - Pro-style experience in a Power-5 system - Medical clearance with recovery upside - Coachability and temperament
Other teams passed, either due to risk aversion or lack of late-round capital. The Rams, armed with extra picks from prior trades, could afford the calculated gamble.
The Breer Blueprint: How Modern Draft Strategy Is Evolving
Albert Breer’s draft coverage consistently emphasizes “value alignment”—the idea that teams should draft not just for talent, but for fit within their specific ecosystem. The Rams’ selection of Simpson exemplifies this philosophy.
Breer explained: “You can’t evaluate a pick in isolation. You have to ask: What’s their current roster? What’s their timeline? What’s their coaching staff’s ability to develop?”
For the Rams, the answer lined up: - They’re in a win-now window with Stafford, but need succession planning. - Their offensive staff, led by coordinator Liam Coen, has a track record of QB development. - Their facility and medical team are equipped to manage a slow-burn developmental project.
Compare that to a team like the Raiders or Giants—also picking in the mid-to-late rounds—who might need an immediate backup. For them, a more polished but less upside-driven QB made sense. The Rams, however, could prioritize potential because their immediate needs were covered.
This is where Breer’s insight cuts deeper than standard draft analysis. He doesn’t just grade the player—he grades the decision-making process.
The Alabama Pipeline and West Coast Ties
Another nuance Breer highlighted: the growing connection between Alabama and the West Coast NFL scene.
With coaches like Pete Carroll (now with the Raiders) and Lincoln Riley (USC) recruiting similar profiles, the Rams’ familiarity with Alabama’s development model gave them a leg up. They understood how Nick Saban’s QBs are trained—the footwork progressions, the timing concepts, the emphasis on decision-making under pressure.
Simpson, though not a starter, operated within the same framework. That continuity reduces assimilation time.
Breer added: “It’s not nepotism. It’s pattern recognition. When you see the same training environment producing certain traits, you start to trust the process—even if the game tape is thin.”
That trust allowed the Rams to override traditional red flags: lack of volume, injury history, and a crowded college QB room.
Developmental Timeline: What’s Next for Ty Simpson?
Simpson won’t see the field in 2024. That’s by design. The Rams plan to redshirt him, much like they did with Bennett in 2023.
But behind the scenes, the development plan is aggressive: - Daily work with quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson - Film study focused on RPOs and intermediate throws—McVay’s bread and butter - Strength and mobility programming to avoid re-injury - Simulated game reps during walkthroughs and 7-on-7
Breer stressed that the first-year goal isn’t mastery—it’s foundation. “Can he command the huddle? Can he identify blitzes before the snap? Can he deliver on time under pressure? Those are Year 1 wins.”
The Rams will likely keep three QBs on the 53-man roster: Stafford, Baker Mayfield (if signed), and Simpson. That structure gives him room to grow without being thrust into a high-leverage spot.
By 2025, if Simpson shows steady progress, he could compete for a backup role. And if injuries strike again, he’ll be better prepared than Bennett was.
Comparing Simpson to Recent Late-Round Rams Picks
The Rams have a mixed track record with late-round QBs. Here’s how Simpson stacks up:
| Player | Draft Year | Round | College | NFL Outcome | Similarity to Simpson |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jared Goff | 2016 | 1 | Cal | Franchise QB, traded | N/A – High draft pick |
| Logan Thomas | 2014 | 4 | Virginia Tech | Backup, later TE | High upside, low usage |
| Brandon Allen | 2018 | 6 | Arkansas | Journeyman backup | Developmental, limited reps |
| Stetson Bennett | 2023 | UDFA | Georgia | Camp arm, briefly activated | Immediate pressure, poor fit |
| Ty Simpson | 2024 | 6 | Alabama | Project (TBD) | High floor, long-term plan |
Simpson’s profile aligns closest with Allen and Thomas—athletic, intelligent, but unproven. But unlike Bennett, he’s not being rushed. The Rams are applying lessons learned: don’t expose an unready QB, but don’t waste developmental years either.
What Other Teams Can Learn from
This Pick
Breer’s takeaways aren’t just about the Rams—they’re a case study in modern draft efficiency.
- Leverage medical intel – A clean bill of health isn’t enough. Understand recovery timelines, rehab quality, and long-term durability.
- Value environment over stats – A player in a stacked depth chart may have untapped potential.
- Match development plan to roster context – Don’t draft a project unless you can actually develop him.
- Trust cognitive traits – Processing speed and football IQ often matter more than arm strength.
- Use late picks for upside, not just plug-and-play – The cost of failure is low; the payoff can be high.
The Rams didn’t need a QB on Day 3. They needed a plan. Simpson is part of that.
Final Thought: A Move That Reflects Quiet Confidence
Albert Breer didn’t crown Ty Simpson a future starter. He didn’t call the pick “genius” or “risky.” Instead, he described it as “rational, informed, and context-aware”—the highest praise in modern draft analysis.
Too many teams draft for headlines. The Rams drafted for fit. They saw a quarterback with the tools, the mind, and the circumstances to grow within their system. They acted when others hesitated.
That’s not luck. It’s process.
For fans, the reward isn’t immediate. Simpson may never take a regular-season snap for the Rams. But if he develops into a reliable backup—or, down the line, a tradeable asset—the return on a sixth-round pick will be immense.
In the Breer framework, that’s winning the draft.
FAQ
Why did the Rams draft Ty Simpson so late despite his talent? Simpson had limited game experience and a recent shoulder injury, which scared off teams needing immediate depth. The Rams could afford to wait and bet on recovery.
Did Albert Breer support the Rams’ pick of Simpson? Yes—Breer praised the pick as smart, context-driven, and aligned with the Rams’ development capabilities.
How does Ty Simpson fit Sean McVay’s offense? His quick release, decision-making, and experience in a pro-style college system make him a natural schematic fit.
Is Ty Simpson a future starter for the Rams? Too early to tell. He’s viewed as a developmental project with starting upside, but not an immediate successor to Stafford.
What were the Rams’ biggest concerns with Simpson? Lack of reps and the 2023 shoulder injury were primary red flags, but medical re-evaluation eased those concerns.
How does this pick affect Stetson Bennett’s future? Likely diminishes it. Bennett didn’t progress as hoped, and Simpson offers a higher ceiling with similar experience.
Could the Rams trade Simpson later? Yes—developing him into a polished backup could make him a valuable asset in a QB-hungry league.
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