Albert Breer’s NFL Draft Takeaways: Rams’ Choice of Ty Simpson

When Albert Breer breaks down a draft, he doesn’t just report picks—he dissects logic, timing, and organizational DNA. His takeaways from the Rams’ selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson weren’t about instant stardom. They were about patience, structure, and the quiet calculus behind a developmental quarterback who may not step on the field for two full seasons.

While most draft night analysis hypes immediate impact, Breer focused on long-term architecture: How does a team with a Super Bowl window still invest in the future? How do you balance Sean McVay’s win-now mandate with the reality of post-Matthew Stafford succession planning? Breer’s insight suggests the Rams didn’t draft Simpson for 2024—they drafted him for 2026.

This wasn’t a flashy pick. No viral college highlights. No record-breaking stats. But within Breer’s reporting, a clear pattern emerges: The Rams prioritized traits over résumé, projection over production, and fit over flash.

Why Ty Simpson? Breer’s Breakdown of the Rams’ QB Criteria

Albert Breer emphasized one core theme: The Rams weren’t shopping for a ready-made NFL starter. They wanted a moldable athlete with elite physical tools and a coachable mindset—someone who could grow within McVay’s complex system without disrupting the locker room.

Simpson, a former five-star recruit, fits that mold. At 6’3”, 215 pounds with a 4.6-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical, he has prototype size and athleticism. But his college production? Minimal. Just 17 career pass attempts at Alabama, often stuck behind more polished arms like Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe.

Breer noted that the Rams’ front office, led by Les Snead, didn’t see lack of reps as a red flag—they saw it as a blank slate. “No bad habits,” as one source told Breer. “No muscle memory from poor mechanics or undisciplined reads. He’s been trained, but not overtrained.”

That’s critical for McVay’s offense, which demands precise footwork, timing throws, and rapid diagnosis. New QBs often struggle to unlearn bad tendencies from college systems. Simpson, having taken limited snaps, has less to unlearn.

The Breer Lens: How the Rams Evaluated Upside vs. Production

One of Albert Breer’s most consistent themes in draft analysis is separating measurable upside from past performance. He’s long argued that NFL teams overvalue résumé and undervalue projection—especially at quarterback.

Simpson is a textbook example. Breer pointed out that Simpson’s private workouts, Pro Day metrics, and senior bowl practices were more telling than his stat line. At the Senior Bowl, Simpson showed improved accuracy on intermediate throws and responded well to coaching feedback—something evaluators tracked closely.

“Teams aren’t drafting college stats,” Breer wrote. “They’re drafting potential, coachability, and the likelihood that physical traits translate to NFL success. The Rams bet on the last three.”

The Rams’ internal scouting video sessions reportedly highlighted Simpson’s grasp of route concepts during interviews. He correctly identified coverage shells and adjusted protections on whiteboard drills—without having run an NFL-style offense.

Other quarterbacks with better college numbers—like Kyle McCord or J.J. McCarthy—were already off the board or came with higher price tags in trade-up scenarios. The Rams, picking late in the draft, needed value. Simpson offered high-upside at low cost.

Behind the Scenes: How the Rams Locked In on Simpson Early

According to Breer’s reporting, the Rams’ interest in Simpson wasn’t last-minute. It began during the pre-draft process, when McVay and offensive coordinator Mike O’Lailey personally hosted Simpson for a private workout at One Rams Way.

Breer revealed that Simpson stood out not just for his throws, but for his questions. He asked about the nuances of play-action timing, protection slide rules, and how McVay installs new concepts weekly. That level of engagement impressed the coaching staff.

“We want guys who think like players, not just athletes,” a source told Breer. “Ty didn’t just run the drill—he wanted to know why we ran it that way.”

That intellectual curiosity mirrors the Rams’ historical preference for process-oriented players. Jared Goff wasn’t the most dynamic college QB, but he absorbed the playbook quickly. John Wolford, though a backup, was praised for his preparation.

Simpson’s limited college role meant the Rams had to rely heavily on off-field evaluation: interviews, cognitive testing, and simulated game scenarios. Breer highlighted that Simpson scored well above average on the Wonderlic and aced the Rams’ internal “pressure response” drill—where prospects are fed rapid-fire defensive looks and must call the correct check.

The Development Path: What Simpson’s Future Looks Like in L.A.

Breer stressed that this pick isn’t about replacing Stafford or even challenging Stetson Bennett in 2024. It’s about 2026 and beyond.

With Stafford entering the final stretch of his career and no clear internal successor, the Rams needed a long-term insurance policy. Simpson’s timeline aligns with the likely end of Stafford’s deal and the potential for a full offensive reset.

Breer outlined a realistic development arc:

• Year 1 (2024): Practice squad or third-string. Heavy film study. Learn McVay’s verbiage and protection schemes.
• Year 2 (2025): Active backup. Travel with team. Take mid-week reps. Appear in preseason games.
• Year 3 (2026): Legitimate competition. Depending on Stafford’s status, could compete with whoever wins the job in the interim.

This mirrors how the 49ers developed Trey Lance—except without the pressure to start immediately. The Rams aren’t in “QB panic” mode. They can afford patience.

Breer also noted that the Rams’ recent investment in offensive line depth and tight end talent—via free agency and prior drafts—improves the environment for a developing QB. Simpson won’t inherit a broken system. He’ll enter a stable, high-functioning offense.

Why Other Teams Passed: The Risk Factors Breer Identified

No draft analysis is complete without acknowledging downsides. Breer didn’t shy from them.

“Simpson’s lack of reps is a real concern,” he wrote. “You can’t simulate 500 college throws. Decision-making under fire? Unknown. Red-zone poise? Untested.”

Other teams reportedly had Simpson ranked lower due to:

• Inconsistent accuracy on deep throws during limited game action
• Limited experience under center—most of his Alabama reps came in shotgun or as a runner
• Durability questions after minor shoulder issues in 2023

Some scouts also questioned his competitiveness. At Alabama, Simpson rarely pushed for the starting job, even when Young struggled. Breer noted that while he’s not a “rah-rah” leader, Simpson has a quiet confidence that translates better in a pro setting.

Still, the Rams are betting that their coaching staff can extract what Alabama’s QB room couldn’t. McVay has a track record of developing quarterbacks—not just Goff, but even Baker Mayfield showed flashes under his system in 2022.

Comparing the Rams’ Move to Recent Late-Round QB Bets

Breer often contextualizes picks by comparing them to past draft outcomes. The Simpson selection invites parallels to several recent late-round or developmental QBs:

Breer pointed out that late-round QBs with minimal college experience rarely pan out—but when they do (like Prescott), the payoff is enormous. The Rams are playing the odds: low risk, massive reward if Simpson develops.

Unlike Richardson or Jones, Simpson isn’t expected to start Year 1. That removes the pressure that derailed other young QBs. The Rams are giving him time—a luxury few teams offer.

The Bigger Picture: What Simpson Says About the Rams’ Draft Philosophy

Albert Breer’s takeaways often expose organizational fingerprints. The Simpson pick reflects three core Rams principles:

1. Value over vanity: They took a player no one was talking about, avoiding the hype cycle.
2. System fit over raw talent: Speed, arm strength, and stats matter less than adaptability.
3. Long-term vision within a short-term window: Even as they chase relevance, they’re planning beyond it.

This isn’t a desperation move. It’s a quiet, intelligent hedge against the inevitable post-Stafford era.

Breer also noted the Rams’ recent draft history: heavy on defense, light on offensive skill players. Simpson represents a shift—a recognition that quarterback is the only position that can’t be fully replaced through free agency.

Final Word: How to Watch Ty Simpson’s Progress

Albert Breer’s analysis isn’t about instant gratification. It’s about process. For fans tracking Simpson’s development, Breer suggests focusing on these milestones:

• Preseason debut (2024): Look for clean footwork, quick decisions, and confidence in the pocket.
• Practice reports (2025): Does he earn more mid-week reps? Is he leading position meetings?
• Team communication: Will the Rams restructure Stafford’s contract or sign a veteran bridge QB?

Don’t expect headlines. Expect incremental progress.

For the Rams, drafting Ty Simpson wasn’t about winning tomorrow. It was about ensuring they’re not scrambling for answers in three years. With Albert Breer’s lens, that kind of patience isn’t boring—it’s elite drafting.

Monitor the reps, not the roster spot. That’s where the real story unfolds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Rams draft Ty Simpson so late in the draft? The Rams took Simpson late because he was a developmental prospect with limited college experience. His value was in upside, not immediate contribution, making him a fit for a late-round selection.

Was Ty Simpson a starter at Alabama? No. Simpson served as a backup during his time at Alabama, behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe. He attempted only 17 passes in college.

What does Albert Breer think of Ty Simpson’s NFL potential? Breer views Simpson as a high-upside developmental project. He praises his athleticism, coachability, and clean slate, while cautioning about lack of experience.

Can Ty Simpson become the Rams’ starting QB? It’s possible, but not imminent. His path likely spans three years, depending on Stafford’s trajectory and Simpson’s development.

How does Simpson fit into Sean McVay’s offense? His athleticism, quick processing, and willingness to learn make him a potential fit for McVay’s system, which values timing, movement, and mental discipline.

What are the biggest risks with Ty Simpson? The main risks are lack of game experience, unproven decision-making under pressure, and uncertainty about how his college inactivity will impact NFL adaptation.

Did other teams show interest in Ty Simpson? Yes, but most viewed him as a priority free agent. The Rams secured him via draft selection, likely due to their early relationship and private workout feedback.