Albert Breer’s NFL Draft Takeaways: How the Rams Landed on Ty Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams didn’t land a household name at quarterback in the latest draft—but thanks to sharp evaluation and a calm process, they may have found a high-upside developmental piece in Ty Simpson. While the mainstream spotlight skipped past the Alabama backup, Albert Breer’s behind-the-scenes reporting reveals how Los Angeles zeroed in on Simpson with surgical precision. This wasn’t a Hail Mary pick. It was a calculated bet built on film study, projection, and long-term roster design.

Breer’s draft takeaways consistently highlight how front offices operate beyond the consensus. The Rams’ selection of Simpson—a third-round flier with limited starts—didn’t just reflect hunger for young arm talent. It exposed a broader philosophy: betting on traits when production is thin, but the runway is long.

Let’s break down how the Rams’ process unfolded, what Breer observed from the inside, and why Simpson might be more than just a camp arm.

The Rams’ Quarterback Conundrum After Stafford

The Rams enter a critical transitional phase. Matthew Stafford, when healthy, remains a top-tier passer—but injuries have plagued his recent seasons. Baker Mayfield filled in capably during his 2023 stint, but Los Angeles made it clear they weren’t doubling down on a short-term solution. The team needed a long-term successor, not another rental.

They weren’t shopping for a Day 1 starter. They were hunting for a project quarterback with athleticism, arm talent, and collegiate pedigree—all at a position where rookie QBs are increasingly expected to learn on the fly.

Enter Ty Simpson.

A three-year player at Alabama, Simpson never cracked the Crimson Tide’s starting lineup, buried behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe. But Breer’s reporting reveals that the Rams weren’t deterred by lack of volume. Instead, they focused on when and how Simpson performed.

Why Ty Simpson Stood Out in Private Evaluations

According to Breer, Simpson’s pro day was a pivotal moment. While his college résumé lacked starts, his private workouts with teams—including a closed-door session with the Rams—showed a different dimension.

The Rams’ scouts noted:

• Elite deep-ball velocity with consistent spiral and carry
• Above-average mobility for a pro-style passer, capable of extending plays
• Clean mechanics under pressure, even when throwing off-platform
• Quick processing speed in seven-on-seven drills

Breer emphasized that L.A.’s staff values “traits that scale” over raw college stats. Simpson’s limited game tape (just 68 career pass attempts) wasn’t a dealbreaker—because his private reps mirrored starter-level poise.

One Rams evaluator told Breer: “We’re not drafting his past. We’re drafting our projection of his future, based on what he shows when the lights aren’t brightest.”

This mindset separates high-functioning draft rooms from reactive ones.

Albert Breer’s Take: The Rams’ Draft Philosophy in Action

Breer has long documented how certain franchises draft differently. The Rams, under Sean McVay and GM Les Snead, have evolved from splashy trades to a more nuanced, draft-driven rebuild post-Super Bowl LVI.

In his draft recap, Breer highlighted three tenets driving Los Angeles’ approach:

1. Value Relative to Position: QBs with developmental potential are often overdrafted. The Rams waited, letting the market reset before pulling the trigger in Round 3.
2. Private Workouts Over Public Hype: Simpson wasn’t a combine standout, but his tailored pro day—where he threw only downfield routes—showed the Rams exactly what they wanted to see.
3. System Fit Over Name Recognition: McVay’s offense rewards intelligent, agile QBs who can manipulate pre-snap looks. Simpson’s film at Alabama, though sparse, showed command in tempo and audibles.

Breer noted that Simpson wasn’t the Rams’ only QB target. Names like J.J. McCarthy and Jayden Daniels were considered. But with those players going early, Simpson represented a cost-controlled alternative with similar athletic traits.

“The Rams aren’t trying to win the draft,” Breer wrote. “They’re trying to win two years from now. That means patience, projection, and a willingness to let a young QB marinate.”

Behind the Film Room: What the Rams Saw in Simpson’s Tape

Even with limited reps, Simpson’s film offered clues the Rams’ analysts pounced on.

Take his 2022 appearance against Texas: a brief relief stint where he went 5-of-7 for 87 yards and a touchdown. What stood out wasn’t the stat line—it was his calm under pressure and ability to hit tight-window throws between defenders.

On one third-and-8 play, Simpson:

• Recognized a blitz pre-snap
• Adjusted the protection call
• Fitted a ball into a 1.5-foot window along the sideline

Breer cited this as “the kind of play that doesn’t make highlight reels but lights up draft rooms.”

Another moment came during practice footage leaked mid-2023. Simpson led a no-huddle drive against Alabama’s starting defense, threading a 40-yard post to a double-covered receiver. The Rams’ staff reportedly replayed that clip multiple times during their evaluation.

These micro-moments—combined with his physical tools—tipped the scale.

The Risks of Betting on a Backup

with Minimal Starts

No projection is without risk. Breer acknowledged the skepticism around drafting a quarterback with so few meaningful college snaps.

The NFL is littered with highly athletic college backups who never adapted. Think:

• Brandon Allen (Arkansas, drafted by Bengals)
• Jake Fromm (Georgia, drafted by Bills)
• Jack Coan (Notre Dame, signed by Ravens)

All had pedigree. None became franchise answers.

The challenge for Simpson—and the Rams—is translating potential into production. Can he absorb a complex offense? Will he develop pocket discipline? Can he handle the media and fan scrutiny of L.A.?

Breer doesn’t dismiss these concerns. But he points to modern development tools as a game-changer:

• Offseason tutoring with veteran QBs
• Increased OTA participation for rookies
• Simulated game reps via VR and war-gaming

“The margin for error is slimmer than ever,” Breer said. “But the tools to close the gap are better. The Rams are betting they can accelerate his timeline.”

How the Rams’ Roster Construction Supports Simpson’s Growth

One overlooked factor in Breer’s analysis: the environment Simpson walks into.

Los Angeles isn’t asking him to start Week 1. The roster is built to protect and develop:

• Matthew Stafford: A Pro Bowl-caliber mentor, assuming he remains healthy
• Baker Mayfield or a veteran free agent: Likely bridge starter if needed
• Top-tier offensive line: Among the NFL’s best, easing pressure on young QBs
• Elite receiving corps: Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Tutu Atwell offer safety valves

This isn’t a “sink or swim” situation. It’s a low-pressure incubator—exactly what a developmental QB needs.

Breer contrasted this with teams like the Panthers or Raiders, who’ve thrust raw rookies into chaos. The Rams’ structure gives Simpson time to grow without the weight of immediate wins.

What’s Next for Ty Simpson and the Rams?

Simpson’s rookie season will likely involve:

• Heavy OTA and minicamp reps
• Summer camp competition for QB3
• Scout team duties with starter-level reps
• Film sessions with McVay and offensive coordinator Roman

If he impresses, he could become the primary backup by Year 2—especially if Stafford’s health remains a question.

Long-term, the Rams may trade up in a future draft if a blue-chip QB emerges. But Simpson gives them flexibility. He’s not a finished product, but he’s a viable internal option if the stars align.

Breer summed it up best: “The draft isn’t about solving every problem on Day 1. It’s about planting seeds. The Rams didn’t pick the flashiest tree. But with the right soil, it might grow taller than anyone expects.”

Final Verdict: A Low-Risk, High-Ceiling Move

The Rams didn’t swing for the fences with Ty Simpson. They didn’t need to. In a draft class loaded with quarterback intrigue, they found a player who fits their development model—athletic, intelligent, and moldable.

Albert Breer’s takeaways underscore a bigger truth: elite drafting isn’t about consensus picks. It’s about seeing value where others see only flaws.

Simpson’s lack of starts? A red flag to some. To the Rams, it’s a blank canvas.

His limited decision-making under pressure? A coaching point, not a disqualifier.

His upside? Real, and now under contract at a fraction of a first-rounder’s cost.

For fans hungry for the next superstar QB, Simpson won’t light up social media this summer. But behind the scenes, with film study, reps, and time, he could become the kind of developmental win NFL teams dream of.

Actionable Insight: If you're evaluating draft strategy, don’t just follow the headlines. Study the process. The Rams didn’t fall in love with Simpson’s stats—they fell in love with his potential, measured through private work, film nuance, and system fit. That’s how sustainable rosters are built.

FAQ

Why did the Rams draft Ty Simpson if he didn’t start at Alabama? The Rams prioritized athletic traits, private workout performance, and developmental upside over college starts. Simpson showed elite arm talent and processing in controlled settings.

Was Ty Simpson a surprise pick for the Rams? Yes, to many analysts. Most expected L.A. to target a more established name, but Breer noted the team values long-term projection over immediate name recognition.

How does Ty Simpson fit Sean McVay’s offense? His mobility, quick release, and pre-snap processing align with McVay’s system, which rewards agility and decision-making in structured and semi-improvised plays.

Who will mentor Ty Simpson on the Rams? Matthew Stafford is expected to take a leadership role, with additional guidance from coaches and veteran quarterbacks in the room.

Can Ty Simpson become the Rams’ starter? It’s possible, but not immediate. He’ll need 2–3 years of development. His path depends on growth, injury circumstances, and roster moves.

How does Albert Breer know the Rams’ internal thinking? Breer maintains deep sources within NFL front offices and coaching staffs, allowing him to report on evaluation processes, meetings, and decision logic.

Is drafting a backup QB like Simpson a common strategy? Yes—teams like the 49ers (Brock Purdy) and Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes) have succeeded with late-drafted or developmental QBs. It’s a high-reward, low-cost approach if development succeeds.