The Los Angeles Rams didn’t just select a quarterback in the later rounds—they made a calculated bet on upside, arm talent, and developmental runway. When Albert Breer broke down the Rams' selection of Alabama’s Ty Simpson, he didn’t just see another Day 3 pick. He saw a franchise quietly reshaping its quarterback room with precision, patience, and a clear-eyed view of what lies ahead. Breer’s takeaways cut through the noise, revealing how the Rams didn’t just find Simpson—they engineered for him.
The Rams’ QB Strategy: More Than Just a Backup Plan
Since trading Matthew Stafford, the Rams have operated with a philosophy starkly different from most NFL teams. They’re not chasing immediate solutions at quarterback—they’re building inventory. That’s where Breer’s analysis hits hardest: L.A. isn’t just collecting arms; they’re curating profiles.
With Stetson Bennett as the current training camp starter and now Simpson in the fold, the Rams are constructing a pipeline, not a roster stopgap. Breer points to the organization’s trust in their player development infrastructure—particularly under offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who has deep roots in quarterback development from his Kentucky days.
“The Rams aren’t betting on yesterday’s stats. They’re betting on tomorrow’s ceiling,” Breer noted in his draft breakdown.
Simpson, a former five-star recruit, brings rare arm strength and mobility but lacks college starts. That’s usually a red flag—unless you’re building for the future. The Rams, with cap flexibility and no immediate pressure to win now, are one of the few teams positioned to take that risk.
Unlike clubs handcuffed by win-now mandates, L.A. can afford to let Simpson learn, grow, and potentially emerge in two to three years. Breer emphasized that this isn’t a Hail Mary—it’s a targeted investment in raw tools with high variance.
Why Ty Simpson? Decoding the Physical Traits
Albert Breer’s draft takeaways consistently emphasize physical traits that translate, and in Simpson’s case, three stood out:
- Elite arm strength – capable of making every NFL throw, including downfield lasers with velocity
- Above-average athleticism – 4.6-second short shuttle, 34-inch vertical, and proven escape ability
- Clean injury history – no major setbacks during his time at Alabama
What Breer highlighted wasn’t just the measurables—it was how they align with the Rams’ offensive scheme. Coen’s offense, rooted in RPO concepts and vertical spacing, rewards quarterbacks who can drive the ball downfield and extend plays.
Simpson’s 2023 spring game performance, though limited, showcased his ability to connect on deep crosses and seam routes—throws that require anticipation and arm talent. Breer cited this as a key signal for Rams evaluators: Simpson wasn’t just surviving drills, he was thriving in concept-based reps.
Moreover, his experience under Nick Saban’s pro-style system gave him familiarity with complex progressions and defensive recognition—critical for a player expected to sit and learn.
| Trait | NFL Comparison (Breer’s Notes) |
|---|---|
| Arm Power | Early Justin Herbert |
| Mobility | Mid-tier dual-threat (e.g., Kenny Pickett) |
| Processing Speed | Raw but coachable—needs reps |
| Durability | Clean medicals, low injury risk |
Breer was clear: Simpson isn’t a plug-and-play starter. But in the right environment, with the right coaching, he could evolve into a legitimate option.
Behind the Scenes: How the Rams Scouted Simpson
Breer’s behind-the-scenes reporting revealed that the Rams’ interest in Simpson wasn’t reactive—it was proactive. While most teams viewed the Alabama QB as a long-term project buried on the depth chart, L.A.’s personnel team began tracking him during his high school recruitment.
Their approach combined: - Private pre-draft workouts (Simpson visited L.A. under the radar) - Extended interviews focusing on football IQ and learning agility - Deep film study of his high school and spring game tape - Psychological profiling via third-party assessment tools
Breer noted the Rams’ use of cognitive testing—something they’ve prioritized since their Rams-era success with Jared Goff’s development. Simpson reportedly scored above average in spatial recognition and stress-response drills, key traits for processing under pressure.
Additionally, the Rams had concerns. Breer confirmed they debated Simpson’s lack of starting experience and inconsistent mechanics under center. But they weighed those against his intangibles: work ethic, coachability, and a strong support system.
“The Rams didn’t fall in love with the résumé. They fell in love with the trajectory,” Breer observed.
The Draft Room Math: Why Simpson Was Available
One of Breer’s most compelling takeaways was explaining why a player with Simpson’s profile dropped to the sixth round. The answer isn’t just about talent—it’s about narrative.
Simpson played sparingly at Alabama behind Jalen Milroe. Despite moments of brilliance in practice and spring games, he never had the chance to prove himself in real-game stress. NFL teams value production, and Simpson’s résumé lacks traditional metrics—passing yards, wins, fourth-quarter comebacks.
- Breer outlined three factors that suppressed Simpson’s draft stock:
- Depth chart logjam – stuck behind a starter with NFL potential
- Mechanical inconsistencies – uneven footwork and release timing
- Market perception – labeled a “system QB” from a run-heavy offense
But the Rams saw what others overlooked: Simpson’s reps against Alabama’s elite defense. Breer pointed to private all-22 film sessions where Simpson dissected Cover 3 zones and made pinpoint throws against future NFL defenders.
“Most teams only watched the box score,” Breer wrote. “The Rams watched the process. And in that process, they saw growth.”
By the time draft weekend arrived, L.A. had built a confident projection: Simpson as a Year 2 or 3 contributor with starter upside. When he fell to the sixth round, they pounced.
Developmental Roadmap: What’s Next for Simpson?
Albert Breer’s analysis didn’t stop at the pick itself—he laid out a realistic path forward. And it’s clear the Rams have a plan.
Year 1: Observation and Foundation - Sit behind Bennett and veteran Jimmy Garoppolo (if re-signed) - Master playbook language, cadence, and protection calls - Train under Rams’ QB coach Chris Weinke
Year 2: Practice Reps and Preseason Action - Compete for No. 2 role - Start in preseason games - Expand command of no-huddle and situational packages
Year 3: Decision Point - Evaluate for potential Week 10 or injury-related promotion - Assess whether to extend, trade, or start
Breer stressed that the Rams aren’t expecting Simpson to win a job in camp. But they are expecting him to outwork everyone in the room. Their past development of undrafted players like Bobby Wagner and Cooper Kupp proves they can maximize overlooked talent.
“This isn’t about instant impact. It’s about sustainable growth,” Breer said.
Comparing the Rams’ Approach to Other Teams
Most teams drafting a developmental QB in the sixth round are either desperate or speculating. The Rams? They’re intentional.
| Team Approach | Risk Level | Developmental Track Record | Breer’s Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rams (Simpson) | Medium | Strong (Kupp, Ramsey, Goff) | High-upside, process-driven |
| 49ers (Purdy) | Low | Elite (Brock Purdy, Trey Lance) | Proven model, but rare success |
| Packers (Love) | High | Mixed (Jordan Love trade) | High cost, uncertain payoff |
| Jaguars (Lawrence) | N/A | Starter Year 1 | No developmental runway |
Breer’s verdict: The Rams’ method is low-risk, high-reward because of their infrastructure. They’re not relying on one coach or scheme—they’ve built an ecosystem where late-round QBs can thrive.
Unlike the Jets, who rushed Zach Wilson, or the Bears, who misused Justin Fields, the Rams have time. And in today’s NFL, time is the most valuable currency for young quarterbacks.
Why Albert Breer’s Takeaways Matter
Albert Breer isn’t just another analyst—he’s a trusted source who talks directly to decision-makers across the league. His draft breakdowns are built on real conversations with GMs, scouts, and coaching staff. When he says the Rams “engineered” for Simpson, it’s not speculation.
His reporting reveals what public narratives often miss: the layers of data, psychology, and long-term vision behind a single pick. In an era of instant analysis and hot takes, Breer delivers depth. His takeaways on Simpson aren’t just about the player—they’re about the process.
And that process—centered on development, patience, and cultural fit—is what makes the Rams’ selection so intriguing.
Final Word: A Quiet Bet
With Loud Potential
The Rams didn’t make a splash with their selection of Ty Simpson. No headlines, no fanfare. But as Albert Breer’s analysis makes clear, the quiet moves often have the loudest long-term impact.
Simpson may never start a game for the Rams. But he might not need to. His presence adds competition, depth, and a reminder: smart teams don’t just draft players—they draft possibilities.
For fans and analysts alike, the lesson is clear: Look beyond the draft grade. Study the why. Because in the margins—in the private workouts, the cognitive tests, the film sessions—that’s where future stars are found.
Actionable insight: Follow Breer’s model—evaluate not just production, but trajectory. The best draft picks aren’t always the safest. They’re the ones with the clearest path to growth.
FAQ
Did Ty Simpson start any games at Alabama? No, Simpson did not start any regular-season games. He appeared in limited action and was primarily a backup to Jalen Milroe.
Why did the Rams pick Ty Simpson so late? Despite his talent, Simpson lacked college starts and consistent mechanics, which caused most teams to view him as a long-term project, pushing his draft stock down.
Who is mentoring Ty Simpson on the Rams? He’ll work primarily under QB coach Chris Weinke, with oversight from offensive coordinator Liam Coen and head coach Sean McVay.
Is Ty Simpson expected to compete for a starting job soon? Not immediately. The Rams plan to redshirt him in Year 1, focusing on development before evaluating his role in Year 2 or 3.
How does Albert Breer get his NFL Draft insights? Breer maintains direct relationships with team executives, scouts, and agents, giving him access to internal evaluations and draft room discussions.
Can a sixth-round QB become a starter? Yes—examples include Dak Prescott, Russell Wilson, and Brock Purdy. While rare, it’s possible with the right development environment.
What makes the Rams’ QB development program strong? The Rams emphasize film study, mental processing, and scheme mastery, backed by experienced coaches and a stable offensive system.
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