Albert Breer’s NFL Draft Takeaways: Rams’ Rise for Ty Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams didn’t land Ty Simpson in the traditional spotlight moment of the NFL Draft. There was no stage reveal, no jersey photoshoot. Instead, Simpson’s emergence as a Rams project came through backroom evaluations, private workouts, and the kind of granular scouting that veteran insider Albert Breer specializes in dissecting. Breer’s post-draft takeaways shed light on how the Rams—operating with precision, not flash—zeroed in on Simpson, a quarterback many dismissed as a developmental long shot. This wasn’t about draft-day drama. It was about process, projection, and the quiet confidence of a front office building for the future.

Breer’s analysis reveals a team willing to bet on traits over tape, on arm talent and athletic ceiling over polished mechanics. While bigger names dominated headlines, the Rams quietly gathered intel, stress-tested Simpson’s college film, and evaluated his fit within a system increasingly reliant on mobility and improvisation. That’s the story Breer tells—not just of a draft pick, but of a philosophy.

The Rams’ Quarterback Conundrum: Why They Needed a Player Like Simpson

The Rams’ roster heading into the draft carried an unmistakable tension: Jared Goff is gone, Matthew Stafford is aging and injury-prone, and the developmental pipeline was thin. John Wolford showed flashes but lacked ceiling. Bryce Perkins is a runner first. The team needed a quarterback who could grow into the modern NFL mold—someone who can operate from structure but thrive in chaos.

Breer points to internal Rams discussions that emphasized “next-gen quarterback traits”: elite arm strength, escapability, processing speed under pressure, and the coachability to absorb Sean McVay’s complex system. They weren’t looking for a Day 1 starter. They wanted a high-upside moldable piece—someone with the physical tools to reframe the offense down the line.

Ty Simpson, despite limited reps at Alabama, checked these boxes in ways more decorated prospects did not. His 4.57-second 40-yard dash at 6’2”, 215 pounds caught attention. His ability to throw off-platform, especially downfield, stood out in Breer’s film review. The Rams didn’t see a raw prospect—they saw clay ready for the kiln.

Common mistake for teams in this position? Overvaluing college production. A quarterback like Joe Milton put up numbers but lacks the agility to survive in McVay’s system. Simpson, though less experienced, had the raw ingredients the staff believed they could sculpt.

“The Rams aren’t drafting to fill depth. They’re drafting to future-proof,” Breer noted in his post-draft breakdown. “Simpson isn’t the safe pick. He’s the high-ceiling project that aligns with where the game is headed.”

Albert Breer’s Draft Lens: How He Tracked the Rams’ Interest

Breer’s reporting doesn’t rely on press conferences or official announcements. His value lies in sourcing from agents, scouts, and front-office whispers. In the case of Simpson, Breer traced the Rams’ interest back to pre-combine private workouts in Birmingham, where Simpson reportedly threw for Los Angeles’ offensive staff and coordinators.

Breer highlighted three under-the-radar interactions: - A 90-minute film session at the Senior Bowl where Rams assistant quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke spent extra time with Simpson. - A follow-up throwing session in Inglewood days before the draft, unlisted on public workout logs. - Direct contact between GM Les Snead and Simpson’s agent, indicating serious evaluation.

These aren’t just scouting stops—they’re signals of intent. Breer emphasized that the Rams didn’t just evaluate Simpson; they stress-tested him with scenario-based drills, asking him to diagnose disguised coverages and execute no-huddle sequences.

Other teams passed because Simpson started just seven games at Alabama. The Rams, per Breer, asked: What can he do at his athletic peak? That question separated them from the pack.

Why Ty Simpson Was Overlooked—And Why the Rams Didn’t Miss

Simpson’s underdog status wasn’t accidental. At Alabama, he played behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe—Heisman contenders in a pro-style system that limited his improvisational role. His stats: 1,055 yards, 8 TDs, 2 INTs in seven starts—competent but unspectacular.

But numbers don’t tell the full story. Breer’s film study revealed moments where Simpson’s processing and arm talent shined: - A 47-yard back-shoulder dime against LSU, thrown off his back foot under pressure. - A no-look flip to a crossing route against Texas, showing spatial awareness. - Consistent velocity on intermediate crossers, even when flushed.

Where others saw inexperience, the Rams saw untapped potential. Breer noted that Simpson’s mechanics are inconsistent—especially on deep drops and play-action fakes—but that his raw arm strength (measured at 62 mph on deep outs at the Combine) could be refined.

The Rams also valued his intangibles: leadership in Alabama’s locker room, work ethic in private drills, and a high Wonderlic score that suggested quick learning ability. While teams like the Jets or Panthers chased immediate plug-and-play backups, the Rams played the long game.

McVay’s Evolving Offense: The System Fit Breer Spotted

Sean McVay’s offense has evolved from predictable West Coast staples to a hybrid attack leveraging RPOs, bootlegs, and QB mobility. Since trading Goff and adapting around Stafford’s injuries, the Rams have increased designed rollouts by 38% over the past two seasons.

Breer observed that Simpson’s skill set aligns with this shift: - His 9.83-second pro shuttle at the Combine showed agility to operate on edges. - His 32” vertical jump indicates lower-body explosion useful in rollout timing. - He thrived in Alabama’s packaged plays, a staple in McVay’s early-down script.

More importantly, Breer pointed to Simpson’s downfield accuracy—something McVay has lacked since Cooper Kupp’s peak health. With Puka Nacua emerging and a deep-threat receiver likely in the team’s future plans, having a quarterback who can push the ball vertically is critical.

“Simpson isn’t just a mobility play,” Breer wrote. “He’s a vertical connector. And that’s what this offense needs to unlock its next phase.”

The Draft-Day Math: How the Rams Positioned for Simpson

The Rams didn’t draft Simpson in the first three rounds. They weren’t going to trade up for a developmental QB. Instead, Breer outlined a calculated strategy: let the market clear, then strike in the later rounds.

Key moves that enabled this: - Trading down from the third to fifth round, acquiring extra picks. - Letting teams like the Browns and Dolphins burn early mid-round capital on safer QBs. - Maintaining consistent communication with Simpson’s camp to ensure he’d be game to sign as a priority free agent if not drafted.

When no team selected Simpson by Round 5, the Rams made their move. They drafted him at No. 171—not high enough to draw scrutiny, but early enough to guarantee top-tier rookie pay and locker room status.

Breer noted this as classic Snead maneuvering: asset optimization. The Rams got their guy without overpaying, while securing long-term control. Compare that to the Vikings, who traded up for J.J. McCarthy at 10—now facing pressure to start him early. The Rams can afford patience.

Developing Ty Simpson: What the Rams’ Plan Likely Involves

1. Breer’s insights suggest a three-phase development plan:
2. Year 1: Sit, study, and absorb. Work daily with offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Focus on footwork, progressions, and playbook mastery.
3. Year 2: Compete with Perkins and Wolford for P2 duties. Appear in preseason games; run two-minute drills in practice.
4. Year 3: Push for starting job if Stafford declines or is traded.

The Rams will likely emphasize mechanics correction—especially in pocket presence and head movement. They’ve hired a private QB coach with experience in athlete-to-quarterback transitions (similar to what helped Jordan Love in Green Bay).

One risk Breer flags: overexposure. Rushing Simpson into live reps before he’s ready could damage confidence. The alternative—keeping him buried—stunts growth. The balance will be key.

Workflow tip: The Rams may use simulated pressure drills with VR tech to accelerate Simpson’s processing without physical wear. Teams like the Chiefs and 49ers have seen success with this approach.

Why This Move Could Define the Rams’ Next Era

Albert Breer’s overarching takeaway isn’t just about drafting a quarterback. It’s about organizational identity. The Rams are no longer just a “win-now” team. They’re transitioning into a balanced model—competitive today, building for tomorrow.

Simpson represents that pivot. He’s not a splashy headline. He’s a deliberate investment in upside, informed by data, film, and a clear vision of offensive evolution.

Compare this to the Bears’ approach with Caleb Williams—massive immediate pressure, high draft capital. Or the Patriots’ cycle of short-term fixes. The Rams, per Breer, are playing chess.

If Simpson develops into even a serviceable starter, the pick will be seen as genius. But even if he doesn’t, the process—the attention to detail, the quiet confidence, the alignment between scouting and scheme—sets a template for sustainable success.

Final Take: How to Replicate the Rams’ Draft Discipline

The lesson from Breer’s analysis isn’t just about Ty Simpson. It’s about how elite teams evaluate risk. They don’t follow consensus. They define their own criteria and stick to it.

For fans and analysts, the takeaway is clear: look beyond the combine numbers and college stats. Look for fit. Look for process. And listen to voices like Albert Breer, who track the invisible work behind the picks.

The Rams didn’t get lucky with Simpson. They earned him—through preparation, patience, and a refusal to chase noise. That’s how you build a roster that lasts.

Actionable insight: Study team offensive trends before draft day. A mobile, arm-talented QB like Simpson isn’t a fit for every system—but for the Rams, he’s the prototype of what’s next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Albert Breer predict the Rams would draft Ty Simpson? Breer didn’t publicly name Simpson as a lock, but his reporting highlighted Los Angeles as a “sleeper team” with strong interest, citing private workouts and front-office engagement.

Why did Ty Simpson fall to the fifth round? Limited starting experience, inconsistent mechanics, and questions about his decision-making under pressure caused teams to view him as high-risk, despite his physical tools.

Is Ty Simpson the Rams’ quarterback of the future? He’s a developmental project. The team isn’t betting the franchise on him, but he’s positioned as the primary long-term backup with a chance to compete for the job in 2–3 years.

How does Simpson compare to other late-round QBs like Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye? Unlike Daniels or Maye—first-round talents—Simpson was a raw athlete with less college production. The Rams drafted him for ceiling, not proven performance.

What role will Sean McVay play in Simpson’s development? McVay will oversee the process, but day-to-day work will fall to QBs coach Chris Weinke, with input from offensive coordinator Liam Coen.

Can Ty Simpson succeed in a complex NFL offense? He has the cognitive testing (high Wonderlic) and work ethic to learn it, but mastering McVay’s system will be his biggest challenge.

Did the Rams consider other quarterbacks in the same range? Yes—sources indicate interest in Kyle McCord and Tyler Shough—but Simpson’s athletic testing and private workout performance gave him the edge.