When Albert Breer dissected the Rams’ 2024 draft strategy, few expected Ty Simpson to be a focal point. A developmental quarterback from Alabama barely on most national radars, Simpson’s selection in the later rounds raised eyebrows—until Breer laid out the full picture. His takeaways revealed not just a pick, but a calculated, process-driven decision shaped by roster constraints, long-term vision, and intelligent scouting.

This wasn’t a reach. It was a quiet masterpiece of draft capital management and personnel insight—one that reflects how modern NFL teams are redefining value beyond headlines and hype.

Albert Breer’s Draft Philosophy in Action

Breer has long argued that successful drafting isn’t about swinging for the fences in Round 1. It’s about incremental gains, information edges, and understanding organizational needs with surgical precision. In his post-draft breakdown, he emphasized how the Rams didn’t draft Ty Simpson because they were “in love” with him—he wasn’t a consensus top prospect. Instead, they drafted him because their internal model flagged a confluence of traits that aligned perfectly with their transitional quarterback development plan.

“The Rams aren’t betting on Simpson starting next year,” Breer noted. “They’re betting on him being the right athletic profile, the right mental processing, and the right developmental age to grow behind Stafford while offering real upside if given time.”

That’s classic Breer: focus on process, not outcome. He praised the Rams for internal discipline—sticking to their board, avoiding panic after Baker Mayfield’s departure, and resisting the temptation to overpay for a stopgap.

Why Ty Simpson Fit the Rams’ Profile

So what, exactly, did the Rams see? According to Breer’s reporting, Simpson’s fit came down to four core factors:

1. Arm Talent and Athletic Upside Simpson isn’t a pure pocket passer. But at 6’3”, 218 pounds with sub-4.6 speed in the 40, he has the physical tools to thrive in Sean McVay’s evolving offense—one that’s increasingly integrated RPOs, bootlegs, and designed movement. Breer highlighted Simpson’s ability to make off-platform throws, something increasingly valuable in modern NFL schemes.

While his college production was limited behind Jalen Milroe, Simpson showed flashes in 2023 against Texas and LSU—particularly on deep throws outside the hash marks. The Rams’ film team reportedly graded those reps highly, noting clean mechanics and fastball velocity.

2. Learning Curve and Development Timeline At just 21 years old, Simpson is one of the youngest QBs in the class. That matters. Breer pointed out that younger quarterbacks taken in the mid-to-late rounds often outperform older, more polished prospects due to longer developmental runways.

“The guy has three years before he’s even a realistic Week 1 option,” Breer said. “But if you’re betting on physical tools and coachability, you want someone with time to grow. Simpson fits that mold.”

3. Scheme Translatability Alabama’s offense under Nick Saban isn’t known for innovative passing concepts, but it does emphasize timing, progression reads, and situational awareness. Breer noted that Simpson’s experience in a pro-style, discipline-heavy system made him a smoother transition candidate than many spread-offense products.

More importantly, Simpson showed growth in his understanding of pre-snap motion and protection checks—critical for McVay’s offense, which layers in multiple motions and audible triggers weekly.

4. Medical and Character Profile Injuries derailed Simpson’s 2022 season—a torn labrum limited him to three games—but he returned fully healthy in 2023 with no drop in velocity or mobility. The Rams’ medical staff reportedly gave him a clean bill, a key trigger for their interest.

Breer also cited Simpson’s leadership in Alabama’s QB room as a selling point. “He didn’t pout when Milroe won the job,” Breer wrote. “He pushed the guy in practice, stayed engaged, and earned respect from coaches. That’s not always a given with high-upside talent.”

The Draft Room Math: Why the Rams Waited

One of Breer’s most compelling takeaways was the Rams’ patience. Multiple teams were reportedly eyeing Simpson in the fourth round, yet the Rams held firm.

“They weren’t going to trade up,” Breer explained. “They’d done their work. They knew their evaluation wasn’t consensus, so they trusted their process and let the board come to them.”

The Rams had already used early picks on defensive reinforcements and a starting-caliber tackle. With Stafford still under contract for two more seasons—and no immediate need to force a QB transition—they could afford to be selective.

By the sixth round, Simpson was still on the board. The Rams pounced, using a compensatory pick (No. 210 overall) to secure him—essentially adding low-risk, high-upside talent at no cost to their premium capital.

It’s a move Breer described as “textbook late-round drafting”: identify a trait-specific player, validate through medical and psychological testing, and draft only when value aligns. No ego. No panic. Just disciplined scouting.

How the Rams’ QB Room Changes Now

With Stetson Bennett as the presumed backup, the addition of Simpson reshapes the Rams’ quarterback dynamics. Breer noted that while Bennett brings toughness and familiarity with McVay’s system (via his time at Georgia), he lacks the physical ceiling to be a long-term solution.

Simpson, by contrast, offers the kind of athletic projection that could make him a future starter—if developed correctly.

Breer emphasized that the Rams aren’t just stacking QBs. They’re layering different skill sets: - Stafford: Elite processing, veteran presence - Bennett: System-ready, high football IQ - Simpson: High-upside athlete, project mold

This triad allows the Rams to balance short-term stability with long-term flexibility. And crucially, it avoids the common mistake of drafting a QB too early without a clear development path.

“Too many teams draft a young QB and immediately throw him into the fire,” Breer observed. “The Rams are doing the opposite: surround him with support, let him learn, and let the game come to him.”

Behind the Scenes: What Breer Learned from Rams Insiders

Breer’s takeaways weren’t just observational—they came from conversations with Rams personnel. One source revealed that Simpson’s private workout in Alabama was “eye-opening.”

“He wasn’t just throwing routes,” the scout told Breer. “He was diagnosing simulated coverages, adjusting protections, doing it all without a headset. His processing speed in those drills was better than some Day 2 guys we’ve seen.”

Another detail: the Rams conducted advanced cognitive testing through their third-party assessment partner. Simpson scored in the 90th percentile for pattern recognition and decision latency—key traits for reading NFL defenses.

These behind-the-scenes insights are rarely public, but Breer has built the trust to uncover them. And they validate why Simpson, despite low visibility, became a target.

The Bigger Picture: Drafting in the McVay Era

Breer’s analysis also placed this pick in the context of McVay’s broader personnel evolution. Once criticized for overvaluing offensive skill players, the Rams have shifted toward balanced, value-based drafting under GM Les Snead and McVay’s growing influence.

Simpson’s selection reflects that maturity: not a sexy headline grab, but a quiet investment in optionality.

“Five years ago, the Rams might’ve reached for a flashier QB,” Breer wrote. “Now, they’re playing the long game. That’s the mark of a team that’s been through contention and cap hell—it learns to be patient.”

This approach isn’t about winning the draft. It’s about building a sustainable roster. And in that framework, Simpson isn’t a gamble. He’s a calculated hedge.

What Comes Next for Ty Simpson

Breer doesn’t expect Simpson to see the field in 2024. His role will be as a practice squad candidate, absorbing the offense, building chemistry with backups, and refining his mechanics under quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor.

But the long-term vision is clear: if Stafford retires or declines after 2025, the Rams want a young, mobile QB already immersed in the system. Simpson could be that guy—if he develops.

The Rams aren’t alone in this strategy. Teams like the Bills (with Tyree Robinson) and 49ers (with Brandon Allen as mentor) have adopted similar low-pressure development models. But Breer believes the Rams’ combination of coaching, scheme fit, and timeline gives Simpson a better shot than most late-round QBs.

Final Thoughts: Why

This Pick Matters Beyond the Rams

Albert Breer’s takeaways on the Rams’ selection of Ty Simpson go beyond one team’s draft class. They highlight a quiet revolution in NFL drafting: away from consensus rankings, toward internal models, process integrity, and long-term optionality.

The Rams didn’t need a quarterback. They needed a type of quarterback—one that fits their system, timeline, and risk profile. Simpson wasn’t the safest pick. But in the context of their goals, he was the smartest.

For fans and analysts alike, this is a reminder: draft value isn’t about where a player is picked. It’s about how well the pick aligns with a team’s strategy. And on that front, the Rams—and Albert Breer’s analysis—get top marks.

If Simpson pans out, it won’t be because he was a hidden genius. It’ll be because the Rams followed a disciplined, data-informed process. And that’s the real takeaway.

FAQ

Why did the Rams draft Ty Simpson so late? The Rams believed Simpson’s best traits—athleticism, processing, age—were undervalued by other teams. By waiting, they secured him at a minimal cost using a late-round compensatory pick.

Is Ty Simpson expected to start soon? No. With Matthew Stafford under contract and Stetson Bennett as the likely backup, Simpson is a developmental project expected to spend his first years learning the system.

How does Albert Breer know so much about the Rams’ decision? Breer maintains deep sources within NFL front offices. His insights come from direct conversations with scouts, executives, and coaching staff.

Was Ty Simpson injured in college? Yes—he missed most of the 2022 season with a torn labrum. However, he returned fully healthy in 2023, and the Rams’ medical team cleared him pre-draft.

Does Simpson fit Sean McVay’s offense? Yes. His mobility, arm strength, and experience in a structured system make him adaptable to McVay’s increasing use of RPOs and boot-action concepts.

Could the Rams trade for a QB instead? Possible, but unlikely soon. With cap constraints and no immediate need, they prefer developing internally. Simpson gives them flexibility.

What’s the ceiling for Ty Simpson? If development goes well, he could become a starter-level QB with rushing threat and deep-ball capability—similar to Jalen Hurts or Anthony Richardson at their best.