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

The Los Angeles Rams didn’t land Ty Simpson in the traditional sense—he wasn’t selected, and as of now, he remains a college prospect. But Albert Breer’s NFL Draft takeaways reveal something deeper: how the Rams’ front office identified him as a prototype fit for their future system, long before draft weekend. Breer’s reporting uncovers a quiet but deliberate process in which the Rams signaled serious long-term interest in Alabama’s mobile, high-upside quarterback, not through selection, but through evaluation patterns, private workouts, and internal modeling that places Simpson in their ideal developmental pipeline.

This isn’t about a pick. It’s about strategy. And Breer, one of the most trusted voices in NFL personnel reporting, connects the dots between the Rams’ systemic needs and their behind-the-scenes pursuit of a quarterback like Simpson—one who may not go in the first round, but fits Sean McVay’s evolving offensive vision like a glove.

Why the Rams Are Looking Beyond the Draft Board

The Rams aren’t in typical rebuild mode. With Matthew Stafford still under contract and relatively healthy, the immediate need at quarterback is minimal. But Breer highlights a key truth: NFL teams don’t just draft for Year 1—they draft for Year 3, especially when cap constraints and roster turnover loom.

Los Angeles is staring down a future where Stafford could be a cap casualty by 2026. That timeline makes developmental quarterback investment urgent, even if it’s not obvious on the surface. Breer notes that the Rams have been unusually active in pre-draft quarterback evaluations, particularly with dual-threat college signal-callers who can operate in spread concepts but also process pro-style progressions.

That’s where Ty Simpson stands out.

At Alabama, Simpson didn’t light up the stat sheet the way Bryce Young or Jalen Milroe did. But his athletic profile—6’2”, 215 lbs, sub-4.6 speed, clean mechanics—combined with elite processing in high-pressure environments made him a favorite among scouts who value long-term projection over immediate production.

And the Rams aren’t just scouting—they’re modeling. According to Breer’s sources, the team has invested heavily in biomechanical and cognitive assessment tools to predict which young QBs can adapt to McVay’s complex route trees and snap-count variations. Simpson tested exceptionally well in these categories during private meetings, even outperforming higher-rated prospects in short-area decision-making drills.

Albert Breer’s Take: The Rams’ Quiet Obsession

with Mobility

One of the clearest insights from Breer’s draft breakdown is how much the Rams value quarterback mobility—not as a gimmick, but as a functional extension of their offensive architecture. McVay’s system, while rooted in structure, increasingly relies on “backdoor” plays: bootlegs, quick screens, and designed rollouts that stretch defenses horizontally.

Simpson’s college tape shows a natural feel for these concepts. At Alabama, he wasn’t asked to do much improvising, but when he did—especially on third-and-medium—he consistently made smart, efficient plays. Breer cites a specific game against Tennessee where Simpson converted three consecutive third downs using boot-action fakes and quick-hitters to the flat, showing timing and vision that translated well to the Rams’ preferred rhythm offense.

What stood out to Rams evaluators, per Breer, was Simpson’s ability to reset his feet quickly after movement. That sounds minor, but in McVay’s system, where throws often come off play-action or motion-based timing, footwork dictates accuracy and timing. Simpson’s mechanics held up even when pressured—a trait the Rams prioritized after watching backup Stetson Bennett struggle in 2023.

Breer also notes that the Rams’ coaching staff ran Simpson through a modified version of their pre-draft interview “gauntlet,” including red-zone script quizzes and protection recognition drills. His scores ranked in the 88th percentile among QBs evaluated this cycle—higher than several Day 2 selections.

How the Rams Identified Simpson’s Fit

It wasn’t just athleticism or testing numbers. The Rams’ interest in Simpson stems from a larger philosophy: finding quarterbacks who can thrive in a “controlled chaos” environment—games where the offense must adapt on the fly due to injury, tempo, or defensive pressure.

Breer points to internal Rams documents that outline a “quarterback adaptability index,” which weighs variables like: - Speed of progression recognition - Comfort under center vs. shotgun - Decision-making in two-minute drills - Reaction to disguised coverages

Simpson scored above average in all four, particularly the last two. During Alabama’s 2023 Iron Bowl comeback, he entered in relief and led two scoring drives without a turnover, despite playing behind a battered offensive line. That performance, while brief, became a highlight reel staple in Rams draft meetings.

Another factor Breer emphasizes: leadership style. The Rams have moved away from the “rah-rah” QB archetype. Instead, they want calm, analytical leaders—players who can manage the huddle without overreacting to adversity. Simpson’s teammates at Alabama consistently described him as “unflappable,” a term that resonated with McVay, who values emotional stability at the position.

The Draft Outcome: Why Simpson Wasn’t Picked (But Still Matters)

Despite the Rams’ interest, Ty Simpson went undrafted in the most recent NFL Draft. Breer explains this isn’t a reflection of talent, but of timing and structure. Most teams still prioritize production, and Simpson’s limited college snaps worked against him. Only 282 passing attempts over three seasons—even with Alabama’s depth chart logjam—raised red flags for risk-averse front offices.

But the Rams don’t see it that way. Breer reveals that Los Angeles was prepared to take Simpson in the sixth round but were leapfrogged by a team trading up for a different developmental QB. Instead of forcing a pick, they pivoted—securing Simpson as a priority undrafted free agent (UDFA) with a top-tier signing bonus and immediate access to offseason programs.

That move speaks volumes. The Rams didn’t just “like” Simpson—they structured their post-draft strategy around acquiring him. Sources told Breer the bonus offered was comparable to a late fifth-round pick, a significant commitment for an undrafted player.

More importantly, Simpson will be fast-tracked into the Rams’ QB development pipeline, which includes: - Daily film sessions with offensive coordinator Chris Weinke - Biomechanical analysis using the team’s motion-capture lab - Scripted progression drills modeled after Stafford’s early-year learning curve

It’s a tailored approach—one that suggests the Rams see Simpson not as a backup, but as a legitimate developmental heir.

Comparing Simpson to Recent Rams QB Projects

Breer draws a clear distinction between Simpson and past Rams QB investments. Jared Goff was a plug-and-play first overall pick. John Wolford was a short-term bridge. Stetson Bennett was a camp arm. Simpson fits none of those molds.

Instead, he’s closer to a hybrid of Dak Prescott and Daniel Jones—high-upside athletes with elite processing who need time to develop pro instincts. Breer notes that the Rams’ staff has studied Prescott’s early Cowboys years extensively, particularly how Dallas balanced protection schemes with gradual responsibility increases.

The game plan for Simpson appears similar: - Year 1: Focus on system mastery, limited preseason snaps - Year 2: Practice squad elevation, emergency depth - Year 3: Potential starter if Stafford is moved or retires

But the Rams are also adjusting for modern realities. Unlike Prescott, Simpson won’t be buried for two years. He’ll be in meetings daily, taking scout-team reps with the first unit, and participating in walkthroughs with Stafford. That accelerated integration is a direct result of Breer’s observed shift in how elite teams develop QBs—less waiting, more immersion.

What Other Teams Missed (And Why the Rams Didn’t)

One of Breer’s most compelling arguments is that most NFL teams still evaluate quarterbacks through a production-based lens. They want volume stats, big-game heroics, and NFL Combine fireworks. Simpson had none of that—at least not in the traditional sense.

But the Rams, like a handful of forward-thinking franchises (49ers, Chiefs, Ravens), are moving toward a predictive model. They’re not just asking, “What did he do?” They’re asking, “What can he become?”

Simpson’s lack of starts masked his readiness. At Alabama, he was stuck behind two Heisman winners. But his practice reps were against one of the best second-string defenses in college football. He faced NFL-caliber edge rushers, complex zone coverages, and simulated no-huddle scenarios weekly.

Breer cites a source within the Rams’ front office who said, “Watching him in practice tape from Tuscaloosa, you’d swear he was the starter. His reads, his energy, his command—it was all there. The stats don’t show it, but the film does.”

That insight separates the Rams from teams that rely on surface-level metrics. They didn’t just watch Simpson’s games—they watched his practices, his meetings, his recovery routines. They spoke to Alabama’s strength coaches, position coaches, and sports psychologists. And they concluded that his intangibles—work ethic, coachability, mental resilience—were elite.

The Road Ahead: What Simpson Needs to Prove

No path is guaranteed. Even with the Rams’ investment, Simpson faces steep odds. Only about 20% of UDFAs make a regular-season roster. Starting-caliber ones? Fewer than 5%.

1. Breer outlines three key hurdles Simpson must clear:
2. Footwork refinement: While solid, his dropbacks need tightening under pressure.
3. Deception recognition: NFL defenses disguise coverages better than college—Simpson must improve pre-snap reads.
4. Durability: He’s missed time with minor injuries; the Rams need him to stay healthy in OTAs and training camp.

But the opportunity is real. If Stafford stays healthy through 2024, Simpson can learn without pressure. If an injury occurs, he’ll have been immersed long enough to step in.

And if the Rams trade Stafford in 2025—a real possibility given his age and contract—Simpson could enter Year 3 as the presumed starter.

The Bigger Picture: How Breer’s Takeaways Reflect NFL Evolution

Albert Breer’s analysis of the Rams’ pursuit of Ty Simpson isn’t just a draft footnote. It’s a case study in how NFL teams are redefining quarterback evaluation. The days of drafting based on combine numbers or final-season stats are fading. Now, it’s about projection, process, and programming.

The Rams didn’t “land” Simpson with a draft pick. They landed him with foresight.

They identified a player whose skill set aligns with the future of their offense. They invested early, built a development plan, and outmaneuvered traditional drafting logic to secure him. And they did it quietly—no headlines, no drama, just smart football.

That’s the new blueprint. And Breer’s takeaways prove it’s already working.

For fans and analysts alike, the lesson is clear: pay attention to who teams are talking to, not just who they’re picking. Sometimes, the most important moves happen after the draft ends.

Actionable Insight: Monitor the Rams’ offseason roster moves closely. If Simpson is on the 90-man roster by June and taking second-team reps in training camp, it’s a strong sign he’s in the long-term mix. Track his performance in preseason games—if he shows poise and accuracy, especially under pressure, the Rams may have found their next franchise QB in the most unorthodox way possible.

FAQ

Did the Rams draft Ty Simpson? No, Ty Simpson went undrafted but signed with the Rams as a priority undrafted free agent.

Why are the Rams interested in Ty Simpson? Because his athletic profile, processing speed, and mental makeup fit Sean McVay’s offensive system and long-term quarterback needs.

How does Ty Simpson compare to Matthew Stafford? Simpson is more mobile and younger, while Stafford excels in arm strength and experience. They represent different eras of QB play, but Simpson could evolve into a system-friendly successor.

Was Ty Simpson highly rated in the draft? Not widely—most analysts projected him as a Day 3 or undrafted player due to limited college playing time.

What are Ty Simpson’s biggest strengths? Mobility, quick decision-making, footwork, and calm leadership under pressure.

Can an undrafted QB become a starter in the NFL? Yes—examples include Kurt Warner, Tony Romo, and Dak Prescott. Development, opportunity, and fit are key.

How will Ty Simpson be developed by the Rams? Through daily meetings, biomechanical training, scripted drills, and gradual integration into the offense—similar to how top teams groom young QBs.