Full Breakdown
Rams Draft Ty Simpson: Secret Pre-Draft Meeting, Succession Strategy, and Reactions
4/28/2026, 10:38:01 AM
Secret Pre-Draft Meeting and No. 13 Selection
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson disclosed that, contrary to his initial post-draft comment that he only met “some scouts,” he held a private, multi-hour discussion with Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay before the 2026 NFL Draft. Simpson said the Rams “tried to keep this under wraps as long as we could” because they did not want other teams to know they were interested. The Rams selected Simpson with the 13th overall pick, positioning him as a long-term project behind incumbent MVP Matthew Stafford.
Background: Rams’ Quarterback Succession Plan
The Rams entered the draft with a 38-year-old Matthew Stafford still performing at an MVP level. Team executives framed Simpson’s selection as a “succession plan” rather than an immediate upgrade. Former Packers executive Andrew Brandt warned that “Matthew Stafford will sit in quarterback meetings every day of the season next to his replacement,” highlighting the delicate management of egos that accompanies such a plan.
Key Figures
- Ty Simpson – Alabama’s 2025 starter (15 starts) and 13th-overall pick.
- Sean McVay – Rams head coach, orchestrated the secret meeting.
- Les Snead – General manager, co-author of the draft decision.
- Matthew Stafford – Current starter, MVP, potential mentor.
- Andrew Brandt – Former Packers VP, commentator on the succession dynamic.
- John Lynch – 49ers GM, publicly smirked at the pick.
- Albert Breer – Sports Illustrated insider, provided scouting rationale.
Data & Statistics
Simpson finished the 2025 college season with 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 90 rush attempts for 93 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns, and an 11-4 record that culminated in a College Football Playoff appearance (lost Rose Bowl 38-3). He started 15 games at Alabama and was widely ranked as the second-best quarterback prospect behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
Why It Matters
Drafting a developmental quarterback while Stafford remains the franchise’s centerpiece raises questions about roster allocation, draft value, and timeline for transition. If Simpson matures into a starter, the Rams could secure a decade-long quarterback solution; if not, the 13th pick may be viewed as a missed opportunity to address immediate needs such as wide receiver depth.
Official Statements & Responses
- “Let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew’s team.” – Sean McVay (post-draft press conference).
- “Whenever that time comes for (Simpson) to get an opportunity to be Matthew’s successor will be on Matthew’s terms.” – Sean McVay (press conference).
- “The Rams called both Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett the afternoon of the draft… to let them know we were planning to take Ty Simpson.” – Pat McAfee (via tweet).
- “Matthew Stafford will sit in quarterback meetings every day of the season next to his replacement.” – Andrew Brandt (analyst commentary).
Criticism & Opposition
49ers GM John Lynch’s on-air smirk and media commentary described the pick as “a lottery ticket” and questioned the wisdom of selecting a quarterback when the Rams are a “win-now” team. Critics also noted the risk of allocating a first-round asset to a player who may not see meaningful snaps for several seasons.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Simpson first described his pre-draft contact as a “brief” Pro Day meeting, then later admitted to a “secret meeting” lasting “hours and hours.” McVay’s subdued demeanor at the draft contrasted with later affirmations of confidence in Simpson. No public record confirms a direct conversation between Simpson and Stafford prior to the draft.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We tried to keep this under wraps as long as we could,” — Ty Simpson, on secret meetings.
- “Let's make one thing clear, this is Matthew's team.” — Sean McVay, post-draft.
- “ "Matthew Stafford will sit in quarterback meetings every day of the season next to his replacement," Brandt said.” — Andrew Brandt.
- “Am I angry right now?” — Sean McVay, quoted on draft night.
- “The Rams liked how the Bama coaches put a lot on him to begin with… Simpson kept battling, like an NFL quarterback has to.” — Albert Breer, scouting insight.
What’s Next
Simpson will spend his rookie year learning under McVay’s system and observing Stafford’s preparation routine. The organization expects him to serve as the primary backup in 2026, with a projected transition to starter status on “Stafford’s terms” possibly by the 2028 season. The Rams’ success this cycle will hinge on how smoothly the quarterback succession integrates with their broader roster strategy.
