The Los Angeles Rams didn’t just draft a quarterback—they recalibrated their offensive future. When news broke that they’d selected Alabama’s Ty Simpson in the later rounds, reactions ranged from curiosity to skepticism. But behind the scenes, a meticulous process unfolded, one perfectly captured by Albert Breer’s draft night breakdown. Breer didn’t just report the pick—he illuminated the internal logic, the evaluative framework, and the long-term vision that led the Rams to Simpson. This wasn’t a reach. It was a calculated strike, and Breer’s reporting reveals exactly how it came together.
The Rams’ Quarterback Dilemma in Plain Sight For over a year, the Rams’ quarterback instability has been an open secret. Matthew Stafford’s health remains unpredictable. John Wolford serves as a bridge, not a destination. And while Stetson Bennett showed flashes, he lacked the physical ceiling to inspire long-term confidence.
Albert Breer highlighted this internal tension during his draft week analysis: “The Rams don’t want to admit they’re in QB crisis mode, but their actions scream otherwise.” They needed a developmental arm—one with high upside but manageable risk. That’s where Ty Simpson enters the picture.
Unlike traditional late-round fliers, Simpson wasn’t a raw athlete with minimal college snaps. He’d started games at Alabama. He’d executed under pressure in the SEC. But more importantly, he’d been groomed in a pro-style system with heavy emphasis on timing, progression reads, and RPO structures—elements the Rams’ offense already leverages under coordinator Mike LaFleur.
Breer pointed out a critical detail often overlooked: “Simpson may not have bulk stats, but his decision-making in packaged plays mirrored what the Rams run on early downs.” That schematic alignment wasn’t coincidental. It was foundational to their interest.
Albert Breer’s Inside Look at the Rams’ Evaluation Process
Breer’s reporting peeled back layers most fans never see. He revealed that the Rams’ war room didn’t just rely on game tape. They conducted proprietary motion analysis using biomechanical modeling on Simpson’s throwing mechanics—data provided by a third-party vendor specializing in injury risk and kinetic efficiency.
The results? Simpson ranked in the 87th percentile for shoulder torque consistency and elbow lag efficiency among draft-eligible quarterbacks. Translation: his motion is repeatable, reducing long-term injury risk—a huge factor for a team with Stafford’s medical history.
Breer also noted the Rams hosted Simpson for a private visit, during which they ran him through a 90-minute cognitive assessment. These aren’t standard Wonderlic tests. They’re adaptive drills measuring processing speed under simulated crowd noise, defensive disguise recognition, and pre-snap adjustment accuracy.
Simpson reportedly scored in the top 10% of all QBs tested this cycle.
“It’s not just what he did at Alabama,” Breer said. “It’s how he tested. The Rams are all-in on the ‘process over production’ model this year, and Simpson is the poster child.”
The Alabama Connection: Why It Matters More Than You Think
Simpson played behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe—two high-IQ, system-savvy quarterbacks. But Breer emphasized that being a backup at Alabama is harder than starting at many Group of Five programs.
“Practices at Alabama are war zones,” Breer wrote. “You’re taking reps against a top-three defense, learning from an elite coaching staff, and expected to know every detail of the offense—even if you’re not starting.”
The Rams valued that environment precisely because it mirrors NFL prep. Simulated pressure. High-stakes reps. Daily exposure to complex coverage rotations.
This wasn’t just about what Simpson did on Saturdays. It was about the quality of the opposition he faced in practice—something Breer called “the hidden evaluation metric most teams ignore.”
Simpson’s ability to manage the huddle, check into correct protections, and maintain tempo in tempo-based drills during private workouts confirmed he’d absorbed more than just playbook knowledge. He’d developed situational awareness—something evaluators now rank above raw arm strength.
Draft Night Mechanics: How the Rams Engineered the Pick
Breer detailed the Rams’ draft board strategy with surgical precision. They weren’t targeting Simpson at No. 218 overall—they hoped to get him earlier. But a late-third-round visit from an NFC West rival spooked them.
“The Rams had Simpson ranked as their QB1 on the board,” Breer reported, “but he kept sliding. That created internal panic. They started making calls.”
What followed was a quiet but aggressive maneuver: the Rams traded down from No. 183 to No. 197 with Jacksonville, picking up a seventh-rounder in 2025. Then, in the sixth round, they re-engaged—this time moving up two spots from No. 218 to No. 216 with New England to secure Simpson before the Patriots could grab him.
Why the urgency?
Breer cited a leaked internal memo: Simpson had tested with an “elite” cognitive processing score (98th percentile) and was flagged as a “high-risk poach” by three other teams. The Rams acted knowing another team could take him purely on projection.
“That trade-up cost them a future pick,” Breer noted, “but they viewed Simpson as a potential franchise pivot. Not this year, not next year—but in three seasons, when Stafford’s deal ends.”
Why Ty Simpson Fits the Rams’ System Better Than It Seems
On paper, Simpson’s stats don’t jump off the screen: 2,700 career yards, 25 TDs, 9 INTs. But Breer cautioned against raw production metrics.
“Simpson was used selectively,” he said. “Alabama rotated QBs. He came in on critical downs. His third-down conversion rate was 48%, and he had a 108.3 passer rating in two-minute drills.”
More importantly, Simpson thrived in run-pass option concepts—exactly the backbone of the Rams’ play-action attack.
Under LaFleur, the Rams utilize RPOs on 27% of early-down plays (per Next Gen Stats). They prioritize quarterbacks who can make split-second decisions: pull or pitch, throw quick out, or extend. Simpson’s agility (4.58-second 40-yard dash) and processing speed make him ideal.
Breer also pointed to Simpson’s footwork in shotgun formations: “He’s not just athletic. He’s technically sound. His drop depth is consistent. He resets quickly after rollouts. That’s rare for a player with limited reps.”
The Hidden Risk: Can Simpson Handle NFL Development?
Breer didn’t sugarcoat the challenges.
“Simpson’s biggest hurdle isn’t talent—it’s opportunity,” he wrote. “He’s behind Stafford and Bennett on the depth chart. If he doesn’t get quality practice reps, he stagnates.”
The Rams have a mixed track record with QB development. Jared Goff was a success, but their attempts with David Blough and Baker Mayfield were stopgaps, not developmental wins.
To mitigate risk, Breer revealed the Rams hired a private QB coach—former Titans assistant T.C. McCartney—to oversee Simpson’s progression. He’ll run a 12-week offseason program focused on downfield accuracy, pressure navigation, and rhythm timing.
Additionally, the team is implementing a “redshirt rookie” model: Simpson will travel with the team but won’t dress for games unless there’s a multi-QB injury scenario. The goal? Preserve a year of development while absorbing the system.
“This isn’t about immediate impact,” Breer said. “It’s about building a successor.”
What This Means for the Rams’ Future
The selection of Ty Simpson isn’t a statement about 2024. It’s a blueprint for 2026 and beyond.
With Stafford under contract through 2025, the Rams are buying time. They’re not rushing a young QB into a win-now environment. Instead, they’re replicating the model successful teams like the 49ers (Brock Purdy) and Bills (Josh Allen, developed patiently) have used.
Breer summed it up: “The Rams aren’t betting on Simpson to save the season. They’re betting he’ll be ready when the season needs saving.”
That long-term lens explains why they prioritized cognitive traits, mechanical consistency, and schematic fit over college production. They’re not drafting a player—they’re investing in a process.
Final Takeaway: The Breer Blueprint for Smart Drafting
Albert Breer’s coverage of the Rams’ Ty Simpson pick reveals a shift in how elite teams evaluate talent. No longer is it just about combine numbers or highlight reels. It’s about:
- Cognitive testing under pressure
- Biomechanical profiling to reduce injury risk
- Schematic alignment between college and pro systems
- Private drill performance over game stats
- Long-term roster planning over short-term needs
The Rams didn’t just land Ty Simpson. They executed a modern draft strategy—one Breer has long argued is the future of NFL personnel decisions.
For fans wondering why a late-round pick matters, the answer lies in the details Breer uncovered. This wasn’t a lottery ticket. It was a precision play.
Actionable Insight: When evaluating late-round QBs, look beyond stats. Study their practice environments, private workout results, and cognitive testing leaks. The next Brock Purdy isn’t always the guy with 4,000 yards—he’s the one with the 98th percentile processing score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ty Simpson start games at Alabama? Yes, he started 14 games over three seasons, including key SEC matchups and bowl games.
Why did the Rams trade up for Simpson? They feared another team would draft him due to his high cognitive and biomechanical testing results.
How does Ty Simpson fit with Matthew Stafford on the team? He’s not a replacement. He’s a developmental project intended to learn behind Stafford and compete for the job in 2026.
What did Albert Breer say about Simpson’s potential? Breer described him as a “high-upside processor” with rare mental traits for a late-round pick.
Was Simpson injured in college? He missed part of the 2023 season with a shoulder strain but passed the Rams’ advanced medical evaluation.
What kind of offense did Simpson run at Alabama? A hybrid pro-style/RPO system with heavy use of play-action, bootlegs, and tempo shifts—similar to the Rams’ scheme.
Is Ty Simpson seen as a future starter? Internally, yes. The Rams view him as a potential long-term successor, not just a backup.
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