Rams: (#13) 1st Round QB Ty Simpson

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I'm liking the pick the more I think about it, especially since it's done and it is what it is. One good thing is we are a year ahead in terms of QB development by taking our QB now rather than waiting a year or more. Also we might not pick this high again for a long long time, hopefully, and the river don't rise.
 
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This can't be stated enough. It's almost like Rams fans have amnesia and forget this fact every single year.
Yeah, people acting like there's no more picks to be made in this year's draft. In rounds where the Rams have historically found plenty of productive players.
 
I highly doubt he had time to watch Simpson during the season
You can literally watch highlights (or actual games) while taking a dump these days. I'm not saying he's spending 15 hours in the war room breaking down film. The guy eats, drinks & sleeps football. One of their scouts or someone sends him a clip to watch, you don't he's finding 2-5 minutes to watch it.
 
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Here’s what I like about this pick.

If the Rams just found their future franchise QB, none of this debate will matter in 2–3 years. That’s the reality. This feels very much like the Green Bay Packers philosophy, draft a high-ceiling quarterback, let him develop behind a proven veteran, and think long-term instead of chasing short-term validation. That’s exactly what Les Snead is doing here.

The potential transition from Matthew Stafford to Simpson could mirror what the Packers pulled off going from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers. That doesn’t mean it will happen but that’s the blueprint. Tyson has the tools, but like any prospect, the real question is whether he can put it all together at the NFL level. Did Snead reach? Maybe. But anyone claiming certainty right now is just guessing. Time will tell.

Another aspect I like: if Tyson doesn’t work out, the Rams are in a position to know early. Assuming Stafford stays healthy, Tyson won’t be forced onto the field before he’s ready. That gives the coaching staff time to evaluate him behind the scenes. Sean McVay saying Tyson will immediately compete with Bennett is actually a smart move. If Tyson can’t beat out Stetson, that’s a major red flag and the Rams can pivot quickly, limit the damage, and avoid being tied to him long-term by declining the fifth-year option.

And this is exactly why I trust Les Snead.

People are so quick to call something a “reach,” but look at what Snead has consistently done for this franchise.

He drafted Aaron Donald in the 1st round (13th overall)—arguably the greatest defensive player of his generation and one of the best to ever play the game. If you remember dropped to 13th because teams were convinced he was too small to be effective in the NFL. How did that work out?

He found Cooper Kupp in the 3rd round, a pick that turned into a Super Bowl MVP and one of the most productive receivers in football.

He landed Tyler Higbee in the 4th round, who became a long-term starter and one of the most reliable pieces of the offense.

Then look at what he’s done in the later rounds, where most teams are just hoping to find depth.

Kyren Williams — 5th round
Puka Nacua — 5th round
Byron Young — 3rd round
Kobie Turner — 3rd round
Steve Avila — 2nd round ()

That 2023 class alone helped accelerate one of the fastest rebuilds in the NFL. Puka Nacua was a 5th-round steal who immediately played like a star. Kobie Turner and Byron Young became instant contributors on defense, and Steve Avila solidified the offensive line. ()

Then in 2024, Snead kept stacking talent:

Jared Verse — 1st round
Braden Fiske — 2nd round
Blake Corum — 3rd round
Kamren Kinchens — 3rd round ()

This isn’t luck anymore. At some point, repeated success becomes a pattern.

Snead and Sean McVay have proven they can identify talent in every round, develop players quickly, and build around a long-term vision instead of reacting emotionally to public opinion.

So when people ask, “Did Snead reach?”

My answer is simple: this is the same GM who found stars in the 3rd, 5th, and even later rounds while rebuilding a playoff team after losing Aaron Donald.

He’s earned the benefit of the doubt.

The Rams don’t just draft for today. They draft for what this roster looks like two and three years from now—and more often than not, Les ends up being right.

The Rams clearly have a plan. And this pick fits that plan, whether people see it yet or not.
i would quibble with the high ceiling. If we're lucky the kid will play around top 15 QB in the league. That's nothing to sneeze at but I wouldn't call that high ceiling. If he really really hits, I think there could be a handful of years in his career where he sniffs top 10 but that's his ceiling for me.
 
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I'm liking the pick the more I think about it, especially since it's done and it is what it is. One good thing is we are a year ahead in terms of QB development by taking our QB now rather than waiting a year or more. Also we might not pick this high again for a long long time, hopefully, and the river don't rise.
Not a player comparison but in terms of the situation, it's very Mahomesian. The prospect gets to sit and learn from a quality QB and a great coach.
 
i would quibble with the high ceiling. If we're lucky the kid will play around top 15 QB in the league. That's nothing to sneeze at but I wouldn't call that high ceiling. If he really really hits, I think there could be a handful of years in his career where he sniffs top 10 but that's his ceiling for me.
Kinda like where Super Bowl Champ Sam Darnold sits. Where "led the Super Bowl in Overtime" Brock Purdy sits. Yeah, that would do just fine. Still think he can be better than them, not limiting Ty.
 
You can literally watch highlights (or actual games) while taking a dump these days. I'm not saying he's spending 15 hours in the war room breaking down film.
I think this greatly underestimates what an NFL HC job is like.

But I concede in the grand scheme of things he might have watched 20 minutes of Ty Simpson over the course of a season.
 
Here’s what I like about this pick.

If the Rams just found their future franchise QB, none of this debate will matter in 2–3 years. That’s the reality. This feels very much like the Green Bay Packers philosophy, draft a high-ceiling quarterback, let him develop behind a proven veteran, and think long-term instead of chasing short-term validation. That’s exactly what Les Snead is doing here.

The potential transition from Matthew Stafford to Simpson could mirror what the Packers pulled off going from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers. That doesn’t mean it will happen but that’s the blueprint. Tyson has the tools, but like any prospect, the real question is whether he can put it all together at the NFL level. Did Snead reach? Maybe. But anyone claiming certainty right now is just guessing. Time will tell.

Another aspect I like: if Tyson doesn’t work out, the Rams are in a position to know early. Assuming Stafford stays healthy, Tyson won’t be forced onto the field before he’s ready. That gives the coaching staff time to evaluate him behind the scenes. Sean McVay saying Tyson will immediately compete with Bennett is actually a smart move. If Tyson can’t beat out Stetson, that’s a major red flag and the Rams can pivot quickly, limit the damage, and avoid being tied to him long-term by declining the fifth-year option.

And this is exactly why I trust Les Snead.

People are so quick to call something a “reach,” but look at what Snead has consistently done for this franchise.

He drafted Aaron Donald in the 1st round (13th overall)—arguably the greatest defensive player of his generation and one of the best to ever play the game. If you remember dropped to 13th because teams were convinced he was too small to be effective in the NFL. How did that work out?

He found Cooper Kupp in the 3rd round, a pick that turned into a Super Bowl MVP and one of the most productive receivers in football.

He landed Tyler Higbee in the 4th round, who became a long-term starter and one of the most reliable pieces of the offense.

Then look at what he’s done in the later rounds, where most teams are just hoping to find depth.

Kyren Williams — 5th round
Puka Nacua — 5th round
Byron Young — 3rd round
Kobie Turner — 3rd round
Steve Avila — 2nd round

That 2023 class alone helped accelerate one of the fastest rebuilds in the NFL. Puka Nacua was a 5th-round steal who immediately played like a star. Kobie Turner and Byron Young became instant contributors on defense, and Steve Avila solidified the offensive line. ()

Then in 2024, Snead kept stacking talent:

Jared Verse — 1st round
Braden Fiske — 2nd round
Blake Corum — 3rd round
Kamren Kinchens — 3rd round

This isn’t luck anymore. At some point, repeated success becomes a pattern.

Snead and Sean McVay have proven they can identify talent in every round, develop players quickly, and build around a long-term vision instead of reacting emotionally to public opinion.

So when people ask, “Did Snead reach?”

My answer is simple: this is the same GM who found stars in the 3rd, 5th, and even later rounds while rebuilding a playoff team after losing Aaron Donald.

He’s earned the benefit of the doubt.

The Rams don’t just draft for today. They draft for what this roster looks like two and three years from now—and more often than not, Les ends up being right.

The Rams clearly have a plan. And this pick fits that plan, whether people see it yet or not.
Yep. Nine years of equity built up by that leadership team. I can have my opinion but I will not blast them as if they don't know what they're doing cuz the history says they do.
 
i would quibble with the high ceiling. If we're lucky the kid will play around top 15 QB in the league. That's nothing to sneeze at but I wouldn't call that high ceiling. If he really really hits, I think there could be a handful of years in his career where he sniffs top 10 but that's his ceiling for me.

Your bias is getting in the way of letting something work itself out. There are so many players that end up becoming superstars that no one saw coming. Time will tell if he is that. You don't think for a second that Puka Naca wouldn't go #1 in every NFL draft if teams had a crystal ball? My whole point in my statement was this is going to take a couple of years to mature to see how it works out. Either way the Rams are in a great position to succeed after Matthew Hangs it up.
 
Your bias is getting in the way of letting something work itself out. There are so many players that end up becoming superstars that no one saw coming. Time will tell if he is that. You don't think for a second that Puka Naca wouldn't go #1 in every NFL draft if teams had a crystal ball? My whole point in my statement was this is going to take a couple of years to mature to see how it works out. Either way the Rams are in a great position to succeed after Matthew Hangs it up.
Hahaha, I think what I just said was one of the most level headed things on this site in the last 24 hours. If that's my bias I'm glad to have it!
 
I'm sorry the Rams didn't pick your boyfriend Sadiq.

.
I fear that everyone on this board will be sorry they didn't take a dynamic weapon who would have helped them TODAY. Every time we see Sadiq or Lemon making plays next year will be painful while Simpson is holding a clipboard.
 
Not at all, just pointing out facts that go against your reasoning. Just like you tried for my post.
No, the fact is HE WILL have less wear and tear if he sits 2-3 years. That's a FACT. Could he still get injured, of course. But he can use that time to bulk up and its only gonna benefit him....
 
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If you need to be a top 5 QB in the league to win the Super Bowl these days, then why hasn't Lamar or Allen or Burrows or Herbert won a SB yet? Heck 3/4ths of those guys haven't even come close. You can even add Love, Goff, Purdy, Dak, Baker, etc. into the fold. With the huge cap hits now too for these top guys, it's maybe a bit of a hinderance.

Great coach + great/deep roster + solid QB
 
I fear that everyone on this board will be sorry they didn't take a dynamic weapon who would have helped them TODAY. Every time we see Sadiq or Lemon making plays next year will be painful while Simpson is holding a clipboard.
Maybe, if we have terrible luck with injuries it could hurt us. But we might not have needed Sadiq or Lemon this year at all if we beat the attrition demon plus in three years have Ty Simpson starting for us and playing good after learning for two years behind a HoF QB. It's all a gamble. Everyone's point of view is a gamble they'll be right. /shrug.