What I like about this write up is the author doesn’t even mention how bad the O-line played; the historically bad running game; the dramatic loss of weight; or the WR drops. Despite all of those problems, plus the fact that Alabama’s defense was no where near where it has been, Simpson played pretty incrediblyThe biggest reason why Ty Simpson is the best fit to be Matthew Stafford successor in the Rams
Angel Nakamura
The former Alabama quarterback put up some great numbers
The Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft as a way of signaling more than just a long-term plan behind Matthew Stafford.
It reflects a belief that Simpson already possesses one of the most translatable traits for NFL success: elite decision-making.
During his time at Alabama Crimson Tide, Simpson posted the lowest interception percentage in program history at 0.96%. Over 523 career pass attempts, he threw just five interceptions. The number stands out for a program that has produced top-tier quarterback talent for decades.
It's not just about avoiding mistakes
Simpson consistently showed the ability to read defenses quickly and deliver accurate throws within structure. Playing in a pro-style system at Alabama, he was asked to make NFL-type reads, operate under pressure and attack multiple levels of the field. That experience reduces the learning curve as he transitions to the next level.
In his lone season as a full-time starter in 2025, Simpson led Alabama to the College Football Playoff while putting together one of the most efficient passing seasons in school history. He ranked near the top of multiple single-season categories, including passing yards, completions and touchdowns, while maintaining a 64.5% completion rate.
According to Pro Football Focus,Simpsontied for the most "big-time throws" in the FBS with 30 - high-level passes that require precise timing and placement, often into tight windows. That combination of aggressiveness and control is rare
Strength in the intermediate passing game
He threw for over 1,000 yards on passes traveling 10 to 19 yards downfield, an area heavily emphasized in Los Angeles' offense. He also excelled in play-action situations, posting a 121.4 passer rating with 10 touchdowns and just one interception. That aligns with a Ramssystem that has historically leaned on play-action at one of the highest rates in the league.
Ty processes information quickly, limits risk and still creates explosive plays. That's the balance NFL teams look for, especially in quarterbacks expected to eventually take over for established veterans. There are still questions, as there are with any rookie.
Simpson only has one full season as a starter, and the jump to the NFL will test his ability to maintain that level of efficiency against faster, more complex defenses. But if there's one reason to believe he can succeed, it's already on tape.
The biggest reason why Ty Simpson is the best fit to be Matthew Stafford successor in the Rams
The Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft as a way of signaling more than just a long-term plan behind Matthew Stafford.amp.marca.com
Rams: (#13) 1st Round QB Ty Simpson
- Thread starter Memphis Ram
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My God, if this turns into another Creed Humphrey obsession....
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My God, if this turns into another Creed Humphrey obsession....
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So many of us had that reaction! I could not believe that pick but got behind Tutu, who got a second contract. That is the baseline for whether a draft pick was a hit though in his case it was more like a one hit wonder with a hugely disappointing second album.
My God, if this turns into another Creed Humphrey obsession....
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Kiper cares about his image more than anything else. I don’t put too much store into what he says because even though he watches tape, he does it in a self serving way. He would be a terrible GM!
Mel "I'll retire if Jimmy Clausen isn't a franchise qb" Kiper.
Mel "the Lions got the biggest steal in draft history with Mike Williams, every team that passed on him will regret it for the rest of their lives" Kiper.
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Mel "Colt mccoy is a starter in this league" kiper
And he has not improved with age ... remember Kiper's Hissy-Fit over Shedeur Sanders falling last year.
That was gonna be me next set of quotations lmao
If Kiper was any good he would be working for an NFL team. I do not understand what he gets paid for - he sucks at his job.
To be fair, even people who get paid and work for teams miss on first round QBs all the time. Even ones that are really good at their job. Projecting what QBs will translate from college to pro is the single hardest part of the talent evaluation process for every NFL team. Kiper is like everyone else, he’s just guessing.
Anyone who uses Kiper to validate their opinion is really doing themself a disservice....
El Chapo Jr
Legend
I think the fact the Rams took Simpson at 13 is an indicator of the strength of need (as the Rams perceive it). It demonstrates that they want to be ready for him hanging them up. So if we were thinking 2-3 years prior, which was probably the prevailing opinion overall, it probably means it is wise to take the under.
Either way if I had to place a bet on how many years he's going to be around I would put money on this being his last season. Because this is a business, and two years ago the Rams had all sorts of drama in the offseason (that they covered up very well I might add) with Stafford's contract status. And this year we have heard it is close, but he's still not done.
On the other side of this, however, if Stafford does play 3 more years (which would make me very happy), we have a QB who will sit quietly and wait his turn. So however any of us might deviate on his upside at this level, truth is he's a good fit from that perspective as well as being a fit in doing what this offense requires.
And, i also might add, Stafford playing 1 or 2 years with us, then going to play for another team, while the Rams insert Simpson, is also on the table, as you alluded to in offseason of '25.
Honestly, I think he was pushed up the board to 13 because the Rams liked him and wanted him for their future QB. Others guys could have came out this draft and they’d still have taken Simpson imo (with the exception of Arch).
McVay is not going to deal with a QB unless that guy has the same type of defense reading, processing, etc that he does.
I just don’t see that happening. He’s a family man too and I really don’t see him uprooting his little girls in order to move to a new city and play for another team at this point in his life. Players like Rodger’s and Brady have completely different situations and don’t seem near as family centered.