'That's going to be a fail,' Ty Simpson makes interesting Matthew Stafford comment while addressing expectations at Rams

The Los Angeles Rams delivered a massive, future-altering update to their roster hierarchy ahead of the upcoming season, officially selecting former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The move stunned many across the league, as the Rams bypassed immediate needs at defensive or offensive line to secure a premium developmental talent at the game’s most critical position.

This decision matters immensely because it represents the ultimate Hollywood succession plan, introducing a high-profile ticking clock behind a 38-year-old reigning MVP. While Matthew Stafford is still playing elite football and actively pursuing another Lombardi Trophy, injecting a first-round collegiate signal-caller into the mix alters the gravity of the Rams’ locker room.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Rams operated with absolute, CIA-level secrecy to land their guy. Fowler reported that Los Angeles intentionally avoided formal predraft visits or combine interviews with Simpson to prevent tipping off rival teams to McVay’s infatuation with the prospect.

The team brass knew that if the league caught wind of an offensive savant like McVay stamping his approval on a quarterback, Simpson’s draft stock would have skyrocketed, potentially sparking a trade war ahead of their No. 13 slot.

1. A Masterclass in Stealth Scouting

The internal evaluation process in Los Angeles was a masterclass in quiet conviction. Rather than rolling out the red carpet for traditional campus visits, the Rams leaned heavily on tape analysis and data. They valued what they internally call a “central nervous system” in a quarterback—the cognitive ability to process complex information and execute an NFL offense precisely as intended. Simpson consistently flashed these traits during his tenure at Alabama, catching McVay’s eye during late-night film sessions in February. While a few whispers trickled through the scouting community regarding Snead’s past football connections to Jason Simpson, Ty’s father, most rival executives believed the Rams would simply draft a complementary piece for Stafford. After all, the Rams are on the doorstep of another championship run. Instead, Los Angeles stood pat at 13, ignoring trade calls from teams desperate to move up. Ultimately, they secured the player they quietly compared favorably to the No. 1 overall draft pick.

2. Managing Expectations Behind a Legend

For his part, Simpson is stepping into the Los Angeles facility with a remarkable sense of self-awareness. He knows he isn’t here to steal the job of a beloved veteran in year one. Drawing on the patience and discipline instilled in him by legendary coach Nick Saban during his time at Alabama, the rookie is taking a remarkably grounded approach to his arrival in California. “If I come in here and say I want to win Rookie of the Year, Matthew Stafford just won the MVP… that’s going to be a fail,” Simpson said in the press conference. “My aim is to get better each day. I’m blessed enough to be in the room of a great quarterback room, great coaches, a reigning MVP, a Hall of Famer, best head coach in football. I just want to soak up all that knowledge.”

3. The Locker Room Dynamic

Drafting a quarterback in the first round while a franchise legend is still under center is always a delicate psychological dance. We’ve all seen the awkward tension that unfolded in Green Bay when Aaron Rodgers watched the Packers trade up for Jordan Love. However, the Rams are navigating this with extreme care. McVay was notably subdued during his post-draft press conference, a deliberate move to protect Stafford and reassert that this is still the veteran’s team. Stafford, who is currently negotiating a new deal and is owed $40 million this season, was informed of the pick ahead of time and reportedly handled the news with absolute class. It certainly helps that the veteran is surrounded by an arsenal of elite weaponry, including Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, meaning the front office hasn’t left him starving for immediate offensive help. The Rams view this selection as a luxury born of smart roster management. By addressing crucial secondary needs via trades earlier in the offseason, they bought themselves the freedom to take a massive swing on a premium position. What comes next for the Los Angeles Rams and Ty Simpson is a fascinating, low-pressure waiting game. Simpson will immediately immerse himself in McVay’s playbook, essentially redshirting his rookie season while running the scout team and learning the nuances of professional preparation from Stafford. If Simpson doesn’t start a single game during the early years of his rookie contract, the Rams will consider it a massive victory, as it would mean Stafford remained healthy, elite, and in championship contention. But when the day inevitably comes for Stafford to hang up his cleats, Los Angeles will hand the keys to a thoroughly prepared successor ready to keep the Hollywood lights shining bright.

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