Albert Breer’s NFL Draft Takeaways: How the Rams Landed Ty Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2024 NFL Draft with more questions than solutions at quarterback. Matthew Stafford, while still effective, is approaching the twilight of his career. John Wolford’s role remains uncertain, and no true developmental heir had been identified. That gap became the central focus of Albert Breer’s draft analysis—especially his reporting on how the Rams zeroed in on Alabama’s Ty Simpson as a calculated, low-risk, high-upside addition.

Breer didn’t just outline the pick; he exposed the process. His takeaways revealed a franchise balancing immediate contention with long-term sustainability, using draft capital not for splash but for structure. In dissecting how the Rams landed on Simpson, Breer highlighted a disciplined blend of medical insight, personality profiling, and schematic alignment—elements often hidden beneath surface-level draft coverage.

The Rams’ Quarterback Conundrum

Before the draft, the Rams lacked a coherent succession plan. Stafford, 35, led them to a playoff berth in 2023 but missed three games due to injury. His contract and age made him a short-term asset, not a foundation. The team’s previous draft classes ignored the position entirely, banking on internal development or free-agent solutions—a gamble growing riskier by the year.

Enter Albert Breer’s reporting: the Rams weren’t targeting a Day 1 starter. They were after optionality. A young arm with upside, ideally one they could mold without burning a high pick. That strategic framing—value over volume—meant avoiding the top-tier QBs who came with premium costs and immediate expectations. Instead, they pursued developmental talent in the later rounds, where mistakes are cheaper and patience is built into the contract.

Ty Simpson, selected in the sixth round, fit that mold perfectly.

Why Ty Simpson? Breer’s Breakdown of Fit

Breer’s analysis centered on three pillars: athleticism, arm talent, and intangibles. At Alabama, Simpson never had a full season as the starter, but his flashes—especially in 2023 against LSU and Tennessee—showed a player with elite physical tools. He ran for 306 yards and four touchdowns, operated effectively from the pistol, and demonstrated the kind of zip on intermediate throws that intrigued scouts.

But Breer emphasized what tape alone couldn’t show: the Rams’ trust in their coaching and development system. Sean McVay, despite his offensive brilliance, has a mixed track record with QB development. Jared Goff regressed after leaving, while Stetson Bennett flamed out quickly. Breer noted that the Rams’ decision to target Simpson was less about immediate impact and more about control—a player they could shape from Day 1, without the pressure of early starts.

Simpson’s personality, per Breer’s sources, stood out. Coaches described him as coachable, process-driven, and mentally tough. In a league where attitude often dictates longevity, these traits mattered more than a few highlight-reel throws.

The Draft Room Logic: Why Not a Higher Pick?

One of Breer’s sharpest insights was the Rams’ intentional restraint. In a draft class hyped for quarterback talent, names like Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye went early. The Rams were linked to several mid-round QBs in mock drafts, but Breer reported they never seriously considered spending a Day 2 pick on one.

Why?

Because their internal evaluation deemed the marginal gain not worth the cost. Breer explained that the Rams’ front office, led by Brad Holmes and Les Snead, ran extensive war-gaming on QB outcomes. They concluded that the difference between a third-round and sixth-round developmental QB was often negligible—not in talent, but in opportunity and environment.

Simpson, at pick No. 198, came with minimal financial pressure. His rookie deal ensured he’d spend at least a year on the bench, learning McVay’s system without media scrutiny. That delay, Breer argued, is where the real value was: time.

Medicals and Upside: The Hidden Factors

Breer also spotlighted the role of medical evaluations. Simpson missed the 2022 season with a broken leg, a red flag for many teams. But the Rams, according to Breer’s sources, conducted their own advanced imaging and biomechanical testing. Their medical team gave him a clean bill of long-term health, a crucial factor in their decision.

That due diligence exemplifies the modern NFL draft: where data and diagnostics often outweigh game film. A player with injury history isn’t automatically dismissed—he’s profiled. The Rams’ confidence in their rehab staff and tracking technology allowed them to take a swing where others hesitated.

Arm strength, mobility, and recovery speed—all were vetted. And Simpson passed.

Comparing Simpson to Other Late-Round QBs

Not every late-round quarterback pans out. To understand Simpson’s potential, it helps to compare him to recent peers:

Breer’s take? Simpson’s path most closely mirrors early-career Dak Prescott—a mobile quarterback with underrated processing speed, best suited to a system that leverages motion, pre-snap manipulation, and controlled aggression.

But unlike Prescott, Simpson enters without immediate pressure. That breathing room could accelerate his growth.

The Role of Coaching and System Fit

Sean McVay’s offense has evolved since its 2018 peak. It’s more balanced, less reliant on Jared Goff’s quick reads, and increasingly tailored to mobile quarterbacks. Baker Mayfield’s 2023 success in a similar West Coast derivative showed how McVay could adapt.

Simpson, who ran a version of RPO-heavy offense at Alabama, is already familiar with many concepts. Breer cited sources saying the Rams plan to use him in scout team simulations to sharpen Stafford and Wolford—while quietly accelerating his grasp of progressions and protections.

The long-term vision? A hybrid QB who can extend plays, manage tempo, and execute McVay’s nuanced play-action game. It’s not about replicating Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen. It’s about finding a McVay-compatible operator—someone who thrives in structure but can improvise when needed.

Simpson, per Breer’s assessment, “has the mental framework to grow into that role, even if the mechanics aren’t NFL-ready yet.”

Development Timeline: What to Expect

Breer outlined a realistic development arc:

• Year 1: Focus on footwork, progression reads, and situational awareness. Limited to practice squad or third-string duties.
• Year 2: Active roster push. Potential preseason starter. May see mop-up duty in late-season games if Stafford rests.
• Year 3: Genuine competition for backup role. Could serve as emergency starter in injuries.
• Beyond: If mechanics and decision-making improve, Simpson could emerge as a bridge QB or trade asset.

The Rams aren’t banking on Simpson becoming a franchise savior. But as Breer noted, “Every great QB draft story starts with a team that wasn’t desperate—just patient.”

Why This Move Reflects Modern Draft Strategy

Breer’s overarching takeaway? The Rams didn’t reach for need—they structured for it.

In an era of “win-now or bust,” Los Angeles opted for sustainable relevance. They avoided overpaying for a mid-tier QB prospect. They didn’t disrupt their cap or draft capital. Instead, they used a late pick to acquire optionality, banking on coaching, development, and time.

This is the new blueprint: not swinging for the fences, but placing smart, low-risk bets on high-upside players. Teams like the 49ers (Brock Purdy) and Bengals (Joe Burrow, but supported by depth) have proven it works.

The Rams, under Breer’s analysis, are following suit—with Simpson as the cornerstone of a quiet rebuild within a contender’s shell.

Final Word: A Patient Play with Real Potential

Albert Breer’s NFL Draft takeaways cut through the noise. The Rams didn’t make headlines with their quarterback pick. But in landing Ty Simpson, they executed a disciplined, research-driven strategy focused on long-term stability.

It’s not a guarantee. Most sixth-round QBs never start a game. But with the right coaching, health, and opportunity, Simpson could evolve into something more—whether as a starter, backup, or valuable trade piece.

For fans, the lesson is patience. For front offices, it’s a reminder: sometimes the smartest move isn’t the loudest. It’s the one made quietly, with data, vision, and a plan.

The Rams didn’t just draft a quarterback. They bought time, optionality, and a shot at the future—with minimal cost.

FAQ

Did Albert Breer predict the Rams would draft Ty Simpson? Breer didn’t name Simpson outright, but his pre-draft analysis highlighted the Rams’ preference for a developmental, mobile QB in the mid-to-late rounds—accurately forecasting their approach.

Is Ty Simpson expected to start soon? No. He’s projected as a 2–3 year project. Matthew Stafford remains the starter, with Simpson likely spending his rookie year on the practice squad or as third-string.

How does Simpson fit Sean McVay’s offense? His athleticism and RPO experience align well with McVay’s motion-heavy, play-action system, especially as it evolves to include more designed QB runs.

What were the Rams’ biggest concerns with Simpson? His limited starting experience and past leg injury were the primary red flags. The Rams mitigated these through medical testing and a low draft investment.

Could Simpson challenge for the starting job in 2025? Unlikely unless there’s an injury or major regression from Stafford. 2026 is a more realistic timeframe for serious competition.

How does this pick compare to the Rams’ past QB selections? Unlike Jared Goff (high pick, immediate starter), Simpson is a low-pressure developmental play—more akin to a long-term insurance policy than a centerpiece.

What’s the ceiling for Ty Simpson’s NFL career? If he develops accuracy and consistency, he could become a reliable backup or rotational starter. A Dak Prescott-like rise is possible but not probable.