The Los Angeles Rams' selection of Ty Simpson as the 13th overall pick in this year's draft has sparked considerable discussion and doubt regarding his long-term prospects in the NFL. Despite the invaluable chance to develop under the guidance of seasoned quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is nearing retirement, expert opinions suggest Simpson's path to a successful professional career may be fraught with challenges. Analysts, including a former draft scout and a previous NFL general manager, have openly questioned whether Simpson's collegiate achievements truly warranted such an early draft position, leading to concerns about his future role beyond a backup.
Daniel Kelly, a former draft scout, did not mince words, asserting on X that "Ty Simpson never belonged in the first or second round conversation." This strong critique aligns with skepticism voiced by Scot McCloughan, the former General Manager for the Washington Commanders. McCloughan, during an appearance on Team 980 in D.C., labeled Simpson as "overdrafted," drawing parallels to other quarterbacks like J.J. McCarthy and Mac Jones, whom he considered to be primarily "career backups." These evaluations highlight a prevalent concern that Simpson's high draft placement might not reflect his true potential or immediate impact.
Adding to these reservations is Simpson's relatively brief collegiate career, having played only one full season at Alabama. While his performance of over 3,500 passing yards and 28 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions is commendable, it leaves a smaller sample size for evaluation compared to other prospects. Furthermore, the likelihood of Simpson not seeing significant game time in his rookie year, unless Stafford sustains an injury, intensifies the scrutiny. This scenario suggests a prolonged developmental period, during which the initial criticism surrounding his draft value could gain more traction.
Observations from Organized Team Activities (OTAs) have done little to quell these concerns. Nate Atkins from The Athletic noted that neither Simpson nor fellow quarterback Stetson Bennett distinguished themselves during drills involving basic routes. Atkins specifically highlighted an instance where Simpson overthrew several deep passes, indicating potential areas for improvement in accuracy and field vision. These early performances, or lack thereof, suggest that Simpson's collegiate tape may not be translating effectively to the professional level, prompting further questions about his readiness and skill set.
Compounding the uncertainty, Simpson remains one of only two first-round picks from the 2026 draft class yet to sign a contract. As the 13th overall selection, he is expected to secure a four-year deal valued at $24.3 million. Meanwhile, Stetson Bennett is steadily making a case for himself. With the potential retirement of Jimmy Garoppolo, Bennett's path to a more prominent role could clear. His three years within the Rams' system provide him with an intimate understanding of Head Coach Sean McVay's preferences. While Stafford is forgoing offseason repetitions, Bennett's active participation in every snap is a significant advantage. Insider Jason La Canfora's reports about the league's "belief" in Bennett's edge over the rookie should undoubtedly raise red flags for Simpson's team, pointing to an increasingly competitive internal landscape.
The journey ahead for Ty Simpson with the Rams appears to be an uphill battle, marked by the weight of high expectations, the skepticism of experts, and the quiet emergence of a strong competitor. His ability to overcome these early challenges and evolve beyond a perceived 'career backup' will be crucial in defining his tenure in the NFL.
