Ty Simpson Joins the Rams
It caught quite a few off guard when Les Snead picked Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson as the 13th overall choice in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Now, Simpson has officially joined the Los Angeles Rams, where he’s vying with Stetson Bennett IV for the backup role behind veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. The transition to NFL life has been significant for him, as he mentioned in a recent article, describing the experience as “drinking water from a fire hydrant.”
“It’s like we’re drinking from a fire hydrant,” Simpson shared during organized team activities (OTAs). “There’s a lot to do. The quarterback runs the show here, which is exactly how I like it. But it requires a level of discipline and attention to detail that’s crucial.”
This focus on detail goes beyond just the gameplay; it also involves the pre-snap stage, which is vital for quarterbacks in the NFL. Coach Sean McVay has offered some valuable insights for rookies stepping into this role.
“What’s it like to communicate, especially as a quarterback?” McVay posed. “How do you articulate a play? … You really have to visualize the play when calling it; otherwise, this offense won’t function properly. Practice in front of a mirror and think about how you inflect your voice, how you emphasize key points, and what the mechanics are before the snap. How does my footwork align with my timing and rhythm?”
Simpson also noted that Matthew Stafford is doing his utmost to help the younger players acclimate, with support from Bennett.
“I’m really thankful that he and Stetson have taken the time to answer all my questions. I might have been a bit annoying, but their help has been invaluable. I can’t express my gratitude enough,” he admitted.
“He didn’t have to take this path, so I genuinely appreciate it,” Simpson added. “Whatever insights I can glean from him, I’ll gladly take on board. I hope I won’t embarrass him, but I really value the role he’s played in my development.”
