When the Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson in the draft, it was not exactly a popular decision. Athlon Sports' Doug Farrar called it a risky pick, noting that the Rams could have addressed a more immediate need by selecting a slot receiver like USC's Makai Lemon instead. Plenty of analysts and former players agreed with Farrar's assessment.
But news broke that the NFL would not be holding a supplemental draft this offseason. That quietly eliminates any chance of Les Snead going back to his well of reclamation projects, and if you know Snead, then you know he has a soft spot for developing quarterbacks. The fact that Brendan Sorsby is no longer a supplemental draft option makes the Rams' investment in Simpson look smart and more forward-thinking than many originally gave it credit for.
Teammates And Legends Are Praising Simpson’s Work Ethic
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A great Rams legend, Torry Holt, went on the Up & Adams Show and gave his endorsement for Ty Simpson, saying:
“I like the Ty Simpson pick; I think it fits his style, his mentality, and his attitude. The way that he goes about his work, from what I’ve been told, is exactly how Matthew Stafford goes about his work and Puka Nacua goes about his work. All of those star players—Myles Garrett alike—all those guys come in ready to work, ready to put it down. Ty Simpson, I think, will fit right in that fold.”
With such passionate words for the young QB, it's no wonder that his star teammates are starting to take notice of him.
Rams defensive back Quentin Lake spoke about Simpson on Underdog's Arena Gridiron, giving a strong endorsement for the newcomer. "He can read the offense," Lake said. "Even coming in early, he's been able to make all the throws that he needs to. Very calculated. I think one of the reasons why they liked him so much is he can anticipate things too. Watching him from afar, he's getting there. It's starting to click. And I think it's because of who he has around him telling him what to do, what to look for."
The Right System, The Right Coaching Staff
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What people are missing is the environment Simpson is stepping into. This is Sean McVay's offense. This is a coaching staff with one of the best reputations in the league for developing quarterbacks, even revitalizing Baker Mayfield’s career in five games. Now there is a report from the L.A. Times that Simpson has been listening to recordings of himself running play calls in his sleep. You can poke fun at that all you want, but that is the behavior of someone who is locked in and taking his development seriously.
Dan Orlovsky, on an episode of "Get Up," said he sees something in Simpson's mechanics and football IQ. When you go back and study the tape, it starts to make sense. The arm talent is there, and the processing speed is developing quickly. Now behind Matthew Stafford, there is no pressure for Simpson to play before he is ready, which ultimately allows him every opportunity to grow the right way.
This Is A Different Kind of Mentorship
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The best example of a similarly tense situation involves a bitter rival in San Francisco. When Joe Montana and Steve Young shared a sideline, the situation came with its own share of problems. Although what emerged over that time was something the game rarely sees: a young quarterback learned everything he could from one of the greatest to ever play and, upon taking that knowledge, became a Hall of Famer in his own right.
Now imagine that same transfer of knowledge but without the tension. That is exactly the opportunity Matthew Stafford has to offer Ty Simpson. Stafford is 38 years old and not getting any younger, but when he spoke with Drew Brees about playing as an older quarterback, Brees told him something that stuck: "You might have the best five years of your career coming up."
Stafford made his intentions clear on Chris Long's Green Light podcast. He said he hopes Simpson is "a guy that, 15, 20 years down the road, can look back and say, 'Man, I really enjoyed my time with Matthew and learned a lot from him.'" As a quarterback who came up in an era when Brett Favre's treatment of Aaron Rodgers shaped how veterans often handled their backups on their teams, Stafford is choosing a different path by offering Simpson his time, guidance and availability.
