Louis Riddick continues to be vindicated for bold Rams-Ty Simpson projection

When it comes to predicting Los Angeles Rams draft picks, few NFL analysts have a successful track record. General manager Les Snead seems to have his own checklist of what he values most in a rookie, making it impossible to read his mind.

But one NFL analyst seems to think like Snead, and has proven in two consecutive drafts to be spot on in predicting who will don the Horns.

That would be ESPN's Louis Riddick, who correctly linked the Rams with wide receiver Konata Mumpfield in 2025. He followed up in 2026 by linking Los Angeles with Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson weeks before the draft.

Not quite so impressively, Riddick also diagnosed the defense as the greatest need in the offseason. He was particularly pointed in reminding everyone how Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba eviscerated Rams cornerbacks last season. Lo and behold, Snead instantly addressed the position by landing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, both significant upgrades over anyone in the 2025 group.

It's no surprise, then, to go back and see that Riddick was right again with his Simpson prediction in the draft.

Simpson has plenty of promise despite others' misgivings

Many fans disliked the Simpson pick because they expected the Rams to add an instant contributor in Round 1. There is only one football to share on offense, though, so how much would the team benefit from a rookie receiver taking reps away from Puka Nacua and Davante Adams?

With no quarterbacks under contract for 2027 or beyond, Snead played the draft in the most practical manner possible. The fact is, he doesn't expect to have a pick as high as No. 13 overall any time soon, pushing top quarterback prospects out of reach in future drafts.

Translation: It was now or never.

Where the unhappy campers have a point is in Simpson's lack of experience. He started only one season in college. Maybe it was a fluke, or so the logic goes. To some analysts and a small enclave of fans, that is enough to make the verdict a thumbs-down. Case closed.

Small sample size or not, there was nothing fluky about Simpson's promise in the pocket.

Let's list some of his profile strengths according to draft expert Lance Zierlein:

• "Recognizes coverage quickly and moves through progressions with pace."
• "Exceptional footwork, with feet tied to eyes."
• "Climbs, slides, and resets the launch point when edge pressure closes in."
• "Decisive in probing and attacking intermediate pockets of the zone."
• "Able to create on second reaction when the play breaks down."

Many of Simpson's developing abilities can be attributed to what he's already soaking up from Matthew Stafford. With a coaching staff loaded with quarterback whisperers, Simpson stands to benefit immensely simply by showing up to practice.

Of course, some naysayers will not soften their stance until the optics overwhelmingly force them to. That could take a while. Simpson will almost certainly remain behind both Stafford and Stetson Bennett on the depth chart this season.

His time will come. Thankfully, when it happens, it will be for the Yellow and Blue.

As always, thanks for reading.

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