Louis Riddick hints at LA Rams fervent interest in this rookie quarterback

If you buy the developing narrative that NFL teams are less-than-impressed with rookie quarterback prospects, you haven't been paying attention to recent NFL drafts. Like it or not, new head coaches want their thumbprint on a new franchise quarterback. And that often means that talented quarterbacks come off the board quickly in the annual NFL draft.

Of course, the Los Angeles Rams are already set with veteran head coach Sean McVay and his hand-picked veteran quarterback, Matthew Stafford. But the sun is setting on the NFL MVP's career, and the team must plan for tomorrow. Have no fear, as ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick shared that LA likes what it sees from Alabama rookie prospect, quarterback Ty Simpson:

Simpson is high on many draft boards, even considered by some draft analysts to be neck-and-neck with draft darling, Indiana rookie quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza. The thing is, multiple NFL teams want a quarterback. But many mock drafts (like this one from Tankathon) have Simpson on the board when LA selects at 13th overall.

Would general manager Les Snead pull the trigger on Simpson if he is on the board at 13? Will the team risk overpaying to trade up to get him? It comes down to how urgent the need for a future quarterback may be.

Ty Simpson could be the next Rams franchise quarterback

At 6-foot-2 and tipping the scales at 208 pounds, quarterback Ty Simpson is framed to be able to withstand the pounding that awaits him in an NFL pocket. But he has enough mobility to scramble out of harm's way as the pocket collapses. And he comes with the SEC pedigree that NFL general managers love.

Simpson was essentially in relief until his senior season, but he showed elite ball skills when he finally got the nod to start. He showed an ability to process his progressions instantly. He has solid mechanics, so there are no hitches in his footwork or throws to correct. And he has enough mobility to move the chains against a fierce pass rush.

But he was a starter for only one NFL season. The LA Rams love tape, and what Simpson put on videos is absolutely masterful. And with the team expecting at least one more season out of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, Simpson inherits the luxury of watching Stafford do his thing for his rookie season.

Of course, LA can only select Simpson if he is still there at 13. Will the team be so enamored with Simpson that they surrender a chance to select a shutdown cornerback?

Decisions, decisions.

The fork in the road in this draft comes down to this: Can the team expect a better opportunity to land a future quarterback than the 2026 NFL Draft? If not, then the team must go for the guy they like most.

And Louis Riddick says the team likes Ty Simpson. He's been right about this team before.

As always, thanks for reading.