Rams chose Ty Simpson over acclaimed 2027 quarterback crop for good reason

Is having a young quarterback on the roster now worth two in a future draft? Especially considering the list of prospects who could be available in the 2027, some Los Angeles Rams fans already regret the team's selection of Ty Simpson at No. 13 overall in 2026. In the early going, he has met with a lukewarm reception from some quarters of the fanbase and analytical community.

And, hey, that list in 2027 is pretty impressive. Why didn't Los Angeles just wait?

It's tempting, but let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet. This is a debate between multiple "what if..." scenarios that may never take place. And even as critics boisterously rebuke LA for drafting a quarterback, they casually exclude the most important component of Tom Pelissero's message. The word "potentially" says it all.

On top of the fact that those are all unproven prospects, like Simpson, the list includes names who only might be available at all.

Rams can't rely upon potential for their QB succession plan

The organization's brain trust determined that Simpson is not only a fit for the franchise, but that he is a promising candidate to lead this offense in the future. Did Snead jump the gun? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Here are some facts to support the latter view.

1. Not all projected prospects will declare for the draft

College athletes are no longer unpaid. Thanks to NIL money, they are handsomely funded throughout their college careers. In many cases, declaring for the NFL draft can erode that cash stream.

As a result, the financial incentive to go pro has decreased. Many 'potential' rookie prospects will remain in college. For Los Angeles, gambling against that possibility could prove fatal.

2. College quarterbacks must show growth while staying healthy

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar was considered a top prospect leading up to the 2024 draft. But after choosing to stay in school, his stock tumbled. Despite an additional season running PSU's offense, he seemingly regressed. More concerning still, his 2025 campaign was cut short by an injury.

The list of potential 2027 prospects is only penciled in for now. Each prospect must show growth, stay healthy, and remain suited to NFL offenses. That's a tough tightrope to walk, and there are no guarantees.

3. The best quarterbacks will never fall far enough

It's a safe bet that Texas quarterback Arch Manning will hear his name called as the first selection in whichever draft he declares. It's also a safe bet that L.A. would never have a chance to land him. The going rate for the No. 1 pick is incredibly steep. The Rams paid that price in trading up for the top pick in 2016, which they used on Jared Goff.

Rookie quarterbacks rarely arrive as plug-and-play options. Even the most highly regarded prospects need time to adapt to the NFL, learn a new offense, and generate chemistry with teammates. Snead understands all of that. The Rams chose Simpson knowing could spend multiple years as Matthew Stafford's apprentice, giving him ample time to acclimate.

4. Drafting Simpson in 2026 made Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie trades possible

The Rams' many unfavorable draft grades did not anticipate Snead's next move. Taking Simpson, obviating the need to invest in Stafford's successor later, freed up future picks to spend on cornerback Trent McDuffie and edge rusher Myles Garrett. The final bill tallied seven picks in all, including two first-rounders.

While the cupboards are not entirely bare, the team currently has just four draft picks in 2027. The Rams swung for McDuffie and Garrett to move the needle now. Securing a future franchise QB in the draft gave Snead the leeway to gamble.

No rookie is ever a sure thing. With just one year of college experience, Simpson may be viewed as a 'fixer-upper' prospect. The Rams bet that having him on the roster now would be worth more than anything to be gained by waiting.

After all, Simpson will have at least one full year to learn from Stafford and a coaching staff of quarterback-whisperers. He will have the chance to develop to fit the offense, which is a far cry better than hoping a 2027 rookie can learn it.

As always, thanks for reading.

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