Ty Simpson is everything Rams expected, nothing analysts projected

The Los Angeles Rams know the score. They recognized that climbing up a draft board to land a promising quarterback was impossible. And so, with the 13th pick, the team selected a fundamentally sound prospect in Ty Simpson, whose ceiling was off the charts. The only challenge is that he is not polished enough to start in the NFL, or necessarily to contribute in any real role at present.

He needs time, coaching, and patience. And with his rookie contract signed, he can focus on that exclusively.

While some presume that Simpson has the inside track to emerge from camp as the primary backup QB, that may not be how LA sees events playing out. To get the nod, a player must demonstrate overwhelming evidence that he knows the offense of head coach Sean McVay.

Simpson arrives with an established deficit of experience - just one season as a starter in college. Offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase reported on Simpson's progress from Day 1 of training camp:

"I appreciate the way that he works as much as anything. I think anytime you've got that mindset, you're going to continue to grow each time that you're out there. You're going to grow from the good reps. You're going to grow through the bad reps."

And so begins Simpson's NFL career.

Any pressure on Ty Simpson comes from pure imagination

Rams coverage tends to dramatize Simpson's circumstances and the stakes of his performance at training camp, but seasoned fans know what's what. Simpson will be urged to push himself to the limit. As he crosses from the realm of can to can't, he will make mistakes. That's okay.

Sometimes he will sail the football. Sometimes he will try to thread the needle, only to toss the football right into a defender's chest. Sometimes he will make a divot at the feet of his intended receiver. It's all part of the learning process.

Repetition causes comfort. Comfort leads to proficiency. Since Simpson is just starting his journey, he may appear to be struggling. That's not the case. He is simply being challenged by his coaches to go beyond his comfort zone. It's that discomfort and painful learning process that ensures he stays on a fast track to development.

He will compete in preseason games. He will learn from coaches and veteran teammates. 2026 is all about getting him ready to compete in 2027.

That may not be how many first-round quarterbacks are handled in their rookie seasons. The Rams don't care. This team has a plan and is confident in its approach. Simpson may not be anything analysts projected, but he is everything the Rams expected: a raw rookie with plenty of promise and a lot to learn.

As always, thanks for reading.

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