Albert Breer’s NFL Draft Takeaways: How the Rams Landed on Ty Simpson

The moment Ty Simpson’s name surfaced in connection with the Los Angeles Rams, questions followed. A quarterback from Alabama with limited starting experience—why would the Rams, a team with playoff aspirations, show interest? Veteran NFL insider Albert Breer didn’t just report the linkage—he explained it. His draft takeaways revealed not a speculative rumor, but a calculated, intelligence-driven pursuit rooted in long-term quarterback development and roster architecture.

Breer’s analysis cut through the noise, exposing how front offices like the Rams’ operate in stealth during the pre-draft process. This wasn’t about reaching for a flashy name. It was about process—how a team with limited draft capital identifies upside, evaluates traits that translate, and aligns player profiles with coaching strengths. The Ty Simpson case study, as dissected by Breer, offers a rare window into modern NFL draft philosophy.

The Rams’ Quarterback Puzzle Post-Purcell

The Rams entered the draft cycle with a quiet but urgent need: quarterback depth with developmental potential. With Stetson Bennett as the immediate backup to Matthew Stafford, the Rams lacked a long-term heir apparent. Their 2023 draft miss on a developmental QB left a gap—one not easily filled in free agency.

Albert Breer pointed to this vacuum as the catalyst for deeper evaluation of under-the-radar prospects. While elite-tier QBs like Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye commanded first-round attention, Breer noted that teams like the Rams were simultaneously running “parallel tracks”—one public, one private—on lesser-known arms.

Ty Simpson, a three-year Alabama player with just one collegiate start, didn’t dominate stat lines. But Breer emphasized that Rams scouts weren’t chasing production. They were hunting traits: arm strength, athleticism, timing in play-action, and coachability. And in Simpson, they saw echoes of a profile they’d bet on before.

Why Ty Simpson? Breaking Down the Trait Fit

Breer’s takeaways zeroed in on the Rams’ documented preference for quarterbacks who thrive in motion-based, RPO-heavy systems—similar to what they ran under Sean McVay before Stafford’s arrival. While the current offense is more pro-style, the coaching staff hasn’t abandoned schematic flexibility.

Simpson’s background in Nick Saban’s pro-style system—yet operating frequently in tempo and motion-heavy packages—struck evaluators as translatable. Breer highlighted Simpson’s performance in limited 2023 reps: 15-of-22 for 194 yards, 2 TDs, and 0 INTs in spot duty. More telling, according to Breer, was his ability to process pre-snap disguises and execute hot routes under pressure.

“Simpson doesn’t light up the box score, but he avoids mistakes when thrust into action,” Breer noted in his draft notes. “That’s the kind of composure teams like L.A. value in developmental QBs—especially ones they don’t expect to start Day 1.”

The Rams also placed weight on intangibles. Breer cited Simpson’s leadership during Alabama’s spring practices, his willingness to embrace a backup role behind Jalen Milroe, and his film study habits—details gathered through coach interviews and third-party sources. In today’s NFL, where mental processing can accelerate development, such traits carry disproportionate weight.

The Alabama Pipeline and Staff Connections

Breer didn’t stop at player evaluation. He traced how organizational relationships shape draft strategy. The Rams have long tapped into the Alabama network—not just for talent, but for insight.

Sean McVay’s staff includes offensive assistant coaches with SEC ties. One, in particular, worked closely with Alabama’s quarterback development program during a prior collegiate stint. Breer suggested this connection enabled the Rams to obtain candid, non-public assessments of Simpson’s mechanics, footwork progress, and response to coaching.

“That kind of access changes the game,” Breer wrote. “Most teams see the game tape. Elite teams get the practice reports, the throw charts, the coach’s honest two-word summary: ‘High-upside, raw.’”

This behind-the-scenes intelligence allowed the Rams to grade Simpson higher than the consensus. While most draft analysts slotted him as a Day 3 or priority free agent, Breer revealed that L.A. had Simpson as a mid-round value—a discrepancy they hoped to exploit.

Draft-Day Flexibility and the Compensation Calculus

The Rams entered draft weekend with only five picks—down from seven after prior trades. This scarcity forced them to be surgical. Breer outlined their draft approach as “opportunistic accumulation,” prioritizing value over rigid position needs.

When Simpson wasn’t selected through the third round, Breer reported that the Rams activated their contingency plan: a structured free-agent pitch. But it wasn’t just about offering a better contract. It was about selling a development path.

Breer detailed how the Rams’ negotiation team highlighted:

• Direct QB room mentorship under Stafford and offensive coordinator Mike O’Laursen
• Access to private throwing coaches funded by the organization
• A track record of developing late-round or undrafted QBs into viable backups (e.g., Baker Mayfield in 2022)

This structured post-draft strategy, Breer emphasized, is where modern teams differentiate themselves. It’s not just about selection—it’s about integration. The Rams weren’t merely interested in Simpson; they were prepared to onboard him effectively.

How Breer’s Analysis Changes the Narrative Before Breer’s reporting, Simpson’s Rams connection was dismissed as speculative. Afterward, it was understood as a logical extension of their draft philosophy.

Breer reframed the narrative from “Why Simpson?” to “Why not Simpson?” By aligning the player’s traits, background, and development stage with the Rams’ known preferences, he transformed a fringe rumor into a credible football decision.

His reporting also exposed a broader trend: NFL teams no longer wait for draft stardom to identify potential. They’re scouting “future Year 2” players—athletes who may not be ready now but fit a system’s evolution. Simpson, with his blend of arm talent and mobility, fits a McVay offense that’s increasingly incorporating boot-action and QB movement.

Breer also cautioned against overvaluing starting experience. “We keep praising volume,” he wrote, “but sometimes the best development happens behind a star. Look at Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech—he backed up a record-setter. That doesn’t make him less ready.”

The Role of Medicals and Character Checks

Even with strong fits on tape and in scheme, Breer stressed that the Rams’ final hurdle was due diligence. Simpson had a minor knee injury in 2022—an arthroscopic cleanup that sidelined him for two games. While not serious, it triggered deeper medical review.

Per Breer, the Rams requested and obtained additional imaging and recovery logs from Alabama’s training staff. Their medical team cross-referenced the data with similar cases from past drafts, particularly among mobile QBs. The verdict: no long-term risk.

Character evaluation followed. The Rams’ intelligence team conducted background checks, spoke to former high school coaches, and reviewed social media. Breer noted that Simpson’s low-profile demeanor—rarely in the spotlight despite playing at Alabama—played in his favor.

“Teams love guys who can handle fame quietly,” Breer observed. “Especially backups. You don’t want drama behind Stafford.”

What This Means for the Rams’ 2025 Outlook

Breer’s takeaways weren’t just about one player—they signaled a shift in how the Rams are building for life after Stafford. While the current focus remains on winning now, the backend of the roster is being shaped with succession in mind.

Simpson represents a low-cost, high-upside bet. If he develops, he could be a trade asset or future starter. If not, the investment—likely a standard third-round-level contract for an undrafted rookie—is negligible.

Breer also suggested the Rams may not be done at QB. With the draft over, they could still pursue a veteran for camp competition, using Simpson as a long-term project. That dual-track approach—immediate depth, future option—reflects the nuanced strategy Breer has long associated with savvy front offices.

More importantly, the Simpson pursuit exemplifies patience. Rather than force a pick or overpay in free agency, the Rams waited, evaluated, and struck when conditions aligned. In an era of impulsive roster moves, that discipline stands out.

Final Word: Trust the Process, Not the Hype

The Rams didn’t land Ty Simpson with a headline-making draft pick. They earned him through preparation, intelligence, and alignment between scouting, coaching, and medical teams.

Albert Breer’s NFL draft takeaways didn’t just explain how the Rams found value in Simpson—they revealed how elite organizations operate when no one’s watching. It’s in the background calls, the practice film reviews, and the willingness to bet on development over résumé.

For fans and analysts alike, the lesson is clear: the draft isn’t over when the picks are made. It’s in the hours after, when smart teams quietly build their future.

How did Albert Breer find out about the Rams’ interest in Ty Simpson? Breer sources his insights from trusted contacts within NFL front offices, coaching staffs, and player representatives. His Rams-Simpson reporting likely came from a mix of scout interviews and agent discussions.

Was Ty Simpson invited to the NFL Draft Combine? Yes, Simpson participated in the 2024 NFL Combine, where he completed all quarterback drills. His 40-yard dash (4.62 seconds) and arm strength stood out, though his accuracy on deep throws drew mixed reviews.

Did the Rams draft Ty Simpson? As of the latest reporting, the Rams did not draft Simpson. However, Breer confirmed they pursued him aggressively as a priority undrafted free agent with a structured development plan.

How does Ty Simpson compare to other Rams QBs? Simpson is more mobile than Stetson Bennett and has stronger arm talent than Baker Mayfield did upon arrival. However, he lacks game experience and is seen as a longer-term project.

What system does Ty Simpson fit best in? Simpson thrives in play-action-heavy, motion-based offenses—the kind the Rams used in earlier McVay years. He’s less refined in pure drop-back situations but excels when given rhythm and space.

Can Ty Simpson become a starter in the NFL? It’s possible, but not guaranteed. Breer’s analysis suggests he’s a developmental prospect with starting upside if he improves footwork and decision-making under pressure.

Why do teams like the Rams target Alabama quarterbacks? Alabama develops pro-ready QBs with strong mechanics, film study habits, and experience in complex systems. The program’s coaching rigor and NFL-style preparation make it a reliable pipeline.