​When Les Snead selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, it surprised a number of observers, including some who closely watch head coach Sean McVay’s movements and decisions. Simpson’s arrival in Los Angeles put him on the same roster as veterans and teammates who will shape his early career, especially as he competes with Stetson Bennett IV for the backup role behind the seasoned Matthew Stafford. The transition to the NFL has been a demanding one for the rookie, who is already adjusting to life in the pros and absorbing the pace and pressure of professional football, a process he described to ESPN as “drinking from a fire hydrant.”
“At this stage, it’s like drinking from a fire hydrant,” Simpson explained during OTAs. “You’re expected to do a lot. The quarterback runs the show here, just how I like it. But it’s about staying disciplined and being detail-oriented.” His remarks highlight that the quarterback position in Los Angeles involves more than just throwing passes; it requires a comprehensive understanding of the game, including the mental and procedural aspects that occur before the snap. This is part of the reason why McVay has offered a unique, hands-on approach to helping Simpson acclimate to NFL life and the Rams’ offense.
McVay has emphasized the critical nature of the pre-snap routine and the communication it requires. “What does it look like to be able to communicate, especially as a quarterback?” the coach asked. “How am I saying the plays? … You have to see plays when you’re saying them, otherwise you can’t call plays in this offense. … Practicing in the mirror, what does your voice inflection look like? How are you emphasizing certain things? How are you really able to go through the mechanics of everything that happens before the snap? And then what’s my footwork? What’s my timing and rhythm?” These questions underscore the meticulous preparation that the Rams expect from their quarterback and the attention to detail that can separate a good player from a great one at the NFL level.
Simpson has found a valuable ally in Stafford, a quarterback with a storied resumé and a reputation for leadership and precision. The rookie is quick to acknowledge Stafford’s impact on his own development. “I mean, he’s the MVP for a reason,” Simpson said of Stafford, who was the league’s Most Valuable Player not long before Simpson joined the team. “Everything he does, he’s so just aware of everything. Aware of how everything works [and is] so detailed. Being in the room with him is just such a blessing.” Simpson’s gratitude is shared by his teammates and coaches, who see in Stafford a veteran mentor who can help accelerate Simpson’s learning curve.
Simpson also praised Stetson Bennett IV for stepping in and helping him adapt. “I really appreciate him and Stetson taking me in and answering all the questions I have. I know I’m probably annoying them, but it’s been really helpful. I can’t thank them enough,” he said. “Stafford has taken us all in. And I really appreciate it because he didn’t have to do that. And anything that I can ask him and I can just take in, I’m willing to. So like I said, I hope I’m not annoying him, but I really appreciate the big brother kind of role that he’s playing in my development.”
The dynamic in the Rams’ quarterback room is shaping up as a crucial factor in Simpson’s early NFL experience. The mentorship from Stafford and the collaborative reinforcement from Bennett provide a supportive framework for a rookie navigating the complexity of professional football. For Simpson, this guidance translates into practical benefits, from refining his cadence and voice inflection to aligning his footwork and timing with the Rams’ offense. As he continues to acclimate to the NFL’s tempo and demands, Simpson is embracing the challenges as opportunities to grow, develop consistency, and prove that he can contribute meaningfully behind Stafford and ahead of Bennett if called upon.
Looking ahead, the Rams envision a measured path for Simpson—one that balances realistic expectations with aggressive learning. The aim is for him to gain comfort in the mental demands of the quarterback role, internalize the Rams’ playbook, and build the trust needed to execute in high-pressure moments. If he maintains his openness to instruction, leverages the guidance of Stafford and Bennett, and commits to the discipline and attention to detail that McVay champions, Simpson could emerge as a reliable depth option or even a potential long-term asset for the Rams’ quarterback strategy.
In the broader context of the 2026 NFL Draft class, Simpson’s development will be watched with interest by fans and analysts alike. His selection by the Rams signaled a belief in his potential to adapt to the professional level and to contribute to a system that values smart decision-making, precise execution, and resilient leadership under center. As the season progresses, Simpson’s growth—from an exciting newcomer to a trusted, well-prepared NFL quarterback—will likely unfold through a combination of on-field reps, mental reps, and the ongoing mentorship that has already become a central theme of his early Rams tenure.