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

The Los Angeles Rams didn’t just draft a quarterback—they executed a calculated, intelligence-driven maneuver to secure Ty Simpson late in the draft. And according to Albert Breer’s NFL draft takeaways, the Rams didn’t stumble into this pick. They outworked, out-scouted, and out-thought the competition. This wasn’t a selection based on hype or late-round desperation. It was a deliberate play shaped by film study, medical nuance, and long-term quarterback planning.

Breer, one of the most connected voices in NFL reporting, peeled back the curtain on how the Rams evaluated Simpson’s unique profile—balancing injury concerns, developmental timeline, and upside. For fans trying to understand the logic behind a lesser-known name on a roster already featuring a franchise quarterback, Breer’s analysis offers clarity. This wasn’t a gamble. It was a precision move in a league where the margin between a hidden gem and a bust is razor-thin.

Why Ty Simpson Was Overlooked by

Most

At first glance, Simpson’s college career doesn’t scream “NFL prospect.” At Alabama, he played sparingly behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe—two quarterbacks with far more starting experience and national exposure. But Breer emphasizes that the Rams didn’t fall for the trap of relying on stats or snap count. Instead, they leaned into situational film—third-down packages, two-minute drills, and red-zone looks.

What they saw was a quarterback with rare physical tools: elite arm strength, a quick release, and legitimate running ability. But more importantly, they found evidence of feel and timing in tight windows—traits that don’t always show up in box scores.

The real reason most teams passed? Injury history. Simpson dealt with shoulder issues in high school and had a soft tissue setback in 2023. But the Rams, per Breer, dug deeper. They consulted with specialists, reviewed imaging, and spoke with trainers at Alabama. Their conclusion: the risk was overstated, provided the player was managed properly in Year 1.

That kind of due diligence separates reactive drafting from strategic player acquisition.

Albert Breer’s Take: The Rams’ Process Was Flawless

Breer highlighted that the Rams didn’t just like Simpson—they knew him. Unlike teams that rely on combine metrics and pro day throws, L.A.’s staff built a dossier. That included:

• Private throwing sessions in Tuscaloosa
• Interviews with position coaches and strength staff
• Psychological profiling through third-party assessments

“What stood out,” Breer noted, “was how the Rams quantified his leadership. They looked at how he conducted himself in meetings, how younger players responded to him, and how he handled being benched for two years.” That kind of intangible evaluation is rare in late-round picks but critical for developmental quarterbacks.

The Rams also ran a scenario simulation: What if we don’t get a shot at a developmental QB in this draft? The answer alarmed them. With limited cap space and no immediate need to replace Stafford, they couldn’t afford to swing for a Day 2 pick. So they targeted a high-upside, high-risk prospect—and found one who slipped due to misinformation.

Why the Rams Are Set Up to Develop Him Right

Having a clear development path matters. And Breer pointed out that the Rams’ quarterback room is one of the most conducive in the league for nurturing young talent.

Matthew Stafford remains the starter, but behind him, there’s no entrenched backup. Stetson Bennett, while gritty, hasn’t proven NFL-level viability. That opens the door for Simpson to compete during training camp—without the pressure to start immediately.

More importantly, the coaching staff—led by offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and QBs coach Chris Weinke—is known for technical precision and patience. They’ve worked with mobile quarterbacks before (think: Trey Lance before his 49ers stint). Their system values pre-snap reads, rhythm, and efficient decision-making—areas where Simpson shows raw but promising instincts.

Breer also cited the Rams’ investment in sports science. They’ve built a recovery-focused facility with cryotherapy, biomechanical analysis, and personalized throwing programs. For a player coming off injury concerns, that infrastructure isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative.

The Late-Round Gamble That Isn’t Really a Gamble

Many will call this a “flier” or a “lottery ticket.” Breer disagrees. He frames it as a low-cost, high-upside investment with built-in safeguards.

Consider the draft capital: seventh round. That’s about $1 million over three years—less than some practice squad deals in free agency. For that price, the Rams get:

• A player with legitimate starting potential
• Multiple years to develop him without roster pressure
• Trade leverage if he progresses faster than expected

Breer compared it to what the Eagles did with Jalen Hurts—drafted late, developed patiently, then scaled into a Super Bowl QB. “The difference,” he said, “is the Rams aren’t forcing it. They’re letting the process unfold.”

And that patience is backed by precedent. The Rams have drafted and developed key contributors late before—think Tyler Higbee in Round 4, Ernest Jones in Round 3. They don’t always hit, but their hit rate on developmental players is above league average.

How Simpson Fits Into the Rams’ Long-Term Vision

Stafford’s contract runs through 2026, but he’ll be 38 by then. The Rams know they need a succession plan—just not an urgent one. Breer observed that the front office has been quietly scouting young quarterbacks for two years, attending college pro days, and building relationships with agents.

Their goal? To identify a player who can learn for two seasons, then step in as early as 2027.

Simpson fits that window perfectly. At 22, he’s young for a rookie QB. With three years of practice reps behind Stafford, he could emerge as a ready-made option—especially if the Rams’ offensive system remains stable.

There’s also a cultural angle. Breer noted that the Rams prioritize players who embrace the “L.A. grind”—long practices, media obligations, high expectations. Simpson, who transferred from Oregon to Alabama specifically to compete at the highest level, checked that box early.

The Hidden Edge: Medical Reevaluation and Recovery Protocols

One of the most underrated aspects Breer highlighted was the Rams’ medical reevaluation process. While other teams saw Simpson’s shoulder as a red flag, the Rams’ medical team conducted a second opinion with a specialist in orthopedic biomechanics.

Their assessment? The injury wasn’t structural—it was muscular and compensatory. Simpson had overdeveloped his anterior shoulder from high-velocity throws in high school, leading to imbalance. The fix? A corrective strength program, pitch-count limits in Year 1, and improved throwing mechanics.

This kind of detail-oriented care is something only a handful of teams prioritize. The Rams, having seen the cost of rushing back injured stars (see: Stafford in 2021), are now hyper-cautious with durability.

By slowing Simpson’s ramp-up, they increase his long-term viability. And that patience could pay off in ways a quick plug-and-play backup never could.

What Other Teams Can Learn From

This Move

Breer used the Rams’ Simpson pick as a case study in modern drafting: less reliance on consensus rankings, more on internal evaluation.

Key takeaways for other franchises:

• Don’t draft based on opportunity cost. Just because a player didn’t start doesn’t mean he can’t play.
• Medicals aren’t binary. A “concern” isn’t a “no”—it’s a question that requires deeper investigation.
• Developmental plans matter. Drafting a young QB only works if your system supports growth.
• Culture fit is quantifiable. Leadership, work ethic, and adaptability can and should be measured.
• Late-round picks aren’t throwaways. With the right environment, they can become foundational.

The Rams didn’t just pick a quarterback. They validated a process—one that values information asymmetry over popularity.

Final Word: A Draft Move That Could Pay Off for Years

Albert Breer’s takeaways on the Rams landing Ty Simpson aren’t about fireworks or instant impact. They’re about discipline, process, and long-term thinking.

In a league where teams often reach for immediate help, the Rams did the opposite. They invested in potential—backed by research, context, and structure. Simpson may never start a game for them. But if he does, it won’t be by accident.

For fans, this pick should inspire confidence. It shows the Rams are thinking beyond next season. They’re building a sustainable model—one where even a seventh-round pick can become part of the future.

The real win? Not just landing Simpson. It’s proving that with the right approach, a smart team can still find value where others see risk.

Actionable Insight: If you’re evaluating late-round QBs, don’t just watch highlights. Study situational performance, medical history in depth, and team development capacity. The next Ty Simpson could be waiting in a backup role at a powerhouse program—overlooked, underrated, and primed for a breakout.