Ty Simpson's Comments About Matthew Stafford Resurface After Rams' Decision
The Los Angeles Rams may have just set up the perfect quarterback transition, and Ty Simpson probably could not be happier about it. Just weeks before being selected by Los Angeles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Simpson openly spoke about how much he admired Matthew Stafford and why he considered him one of the best quarterbacks to study.
Now, instead of just watching Stafford from afar, Simpson gets the chance to learn directly from him inside the same locker room. For a rookie expected to eventually take over the franchise, there may not have been a better landing spot or mentor to begin that journey with.
In an interview with Chase Daniel before he got drafted, Simpson explained why he looks up to Stafford and what he hopes to learn from the Super Bowl winning quarterback.
He said, "I love Stafford I was watching him this morning. I love his under center stuff. I love his play action. He is a gun slinger but he manipulates defenses. He knows what coverage they are in. He knows what the route is… I want to make sure I play like that."
Passing of the Guard Planned for the Rams?
The Los Angeles Rams made a bold move by taking Ty Simpson in the first round, but this is not some dramatic quarterback takeover story. Matthew Stafford is still the leader of this team, and the Rams were careful to make that clear from the moment the pick was announced.
This was never about pushing Stafford out. It was about preparing for what comes next without forcing it too soon. Stafford is still playing elite football, and with the roster around him, Los Angeles believes it can keep competing right now. Drafting Simpson was more about making sure they are not left scrambling later when that window eventually closes.
The Rams also saw this as a rare opportunity. They do not often pick this high, and when a quarterback they truly liked was still available, they were not going to overthink it. Simpson checked a lot of boxes for them, especially with how he reads the game and handles pressure. Those traits matter just as much as arm strength in a Sean McVay offense.
For Simpson, this might be the ideal landing spot. There is no panic, no immediate demand to save a franchise, and no need to rush onto the field. He gets time to develop, learn from Stafford, and absorb everything from McVay.
Sometimes the best rookie situation is the one where you do not have to play right away, and for Simpson, that may be exactly what makes this perfect.
Related: Dan Orlovsky Makes Stance Clear on Rams' Decision to Draft Ty Simpson
Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 2:09 PM.