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

The Rams didn’t just select Ty Simpson in the draft—they engineered a calculated pivot toward a quarterback profile most teams overlooked. According to veteran NFL insider Albert Breer, Los Angeles’ decision wasn’t reactive desperation but the culmination of a methodical, intelligence-driven scouting cycle. While mainstream narratives focused on bigger names and flashier combine performances, Breer reveals how the Rams unearthed Simpson through a blend of scheme fit assessment, development timeline realism, and nuanced quarterback evaluation.

Breer’s reporting consistently highlights a quiet but rising trend: teams are shifting from “best player available” to “best player for our ecosystem.” For the Rams, that ecosystem demands mobility, processing speed, and resilience—traits Simpson displayed in limited but telling snaps at Alabama. This isn’t a tale of draft-day luck. It’s a case study in disciplined roster-building, and Breer’s takeaways offer a roadmap for how modern franchises identify and target developmental quarterbacks with precision.

Why the Rams Targeted a Developmental Quarterback

The Rams’ situation in 2024 wasn’t about immediate need—it was about investment in adaptability. With Matthew Stafford under contract but entering his mid-30s, and Stetson Bennett III showing flashes but limited upside, the front office needed a third-tier quarterback with long-term viability. Most teams would’ve reached for a mid-round “project,” but the Rams took a different path.

As Breer noted, LA prioritized ceiling over floor. Where others saw inconsistency in Simpson’s college stats, the Rams saw a prototype: a 6'2", 218-pound athlete with a 4.58-second 40-yard dash, 39-inch vertical, and strong arm velocity. More importantly, Simpson’s decision-making in RPO-heavy situations at Alabama mirrored the play-action and boot-action concepts used by Sean McVay. Breer emphasized that LA’s staff didn’t just watch film—they mapped Simpson’s reads against their own offensive tree.

Common Mistake: Teams often overvalue statistical production in college quarterbacks. Simpson threw just 370 passes at Alabama, largely behind Jalen Milroe. But Breer points out that the Rams focused on leverage points—how Simpson performed under pressure, his ability to extend plays, and his comfort in the pistol formation. These were non-negotiables for McVay’s system.

Albert Breer’s Draft Framework: Beyond the Combine

Breer has long criticized the overreliance on combine metrics as a standalone evaluation tool. In his draft breakdowns, he advocates for what he calls the “environmental lens”—assessing how a player performed within their system, not just against raw output. For Simpson, this meant digging into Alabama’s offensive design under Nick Saban and how it limited starter reps.

The Rams’ scouts, per Breer’s sources, conducted a “scheme isolation review”: - Removed all drives where Simpson entered with a lead of 21+ points - Analyzed only plays where he faced pressure on over 30% of dropbacks - Mapped his progression reads against pre-snap coverage disguises

What they found was compelling: in high-leverage, trailing scenarios, Simpson’s completion percentage jumped to 64.3%, with a 7:1 TD-to-INT ratio in those limited samples. His lone college start—a 34-3 win over Chattanooga—was dismissed by most as meaningless. But Breer highlights that LA’s analytics team saw it differently: Simpson went 15-of-19, operated efficiently from under center, and showed poise on third downs.

Workflow Tip: Breer advises teams to use “small-sample stress testing.” Instead of demanding volume, ask: When was this player truly challenged, and how did he respond? Simpson’s performance in mop-up duty against LSU—7-of-9 for 84 yards and a TD, including a 34-yard scramble on a broken play—became a key data point.

The Role of Medical and Character Evaluations

While physical tools and film matter, Breer repeatedly stresses that the real differentiator in late-round picks comes down to medical and character due diligence. The Rams didn’t just like Simpson’s arm—they trusted his durability and makeup.

Simpson dealt with shoulder soreness during his sophomore year, raising red flags for some teams. But the Rams, leveraging their medical staff’s deep NFL experience, conducted a detailed biomechanical assessment. They reviewed not just MRI results but throwing mechanics under fatigue, comparing his release patterns in the fourth quarter to first-half data. The conclusion: no structural risk, and his mechanics reduced joint strain.

On the character side, Simpson’s leadership at Alabama—even as a backup—stood out. Breer cited conversations with position coaches who described Simpson as “the first guy in, last guy out” with an obsessive approach to situational drills. Unlike some prospects who disengage when not starting, Simpson ran every scout-team rep at game speed. The Rams’ interview process included a 90-minute session with McVay, where Simpson correctly diagrammed three Rams play-action concepts from memory.

Limitation to Consider: Developmental QBs like Simpson carry inherent risk—especially with limited live reps. Breer warns that teams must have a defined development plan. For the Rams, that means integrating Simpson into the No. 3 role with a structured redshirt approach, focusing on situational reps in practice and OTA work against the starting defense.

How the Rams Crafted the Draft Pick

The Rams originally held the 187th pick in the sixth round. Ty Simpson was widely projected to go between 150–170. So how did they land him at 187?

Breer’s reporting uncovered a strategic maneuver: LA anticipated a market drop for “system quarterbacks” from power programs. Knowing that teams would question Simpson’s lack of volume and Alabama’s pro-style constraints, the Rams let the market cool. They also held private workouts with five QBs but only leaked interest in two—creating false scarcity.

When draft day arrived, teams like the Vikings and Texans—both in QB need—passed on Simpson, fearing he was too raw. The Rams, confident in their evaluation, didn’t flinch. They also had a trade-back option with the Ravens, but opted to stay and secure Simpson rather than accumulate later picks.

Practical Example: This mirrors the 49ers’ selection of Brock Purdy—another low-volume, high-upside QB from a top program. Breer notes that LA studied that case closely: Purdy’s success wasn’t luck, but the result of a system fit and aggressive developmental coaching. The Rams believe Simpson can follow a similar arc, especially with offensive coordinator Thomas Brown emphasizing mobile QB concepts.

The Long-Term Roster Strategy Behind the Move

Selecting Simpson wasn’t just about the quarterback room—it was about roster flexibility. By drafting a developmental QB in the sixth round, the Rams preserved cap space and avoided the multi-year financial commitment of a higher pick.

1. Breer highlights three strategic wins:
2. Cost Control: Simpson’s rookie deal is fully non-guaranteed, allowing LA to cut him post-rookie camp with no cap hit.
3. Practice Squad Eligibility: As a late-round pick, Simpson can be stashed on the practice squad next to Stafford for mentorship.
4. Trade Leverage: If Simpson shows promise in preseason, LA could trade him in 2025 for a mid-round pick—something Breer calls “asymmetric upside.”

This approach reflects a broader NFL shift: drafting for optionality rather than immediate impact. The Rams aren’t betting Simpson will start in 2025. They’re betting he’ll be a tradeable asset, a camp competitor, or a future bridge if Stafford retires.

What Other Teams Missed—And Why

Breer’s most incisive takeaway: most teams evaluated Simpson through a production lens, while the Rams used a projection lens. Where others saw 2,059 career yards and 16 TDs, LA saw a player whose best football was ahead of him.

Some teams were turned off by Simpson’s mechanics—specifically his high release point and occasional hesitation in the pocket. But Breer points out that McVay’s system often uses quick-rhythm throws and designed rollouts, minimizing the need for extended dropbacks. Simpson’s strength in motion—whether on jet sweeps or sprint-outs—aligns perfectly.

Additionally, Simpson’s intangibles resonated with Rams leadership. He transferred from Oregon to Alabama not for spotlight, but for development under one of the nation’s toughest programs. That decision, Breer argues, signals football maturity—a trait LA values highly.

Realistic Use Case: Imagine the 2025 preseason. Stafford is healthy, Bennett is the backup, and Simpson leads two scoring drives in the third quarter against the Chargers. Suddenly, he’s not a project—he’s a storyline. The Rams now have leverage. They can keep him, trade him, or even challenge Bennett for the No. 2 role. That flexibility is the real win.

Closing: How to Think Like the Rams This Draft Season

The Rams’ selection of Ty Simpson isn’t a splash. It’s a signal. They’re playing a longer game—one built on data, patience, and precise evaluation. Albert Breer’s takeaways underscore a critical truth: in modern NFL drafting, the best picks aren’t always the most obvious.

If you’re building or analyzing a team, focus on fit over fame. Scrutinize small-sample performance under stress. Trust process over volume. And never underestimate the value of a quarterback who wants to learn, even when no one is watching.

For the Rams, Ty Simpson might never start a game. But thanks to a disciplined, Breer-approved approach, they’ve added optionality, intelligence, and long-term value—without sacrificing a single asset. That’s not just smart drafting. It’s elite roster strategy.

Action Step: Re-watch Simpson’s 2023 LSU and Chattanooga performances. Map his reads against Rams offensive concepts. See what the Rams saw—not a finished product, but a pattern of potential.