Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
Getty
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Los Angeles Rams are keeping their long-term roster health in mind, including with a potential replacement for Matthew Stafford, amid some speculation that Ty Simpson could be a target in the 2026 draft.
Simpson is a polarizing prospect, given his limited experience amid a largely underwhelming class at the position.
McVay’s comments could offer a glimpse into just how high (or low) the Rams are on Simpson.
Rams’ Sean McVay Draws Attention With Ty Simpson Comments
Ty Simpson, Alabama
GettyTy Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before facing the Auburn Tigers.
McVay openly spoke about Stafford potentially playing in 2027, and his interest in possibly adding Kirk Cousins should Jimmy Garoppolo not return. It is no surprise, then, that McVay was candid about how much work the Rams have done on Simpson.
McVay said, “We watch all our guys. I like him, too,” before he was pressed for specific traits.
The coach admitted, “I probably haven’t done as much work on him” as interviewer Kay Adams, which piqued interest online, but he expressed confidence in general manager Les Snead.
“But I like the way he handles himself. I like the way that you can evaluate a lot of the different things that he’s able to do that, maybe, translate. Familiar with what Ryan Grubb did, just from him running that offense in Seattle the year before. I think [Fernando] Mendoza was a fun watch, too,” McVay told Adams on “Up & Adams” on March 30.
“There’s a lot of other guys that I like at that 13th pick. And whether it’s quarterbacks, whether it’s guys on offense or defense, Les and his group–and I have been able to spend a bunch of time with them and the coaches–we’re excited.”
McVay said, “We’re going to get a good player at 13, I know that much.”
In addition to QBs such as Simpson, the Rams have been linked to wide receivers like USC’s Makai Lemon with the 13th overall pick. He would also address a need.
Rams Could Make LSU Passer 2nd QB Off Board
Garrett Nussmeier
GettyGarrett Nussmeier #13 of the LSU Tigers reacts after throwing a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins.
The Simpson speculation is largely because the Rams only have one other quarterback under contract besides Stafford, and that is 2023 fourth-round draft pick Stetson Bennett IV.
“L.A. has the benefit of allowing a quarterback to sit behind Stafford for at least a year, and Simpson seems like a quarterback who could use some seasoning, so he could be a fit,” Dubin wrote in February.
That was before the Rams traded one of their two first-round draft picks, though.
After that, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier emerged as a potential target, thanks largely to the Rams’ actions.
“I got the Jets coming the next couple days here, I got the Rams coming into town. I’m headed out to Indianapolis,” Nussmeier told Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero during the program on March 25. “Headed to [Jon] Gruden this weekend, which I’m excited for. That’s going to be a lot of fun. So, excited to get to cut it up with him a little bit.”
Nussmeier figures to be available later in the draft, leaving the Rams’ options with the 13th overall pick. The Rams could give Stafford another weapon, find his eventual replacement, or target another position entirely and still feel confident in their decision.