05/30/2026
The Los Angeles Rams already carry Super Bowl expectations after a painful NFC title loss to a division rival last season. Drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft only raised the stakes. Now, just weeks into organized team activities, the 23-year-old is showing exactly why the front office bet on him.
Safety Quentin Lake, a steady veteran on the Rams defense, watched Simpson closely during those early sessions. His verdict landed with quiet confidence on Underdog’s “The Arena: Gridiron” podcast.
“He could read the offense. Even coming in early, he’s been able to make all the throws that he needs to. Very calculated. I think one of the reasons why they liked him so much is he can anticipate things too, which I like. I haven’t gone against him personally, but watching him from afar, he’s getting there. It’s starting to click, and I think it’s because who he has around him.”
— Quentin Lake, Rams defensive back, May 29, 2026
Lake’s words carry weight. He has seen plenty of young quarterbacks come and go. What stands out is not flash, but the details: pre-snap recognition, precise ball placement, and that rare ability to process one step ahead of the defense. Those traits play directly into Sean McVay’s offense, where timing and anticipation separate good from great.
Why This Early Feedback Matters for the Rams’ Future
Simpson does not carry the weight of starting in 2026. Matthew Stafford, the 38-year-old MVP from last season and entering his 18th year, remains the clear leader. The plan is simple: let the rookie absorb everything. Listen. Learn. Grind.
That approach already shows results. Simpson completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns in his final season at Alabama. He earned Second-Team All-SEC honors and threw just five interceptions across 473 attempts. The numbers tell part of the story. The film shows the rest — a quarterback who stays calm in the pocket and attacks windows before they close.
