Simpson arrived in L.A. amid cautious optimism, praising McVay and Stafford while noting the path ahead will be a learning process. He also highlighted his gratitude toward his father, Jason Simpson, and his collegiate coach at UT Martin, framing his rookie year as a focused opportunity to develop.
The move effectively ends any immediate plans for Stetson Bennett IV to emerge as Stafford’s successor, and it places Simpson in a room that could shape the Rams’ quarterback timeline for years. Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who has served as the Rams’ QB2, is reportedly considering retirement, widening the transitional relevance of Simpson’s arrival.
In discussing his pre-draft interactions, Simpson indicated he had limited contact with the Rams during the process, and he stressed that waiting behind Stafford would mirror his college experience—learning and soaking up information from McVay and the rest of the staff.
Pre-draft scouting painted a nuanced picture: analysts viewed Simpson as a candidate who would need time to refine reads and decision-making. He was projected as a potential low-to-mid-level NFL starter with a higher ceiling than a pure backup, with some speculation that he could have been a trade-up target for a team in the 32nd slot if circumstances had favored it.
The Rams’ decision to stay put at No. 13 suggests they value Simpson’s long-term upside and view him as a future cornerstone behind a veteran quarterback, in a quarterback room that currently includes Stafford and Garoppolo as it transitions toward the next era.
