Was Ty Simpson the right selection at the right time for the Los Angeles Rams? According to one of the team’s legendary former playmakers, the Alabama product is in a perfect situation with the Super Bowl contender.
As one of the cornerstones to the “Greatest Show on Turf” offense that helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl XXXIV victory, Seven-time All-Pro wide receiver Torry Holt weighed in on the team’s decision to select Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. In part, it wasn’t the selection of a QB that high in the draft with 2025 NFL MVP Matthew Stafford returning, it was how high they took him.
Appearing on “Up and Adams” on June 17, Holt says he had no problem with Rams general manger Les Snead using the pick to look forward to the future, especially since Simpson fits the mold of what Sean McVay likes to do offensively. As a developmental QB learning behind Stafford, it was a very smart move for the organization.
“…I look at this draft pick of Ty Simpson as a good pick. They are setting themselves up for the future,” Holt said during the appearance, “When you look at Ty Simpson, compact, waggle plays, bootlegs, under the center, play action, three-step drop, five-step drop, seven-step drop and a hitch, ball’s down the field. This dude can do a gamut of things with the football in his hands. It’s an offense that I think fits his style. And when you look at Les (Snead) and Sean McVay and how they evaluate players, they’re bringing in players that fit what they do as a system. I think Ty Simpson does that.”
Rams legend Torry Holt on why drafting Ty Simpson was the right choice 📈
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) June 17, 2026
"The way [Ty Simpson] goes about his work, from what I've been told, is exactly how Matthew Stafford goes about his work."@ty_simpson06 | @RamsNFL | @AllHands81 | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/1sNSiGpGrQ
Why the Rams are the ideal landing spot for Ty Simpson
In giving up their 2027 first-round pick in the blockbuster trade to acquire Myles Garrett, the Rams look even smarter taking Simpson when they took him. They not only have a team that are favorites to win now, but they have a young QB who does need time to mature. Despite the talent Holt highlighted above, Simpson only has one full season under his belt as a starter, so he needs time and maturation to materialize into Stafford’s successor.
The traits that made Simpson a first-round pick are also the traits that fit McVay's offense. The former Alabama quarterback thrives as a rhythm passer, processes defenses quickly and has enough mobility to extend plays outside structure. His elite pre- and post-snap reads of defenses and where to go with the ball will get even better playing under McVay and working with Stafford. What will also get better is poise when dealing with pressure, which is when he struggled at Alabama.
The McVay effect is the biggest reason why the Rams are the perfect situation for a young, talented quarterback like Simpson. Again, with Stafford in place presumably for the 2026 NFL season, Simpson will have a year to sit back and take it all in. He will have an opportunity to learn with no pressure and be a part of a team that might just hoist the Lombardi Trophy next February.
In all, if Simpson develops the way the Rams envision, Los Angeles may have pulled off the rarest feat in the NFL. Not only would the Rams contend for a Super Bowl today, but they could also have their next franchise quarterback already waiting in the wings.
