Every head was turned in shock as Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was selected 13th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. What was even more surprising was the fact that the Los Angeles Rams took him.
All signs point to a potential Hollywood ending for quarterback Matthew Stafford around the corner. Los Angeles is not going to be waiting around for something to happen. They are set to groom their next quarterback.
The dynamic between Simpson and Sean McVay is going to be one of the most interesting storylines this year. Even though McVay’s initial post-draft reaction seemed a bit silent, the education Simpson will get is top-level.
But with Simpson now in Los Angeles, how will Simpson be able to excel in McVay’s advanced scheme?
What Can Ty Simpson Learn in McVay’s System?
The Ryan Grubb Connection
One reason the Rams felt comfortable taking Ty Simpson at the 13th spot was Alabama itself. Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb runs a system, with significant similarities to McVay’s scheme. It was easy for McVay to evaluate Simpson because he was already doing “NFL things”.
These include reading with his feet, operating under center, and play action movement. Ty Simpson is not going to be starting from scratch. He will just be moving to an advanced system at a professional level.
Essentially, McVay is like an elite ‘GPS’ for a quarterback. He makes the drive easier by giving the driver the exact coordinates to reach the final destination. Although it will take a ton of time, Simpson is going to have to learn quickly.
How Ty Simpson Can Cheat the Defense
McVay is a master manipulator of offenses. He teaches quarterbacks how to make two completely different plays. A run to the left and a deep pass to the right. But it is a bit more complicated than this. He is going to want Ty Simpson to make these plays look the same for the first two seconds.
This will force the defense to freeze and give Simpson an extra second to decide with the football.
Trusting the Spot, Not the Receiver
In the college game, quarterbacks often wait until they see a receiver get open before throwing. In McVay’s offensive scheme, Simpson will have to throw the ball to a blank spot on the field before the receiver even gets there. He has to learn to trust that McVay’s ‘map’ will put the receiver in the exact spot.
Professionalism of McVay
McVay is famous for his incredible memory and work ethic. He will teach Ty Simpson how to look at the safeties and linebackers before the snap. Instead of guessing, Simpson will learn to read the answers before the ball is hiked. Simpson will also learn how much film to watch, how to lead a huddle, and how to stay calm under pressure.
In simple terms, McVay makes playing the quarterback tough, but effective. He provides a system, where, if Simpson follows the steps, a receiver will always be open. Ty Simpson has to learn to point, shoot, and stay on script.
