Head coach Sean McVay’s reaction to the Ty Simpson pick drew scrutiny.
McVay, typically known for his emotion, showed little reaction when the Los Angeles Rams used their first-round pick on Ty Simpson – quarterback from the University of Alabama. The media interpreted his reaction as a sign that he preferred drafting a player they could use now instead of drafting Matthew Stafford’s successor.
LA Rams Draft Approach Under GM Les Snead
Most draft picks are selected with the support of both the head coach and the general manager. General manager Les Snead appeared to be at the forefront of the decision. The choice between the present and the future is unavoidable, but it didn’t seem necessary this year. Stafford’s potential retirement after the season forced the Rams to consider his successor.
Snead explained how the Rams chose to approach the draft this year.
“Our macro philosophy is, if we can use free agency to not be desperate in the draft, we more than likely will be better drafters,” Snead said, “because we’re not reaching, we’re not desperate. We’re not going in there with a major void major hole that has to be filled.”
Sean McVay Sets the Record Straight
McVay set the record straight, clarifying his reaction to the Simpson pick on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.
“I definitely would do it differently in terms of the misunderstanding and where it becomes a bigger story,” McVay said. “Yes, I was a little surprised when I looked back on it but you say let’s learn from it, let’s handle the way you want to not create an unnecessary distraction.”
Even though McVay’s reaction told one story, he understood the pick and was on board with the decision. He explained the Simpson pick and the thought process behind it.
“It was a private meeting which is standard operating procedure,” McVay said. “I think there was something communicated from Les’ [Snead] end to him as he was navigating the draft process to keep everything close to the vest. It was good for us to spend some time together.”
McVay said the Rams selected Simpson because they don’t view themselves as one player away from winning the Super Bowl.
“I understand the narrative from people, you were one player away. Well, here’s what I would tell you,” McVay said. “If you could’ve guaranteed me that we’re taking a great player like [Makai] Lemon or another skill player would have ensured us, you’re damn right that’s what we would’ve done. But that’s not how it works. Every single year is a new year.”
While the Rams are Super Bowl favorites, McVay knows they must work just as hard to get back to where they were last season.
“So, let’s not kid ourselves that you just place yourself back into the NFC Championship. You earn everything,” McVay said. “Let’s not get it twisted. We’re trying to win right now and we’ve got decisions for the short and long term.”
Once again, McVay made it clear that the quarterback position still belongs to Stafford, but Simpson will have a chance to be the successor when the time is right.
