The Los Angeles Rams know there is only so much that can be learned during offseason workouts, but one rookie quarterback has already made a lasting impression. While much of the attention remains on veteran Matthew Stafford, rookie quarterback Ty Simpson is making a positive impression on the coaching staff through his work ethic and willingness to learn. Although head coach Sean McVay urged patience when evaluating players this time of year, offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase offered an encouraging assessment of the rookie quarterback that should have Rams fans paying attention.
“First things first, you want to see, do they come in? Are they coachable? Are they willing to work?” Scheelhaase said. “And you’ve seen that from Ty from Day 1. Appreciate the way that he goes about his business. He’s an early-morning, stay-long type of guy, which you’ve got to be at that position. He’s coming with the right mentality.”
Rookie Quarterback’s Work Ethic is Made Apparent
The fact that Scheelhaase centered his concerns on Simpson’s routines instead of his arm is no coincidence. Every rookie quarterback has physical gifts coming into the league. The guys who survive and thrive are the ones willing to listen to coaches and who will work harder than the guy in the next locker.
Will Simpson’s decision to work extra and arrive before the rest of the building ensure him a starting gig under center, particularly when veteran Stafford remains there?
Not necessarily. But it demonstrates that Simpson understands the qualities it takes to earn a team’s trust in the NFL building. Those rarely come up on highlight reels but often serve as an indication of how a rookie quarterback is progressing. The hope is that Simpson can use those traits and learn under Stafford, and when the time comes, hopefully be ready to lead the offense.
Simpson Appears to be Putting in the Work
Quarterback may be the most demanding position in sports, which makes trust one of the most valuable commodities inside an NFL building. Every rookie quarterback enters the NFL with physical tools, but talent alone rarely determines who earns playing time. Coaches need to know their rookie quarterback will embrace coaching, prepare with purpose, and earn the respect of veterans through daily habits rather than words. That level of confidence is built over months of meetings, film sessions, and practices, not during a single highlight throw.
That is why Scheelhaase’s comments are interesting. He never once addressed Simpson’s arm talent, mobility, or ability to command the offense. He instead talked about the traits coaches see behind closed doors. He discussed being the first in and last out, and having a great attitude every day. These are the types of traits it takes for a rookie quarterback to earn the trust within an organization. Simpson still has to prove much more before he will be ready to get valuable reps in an NFL game, but based on the Rams’ initial look at him, it appears he is doing the right things while starting out his NFL career.
Rookie Quarterback Simpson is Exactly Who the Rams Need Behind Stafford
There is no immediate pressure for Simpson to become the Rams’ starter. That may actually be the best situation for a rookie quarterback. Instead of being rushed onto the field, he has the opportunity to spend every day learning from one of the NFL’s most accomplished veterans. The Rams appear content allowing Simpson to develop at a steady pace rather than forcing him into action before he is ready.
