Overview
- Several SEC coaches, quoted Monday by ESPN, said they were surprised the Los Angeles Rams drafted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson 13th overall.
- Multiple defensive coordinators said he is not ready to start in the NFL right now and noted he was easier to prepare for than recent Alabama starters.
- One SEC coach praised the fit in Los Angeles, citing scheme comfort and similarities to Matthew Stafford that could help during a planned redshirt year.
- Head coach Sean McVay said Simpson will develop behind Stafford and that any chance to succeed him will come on Stafford’s terms.
- Simpson’s résumé includes one full year as a starter with 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions, while Bleacher Report ranked him 44th, feeding talk that the pick was a reach that will draw extra scrutiny.