Latest Rams Rumors: LA Eyeing 1st Round Quarterback

The discussion was sparked by a Rams rumor from Louis Riddick of ESPN, who said he believes the Rams are high on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.

That connection immediately shifts the conversation from short-term roster tweaks to the bigger question:

Who is the eventual successor to Matthew Stafford?

Stafford has committed to returning, but his situation remains year-to-year — a reality the Rams must balance while still operating within a Super Bowl window.

Support Local and Independent Sports Writing – Subscribe To the LAFB Network Today!

Planning Ahead While Still Competing

The Rams’ challenge is one many contenders face: how to prepare for the future without sacrificing the present.

“You don’t wait until the position becomes a crisis,” Anderson explained during the show. “The best organizations draft and develop quarterbacks before they need them.”

Los Angeles currently lacks a clearly defined developmental pipeline behind Stafford, with uncertainty surrounding backup options like Jimmy Garoppolo and the role of Stetson Bennett.

Get LAFB’s World Famous ‘Ring Me’ Aaron Donald T-Shirt

Why Ty Simpson Fits the McVay Profile

From a traits standpoint, Simpson checks several boxes that align with what head coach Sean McVay values in a quarterback:

• Strong pre-snap processing and defensive recognition
• Clean mechanical foundation and footwork
• Ability to work through progressions efficiently
• Functional mobility inside and outside the pocket

However, Simpson is also considered a developmental prospect, having started only about 15 collegiate games — a profile that carries both upside and risk.

As a highly inexperienced quarterback, Simpson’s growth will depend far more on practice repetitions and film work than on immediate game action.

The transition to the NFL is demanding, especially in Sean McVay’s offense, which requires precise timing, detailed footwork, and the ability to process complex defensive looks after the snap. Regular reps in meetings, walkthroughs, and scout-team situations will help Simpson adjust to the speed of the pro game while building command of the playbook.

Equally valuable is the chance to observe how an established veteran prepares each week — from studying protections and coverages to managing situational football and leading the offense. That exposure provides a developmental runway without the pressure of being forced onto the field too early.

If the Rams are patient, this redshirt-style approach can allow Simpson to refine his mechanics, decision-making, and confidence so that when his opportunity eventually arrives, the game already feels familiar rather than overwhelming.

The “Thinking in Bets” Approach to the Draft

The Rams’ front office, led by general manager Les Snead, has long embraced probabilistic decision-making — an idea influenced by Annie Duke’s book Thinking in Bets (often cited within league circles alongside Duke’s work on risk evaluation).

Drafting a quarterback is rarely about certainty. It’s about making an informed bet on traits, development environment, and timing.

For the Rams, that environment could be ideal: a young passer learning behind a Super Bowl-winning veteran in one of the NFL’s most demanding offensive systems.

When — Not If — the Rams Add a Young QB

The real debate isn’t whether Los Angeles should draft a quarterback, but when:

• Round 1: Aggressive, but potentially costly for a player who may not start soon.
• Middle Rounds: A developmental swing similar to past Rams strategy.
• Wait Too Long: Risk being forced into desperation later.

Recent league history shows that quarterbacks can emerge from anywhere in the draft — including late-round success stories like Brock Purdy — but relying on that outcome is far from a guarantee.

A Balancing Act That Will Define the Rams’ Next Era

The Rams believe they can still contend right now — but they also understand the clock at quarterback never stops.

That tension between maximizing Stafford’s remaining window and preparing the next leader of the offense will shape how Los Angeles approaches this draft and beyond.

In other words, this isn’t just about adding talent.

It’s about designing the Rams’ next chapter before the current one closes.