Ty Simpson Pick Called 'Genius' by NFL Exec After McVay's Reaction, Stafford 'Doubts' on Future

Despite confusion from fans and analysts about the Los Angeles Rams' decision to select Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, people within the league are supportive of the team's plan.

Per The Athletic's Mike Sando, one league executive though the Simpson pick was a "genius" move by the Rams.

"If they planned this to play out the way it did, it was genius," the exec said.

Another executive told Sando that the Rams needed some sort of quarterback succession plan in place given the "doubts" Matthew Stafford has had about continuing his career in past years.

"Sean (McVay) runs the show there," the person said. "He is just using the GM to save face and look good for Matthew. But Matthew has already had doubts about playing. It's not a stretch that you would draft somebody."

McVay's press conference alongside general manager Les Snead—after the pick was made—garnered plenty of attention because he seemed unhappy.

In a subsequent report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, McVay's reaction during the presser was revealed as something of a public act because Stafford wasn't necessarily thrilled about using a first-round selection on a quarterback:

"Multiple team sources said they believe McVay might have felt the need to downplay the pick in order to accentuate his confidence in Stafford. 'He will be cautious and protective of Matt, and rightfully so,' a team source said. 'I think Sean is excited for the pick. The appreciation for the tape was the biggest thing.' A source with direct knowledge of the situation put it more bluntly: McVay 'absolutely' was on board with the pick, noting that Snead and McVay [collaborate on] all decisions together. 'All indications to me were they were in lockstep,' a separate team source said."

Stafford's future suddenly becomes a much bigger focus for the Rams. He has engaged in prolonged contract negotiations before, and the two sides are still discussing an adjustment to his current deal that expires after the 2026 season.

B/R's NFL scouting department had Simpson ranked as the No. 44 overall prospect in the class. His pro comparison was "an athletic Kirk Cousins" in the scouting report from B/R's Dame Parson.

McVay was part of the Washington coaching staff for Cousins' first five seasons in the NFL from 2012 to '16, including the last two as offensive coordinator. Cousins' two best seasons by QBR as a full-time starter were in 2015 and '16.

If any coach in the NFL is capable of building a system that maximizes a quarterback's talent, it is McVay. Stafford hit a new level when he joined the Rams prior to the 2021 season, culminating with him being named NFL MVP last year.

Simpson may have been a surprise pick in the moment, but McVay and the Rams have every reason to believe they can turn him into a quality starter for when they eventually need to replace the 38-year-old Stafford.