Colin Cowherd is all-in on Ty Simpson now. The Fox Sports analyst praised the Los Angeles Rams rookie for his NFL debut, going so far as to claim he was the best quarterback of the first slate of preseason games. "Ty Simpson was the best quarterback I saw all weekend: 21-of-25, three scoring drives, rolling out, athletic, accurate, sprinkling the ball all over the infield," Cowherd said. "... Quarterback is set now and for the future."
"Ty Simpson was the best quarterback I saw all weekend... Quarterback is set now and for the future."@colincowherd was impressed with the Rams' 1st round QB pic.twitter.com/VZ85pKbOHt — Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) August 17, 2026 Cowherd's larger point centered on the Rams' roster-building philosophy. Los Angeles entered the draft with two first-round picks and used one to land cornerback Trent McDuffie in a trade to address the team's clear need at corner. The second first-rounder, the No. 13 pick acquired in the 2025 draft day trade with the Atlanta Falcons, went to Simpson, a future quarterback investment made while Matthew Stafford is still the starter. The pick was almost universally laughed at, but now, after Simpson's scintillating debut where he threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns, Cowherd is hoping people who hated the pick eat their words. Why? Cowherd argued that a franchise quarterback is one of the few roster needs worth planning years in advance, the way a family might plan a wedding or a retirement — not something to leave to chance or reactive decision-making. He pointed to Green Bay's track record as the model, noting the Packers developed a quarterback-in-waiting behind an established starter across three separate eras, from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love, and said that early investment paid off every time. He also framed the pick as a developmental opportunity, noting Stafford is regarded as one of the most meticulous preparers at the position and that having Simpson learn in the same quarterback room could shape how the Rams eventually transition away from Stafford. Cowherd suggested Stafford's own evaluation of Simpson could end up informing the franchise's succession plan. Beyond the current roster, Cowherd argued the pick buys Los Angeles long-term flexibility. With the position addressed for both now and later, he said the Rams won't need to spend future draft capital chasing a quarterback in a later class, freeing them to pursue proven veterans instead. Which is exactly what they did with the Myles Garrett trade a few months after the draft. It's only one game, but Simpson's career is off to a good start in L.A. Now all he needs to do is continue to learn under Stafford and McVay before taking over the reins in the future. This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Cowherd says Ty Simpson was the best QB of the preseason so far