Ty Simpson rookie debut for Los Angeles Rams proves he was the right pick

The NFL preseason is here, giving teams a chance to showcase their rookie talent to fans while gathering valuable information on those players in their first professional snaps. Preseason football doesn’t carry the same weight as the regular season, but it provides an opportunity to develop against an opposing team. The Los Angeles Rams had a rookie debut that won’t see the regular-season field for the foreseeable future. That rookie is, of course, 13th overall pick Ty Simpson. The rookie quarterback played the final three quarters in their entirety. MORE: Travis Kelce flexes wedding band before Chiefs’ NFL preseason opener Needless to say, Simpson had a strong outing as the Rams won 20-12. He led the offense to a majority of its scoring, including two touchdown passes. Though the pick was polarizing at the time, his performance showed why the Rams believed he was worth the investment. Jul 29, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass as quarterback Ty Simpson (15) watches during training camp at Loyola Marymount University. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Rams picking Simpson was with the future in mind The reality is that the Rams had a rare opportunity to select a first-round quarterback thanks to the Atlanta Falcons. They traded their original 29th overall pick for cornerback Trent McDuffie, adding proven talent to the secondary, and making the 13th overall pick much more flexible ahead of the draft. MORE: Deshaun Watson’s solid debut could give Browns Todd Monken more to build on Simpson’s selection was always about the future. Matthew Stafford remains the starter and gives Los Angeles a chance to compete for championships now. However the Rams also needed to plan for what comes next. When Stafford eventually retires, Simpson could step into a situation where he has already spent years learning the offense and NFL game. Jul 31, 2026; Westchester California USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson (15) at training camp at Loyola Marymount University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) That approach became even more important when Los Angeles acquired Myles Garrett. The blockbuster move made it clear the Rams are committed to winning now, not rebuilding for the future. Simpson allows them to pursue that immediate goal without ignoring what comes after Stafford. The Rams don’t need Simpson to save the franchise today. They need him to develop quietly, learn from Stafford, and be ready when his opportunity arrives. That balance makes the selection look smarter over time. His preseason debut was an encouraging first step toward keeping Los Angeles’ competitive window open for years to come. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —