Ty Simpson shines in Rams debut: Instant analysis, grades

Just two quarterbacks were selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, made his debut for the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, Aug. 15.

On Saturday, it was Ty Simpson's turn to show what he could do at the NFL level.

Like Mendoza, Simpson wasn't tapped to start in his preseason debut. The Alabama product entered the game after Stetson Bennett IV played the first two drives and led the Rams to three points.

How did Simpson fare in his first NFL action? Here's a breakdown of his preseason debut and what it could mean for the Rams.

Ty Simpson Rams preseason debut grade

Simpson performed well in his preseason debut with the Rams. The 2026 first-round pick flashed the skill set that ultimately convinced the Rams to tap him as the eventual successor for Matthew Stafford.

Simpson's hallmark during his college days was his ability to consistently locate passes with precision accuracy. He demonstrated that high-level ball placement throughout his debut, completing 84% of his passes and starting his day with a quality, 23-yard throw on a bootleg to his right.

While Simpson mostly stuck to short-range passing early in the contest, he gradually began pushing the ball down the field as he gained confidence. That helped him lead the Rams on a couple of fourth-quarter scoring drives during which he consistently found open receivers down the field and hit them with accurate passes to generate chunk plays.

Simpson threw two touchdowns during the contest, both of which went to running back Dean Connors. The first came on a short screen while the other was placed nicely into a tight window.

Simpson also showed off solid athleticism and mobility throughout his action. He didn't log a rushing attempt, but the Rams routinely dialed up roll-out passes for the 23-year-old off play action. He threw well while on the run and was able to escape pressure throughout the contest.

Thanks, in part, to his mobility, Simpson was able to avoid negative plays throughout Saturday's action. He didn't log a turnover and wasn't sacked across his extensive action, all while showing a strong field-reading skills and a good command of Los Angeles' offense.

Simpson's efficiency and clean play should foster belief within the Rams organization about the rookie, who will have the opportunity to develop behind Stafford for at least the 2026 season. Next up for the rookie will be working his way past Bennett, who is currently listed as the Rams' backup quarterback, on Los Angeles' depth chart.

Ty Simpson grade vs. Chiefs: A-

Ty Simpson stats vs. Chiefs

• Completions/Attempts (%): 21/25 (84%)
• Passing yards: 190
• Passing touchdowns: 2
• Interceptions: 0
• Passer rating: 125
• Rushing yards: 0
• Sacks: 0

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ty Simpson shines in Rams debut: Instant analysis, grades