AJ Dybantsa Writes Heartfelt Thank You Message to BYU
AJ Dybantsa expresses gratitude to BYU in heartfelt LinkedIn post after declaring for the NBA Draft.
The Los Angeles Rams faced criticism for drafting Ty Simpson, but opinions are shifting positively. Analysts are recognizing the sound logic behind the decision despite initial backlash.
6 reasons why drafting Ty Simpson may have been wise by the Rams
The knee-jerk reactions to the Los Angeles Rams drafting Ty Simpson were overwhelmingly negative. The takes have become more sensible in the last couple of days, with some analysts and fans coming around to the idea.
While it's still easy to criticize the Rams' decision and disagree with it, this regime has had too much success in the last nine years to warrant swift stock selling now.
Drafting Simpson makes sense. He may not be the perfect quarterback, and the Rams may have taken him earlier than expected, but the logic behind this pick is sound.
This was a bonus pick for the Rams. Had they not traded down in 2025, their only first-round pick this year would've been 29th overall, which they traded for Trent McDuffie. But because they took advantage of a desperate Falcons team last year, they were gifted a top-15 pick.
Outside of the disastrous 2022 season, the Rams have never had worse than a 9-7 record under Sean McVay. If things go according to plan, they won't be picking this early for a very, very long time. It's what makes finding a new franchise quarterback so difficult for perennial defenders.
If we assume the Rams win at least 11 games this season and make a playoff run, they won't be picking any earlier than 25 in the 2027 draft. That wouldn't be in the range of the top quarterback prospects.
It's impossible to find a young, long-term quarterback in free agency, too, so the Rams saw this as their best opportunity to land Matthew Stafford's successor. And they took it.
The initial reactions were overwhelmingly negative, with many criticizing the decision.
Analysts argue that despite not being the perfect quarterback, the logic behind drafting Simpson is sound given the Rams' successful track record.
Perceptions have shifted from negative to more sensible, with some analysts and fans starting to support the decision.
The Rams' decision was influenced by their successful history and the belief that Simpson's potential outweighs the risks of drafting him earlier than expected.
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Not all landing spots are created equal, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. There's a reason the Jets and Browns have been unable to find an answer at quarterback for decades.
The Rams were the absolute perfect fit for Simpson. Not only is McVay's scheme quarterback-friendly with how frequently he schemes receivers open with brilliant concepts and route combinations, but the unpredictability of running it out of 11 personnel and throwing it out of 13 personnel keeps defenses on their toes.
Plus, the Rams will give Simpson something he was unlikely to get elsewhere: time. There isn't a team in the NFL that was in the mix for Simpson who would've allowed him to sit and learn for as long as the Rams will. The Jets would've benched Geno Smith for him by midseason. The Cardinals probably would've done the same with Jacoby Brissett, had they taken Simpson.
Simpson has the best chance to succeed in Los Angeles. He'll learn from Stafford for a year or two, take in valuable coaching from McVay, Kliff Kingsbury, Dave Ragone and Nate Scheelhaase, and feel no pressure to perform as a rookie.
It's the same approach taken with Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love. Sometimes, it's best not to throw a rookie quarterback to the fire before he's ready.
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 18: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after passing for a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide passes against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 18: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide holds a cigar in his mouth after their 37-20 win over Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 25: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide plays against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 08: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes out of the pocket against the LSU Tigers during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 15: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to taking the field against the Oklahoma Sooners during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 15: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws a pass against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second quarter of a football game at Bryant Denny Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 29: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 29: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rolls out of the pocket against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 29: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts at the end of the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 06: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to throw the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter in the 2025 SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - DECEMBER 19: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide calls a time out during the first quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners during 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - DECEMBER 19: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after defeating the Oklahoma Sooners during 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - DECEMBER 19: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners during 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in action against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Ty Simpson of Alabama celebrates after being selected thirteenth overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 18: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after passing for a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 18: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after passing for a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide passes against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 18: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide holds a cigar in his mouth after their 37-20 win over Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 25: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide plays against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 08: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes out of the pocket against the LSU Tigers during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 15: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to taking the field against the Oklahoma Sooners during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 15: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws a pass against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second quarter of a football game at Bryant Denny Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
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AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 29: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 29: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rolls out of the pocket against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 29: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts at the end of the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 06: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to throw the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter in the 2025 SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - DECEMBER 19: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide calls a time out during the first quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners during 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
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NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - DECEMBER 19: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after defeating the Oklahoma Sooners during 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - DECEMBER 19: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners during 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in action against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Ty Simpson of Alabama celebrates after being selected thirteenth overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Chris Long said it best: That was some "rich-people (expletive)."
The Rams went into the draft with a loaded roster and essentially said, "We don't need anything right now." Could they have used wide receiver help? Sure. They may have been able to upgrade at right tackle, but there's no guarantee a rookie would outplay Warren McClendon Jr. Cornerback was solidified in free agency and via trade, and there were no linebackers worth taking at No. 13.
So the Rams turned their attention to 2027 and beyond by taking Simpson, knowing they already have a Super Bowl-caliber roster on their hands right now.
It's rare for a team picking in the top 15 to have no glaring needs, but that's where the Rams found themselves. They didn't need a wide receiver with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams atop the depth chart. Linebacker is in OK shape thanks to the emergence of Nate Landman. And the starting O-line is basically set.
So why not take the quarterback who has a chance to fill the biggest future need on the team?
So much of the attention has been put on Simpson's second half of the season, and for good reason. He had just eight touchdown passes and two interceptions in the final eight games after throwing 20 touchdown passes and one pick in the first seven.
In the first half of the season, he looked like a top talent. He was ripping darts to receivers over the middle, taking shots down the field and making hash-to-sideline throws like NFL quarterbacks do. Plus, he has decent mobility and ran for two touchdowns in the first four games, including one in a win over Georgia.
It's a tiny sample size, I know, but the Rams must have loved what they saw from Simpson early in the season.
Just look at some of the throws in this video. They were dimes against tight coverage, with one of them being an absolute bomb down the field against South Carolina.
Kurt Warner said himself that there were times when he was watching tape that Simpson's film was better than Fernando Mendoza. The bright spots are there, just as much as the concerns are.
What would the Rams have done this offseason if Stafford retired? Jimmy Garoppolo is weighing retirement himself, there were no great options in free agency and they'd have no shot at drafting Mendoza.
They would've been in a terrible situation, scrambling to find someone to start in 2026. Thankfully, they're not in that situation because Stafford is still playing at an MVP level entering his age-38 season.
The best time to draft a quarterback is when you don't need one. By taking Simpson now, the Rams give him a chance to sit and learn before being thrust into a starting role. It's rare for a rookie quarterback to thrive right away, with C.J. Stroud being the exception in 2023.
The Chiefs did well by letting Mahomes sit behind Alex Smith. The Packers did it with Rodgers and Love, too. The best succession plan is usually one that starts early instead of waiting until it's too late.
The upside of this pick is greater than any other pick the Rams could've made. Not to say Makai Lemon won't become a Pro Bowler or Rueben Bain Jr. won't end up as the best edge rusher in the class. But nothing is more valuable than having a franchise quarterback. And if Simpson turns into one, it will outweigh all other possible outcomes the Rams could've had at No. 13.
In an ideal world, Stafford will play at a high level for two more years before Simpson takes over in 2028, seamlessly taking the reins as the Rams' new quarterback. He'll have been groomed by McVay and Stafford, ready for his big opportunity.
From there – again, in a perfect world – he turns into an above-average starter and erases all questions and concerns about where he was drafted.
There's a real possibility the Rams enjoy a similar transition to what the Packers had from Brett Favre to Rodgers. Not saying Simpson will be Rodgers, but he could be a quality starter in his own right. The reward of finding a decade-long starter at quarterback far outweighs the risk of wasting a mid-first-rounder while already in a Super Bowl window.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams draft Ty Simpson: 6 reasons it may have been a wise move