Ex-NFL GM: Rams drafting Ty Simpson is 'one of the greatest decisions' in recent memory

TL;DR

Former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum praises the Rams' decision to draft Ty Simpson, calling it one of the greatest recent decisions. He believes investing in a quarterback now is crucial for the team's future, especially as they consider a replacement for Matthew Stafford.

Key points

Mike Tannenbaum praises Rams' decision to draft Ty Simpson.
He calls it one of the greatest decisions in recent memory.
Tannenbaum believes it's wise to invest in a quarterback now.

Mentioned in this story

Mike TannenbaumMatthew Stafford

Los Angeles RamsTy SimpsonGreen Bay PackersAaron Rodgers

There have been a lot of hot takes thrown around about the Los Angeles Rams drafting Ty Simpson in the first round, but this one might be the spiciest.

Former Jets general manager and current ESPN front office insider Mike Tannenbaum absolutely loves the Rams’ decision to take Simpson. In fact, he likes it so much that he’s willing to fight anyone who says it wasn’t “one of the greatest decisions we’ve seen in recent memory.”

"I am ready to fight anybody who says this wasn't one of the greatest decisions we've seen in recent memory,” he said on ESPN.

Hyperbolic? No doubt. But Tannenbaum believes the Rams were wise to invest in the quarterback position before they need someone to replace Matthew Stafford. He cites the way the Packers did it with Aaron Rodgers replacing Brett Favre and Jordan Love replacing Rodgers, making for a seamless transition from signal caller to signal caller.

“Those were decades-long positive decisions. And you can ask the Pittsburgh Steelers guys how easy it is to replace a franchise quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger,” Tannenbaum added.

One reason the Rams decided to pull the trigger now is that they don’t plan to be drafting this early again. They’re perennial contenders with Stafford, putting them near the end of the first round each year.

Q&A

Why does Mike Tannenbaum think drafting Ty Simpson is a great decision?

Mike Tannenbaum believes drafting Ty Simpson is a great decision because it prepares the Rams for a future transition at quarterback, similar to successful past transitions in the NFL.

What does Tannenbaum compare the Rams' decision to regarding quarterbacks?

Tannenbaum compares the Rams' decision to the Packers' strategy of transitioning from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers and then to Jordan Love, highlighting the importance of planning for quarterback succession.

What implications does drafting Ty Simpson have for Matthew Stafford's future?

Drafting Ty Simpson suggests that the Rams are considering a future without Matthew Stafford, indicating they are preparing for a potential change at the quarterback position.