Hall of Fame HC is concerned about Ty Simpson pick for the Rams

TL;DR

Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher expresses concern over the Rams' decision to draft quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, citing his limited college experience. Simpson, who started only 15 games, will learn under veterans Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay.

Key points

Bill Cowher questions the Rams' decision to draft Ty Simpson.
Ty Simpson started only 15 games in college.
Simpson had 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 64.5% completion rate.

Mentioned in this story

Los Angeles RamsPittsburgh SteelersBill CowherTy SimpsonMatthew Stafford

Sean McVay

There are a lot of opinions about why the Los Angeles Rams decided to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick of the 2026 NFL draft, but none might matter more than that of a Hall of Fame head coach.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, who went through his own quarterback succession in 2003 with Ben Roethlisberger, told ESPN's Pat McAfee on Friday that the Rams paid "a high price" for "a guy with a small body of work."

Cowher is alluding to the fact that Simpson started just 15 games — all for the Crimson Tide — during his entire college career (and all in 2025). While he was solid in those starts and for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns with only five interceptions and a 64.5% completion rate, Simpson is still a developing prospect who needs time to grow.

Fortunately, he'll get to learn under two of the best in the NFL in Matthew Stafford and head coach Sean McVay.

Cowher (and many others) have legitimate concerns, though, around Simpson's ability to adapt to the NFL without many on-field reps. And now that he'll be sitting on the bench for the start of his career, it might be a little longer until he'll even get the chance to compete against real defenses.

That, more than anything, is what Cowher seems most worried about.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Hall of Fame HC is concerned about Ty Simpson pick for the Rams

Q&A

Why did the Rams draft Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick?

The Rams drafted Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick due to his impressive performance in college, despite his limited experience.

What concerns does Bill Cowher have about Ty Simpson?

Bill Cowher is concerned that the Rams paid a high price for a quarterback with a small body of work, having only started 15 games in college.

How will Ty Simpson develop as a quarterback for the Rams?

Ty Simpson will develop under the guidance of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and head coach Sean McVay, which could aid his growth.