Make no mistake, Sean McVay, Rams got it right with Ty Simpson

Q: Why did the Rams draft Ty Simpson with the 13th pick?

The Rams drafted Ty Simpson to focus on long-term success, believing he has the potential to be a special quarterback for the future.

Q: What are the implications of Ty Simpson not playing until 2028?

If Ty Simpson doesn't play until 2028, it could affect the Rams' immediate Super Bowl aspirations but allows for a strategic development plan.

Q: Who did the Rams trade for to strengthen their roster before the draft?

The Rams traded for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and signed his teammate Jaylen Watson, enhancing their already strong roster.

Q: What was Ty Simpson's offer from Miami before the NFL Draft?

Ty Simpson considered a $6.5 million offer from Miami before deciding to enter the 2026 NFL Draft.

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Sean McVay on the sideline, wearing a blue hoodie and a headset, smiling and pointing, Image 2 shows Spencer Rattler at the 2024 NFL Combine, Image 3 shows Ty Simpson holds up a blue Los Angeles Rams jersey with his name and number 1 on the back after being drafted PITTSBURGH — Leave it to the Rams to send the NFL into a tizzy with the stunning decision to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th pick overall Thursday night. Especially, knowing full well that Simpson might not see the field until 2028 and does nothing for their relentless Super Bowl-or-bust mentality. From their own fans to their most ardent haters, the Rams knew the selection of Simpson would be met with everything from angry screams to sarcastic belly laughs. But that doesn’t change the fact that the Rams absolutely did the right thing Thursday night.

Archie Carpenter/UPI/Shutterstock By thinking long-term rather than locking themselves into the right now, they gave themselves a legitimate chance to extend their window of success rather than limit it. The great organizations are always thinking three days, three weeks, three months, and three years down the line. It’s how they create sustained success rather than fleeting. If Simpson is who they think he is — and there isn’t a chance in hell they select him at No. 13 without being convinced he has a chance to be special — he will eventually take the reins from , and whatever fall off the Rams experience will be subtle rather than dramatic. That isn’t a bad thing; it’s a great thing. It’s a testament to the team have built over the years. Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay smiles after a touchdown by during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the , Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear) AP Knowing that, it allowed them to be creative and proactive in addressing the most important position on the field, and potentially ensuring that when Stafford eventually calls it a career, the Rams won’t fall off the cliff. A lot of variables will play into that, not the least of which is Simpson maximizing his talent and McVay and his staff getting him to his ceiling. But there was no guarantee ther Rams would be in position to select a quarterback with that time of potential any time soon, and with a roster as stacked as any in the NFL, now was the time to take advantage of that opportunity. This would have been a different story had the Rams not shored up their only real weakness during the opening days of free agency. But by using the second of their two first-round picks to trade for All-Pro cornerback , and then signing his Chiefs cornerback teammate, , the Rams pushed an already great roster to an elite one. In doing so, they gave themselves tremendous flexibility to think long-term at No. 13. As stacked as the Rams roster is, there was no guarantee whoever they selected at that point of the draft would have made a big impact in 2025. That prospect, no matter what the name or the position, would have had to fight and claw just to get on the field. Ty Simpson considered a $6.5 million offer from before entering the 2026 NFL Draft, where he was drafted by the LA Rams with the No. 13 overall pick. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Make no mistake, LA did so with the complete understanding that their decision would be panned, criticized, and picked apart in every newsroom, on every social media platform, and in every barbershop from Pittsburgh to the Pacific Ocean. From their own fans to their most ardent haters, the Rams knew the selection of Simpson would be met with everything from angry screams to sarcastic belly laughs. When your Super Bowl window is as wide open as the Rams’ is right now, the goal should be to maximize it in every way imaginable. Simpson does not do that. It isn’t even up for debate. At the earliest, he won’t make an impact until next season. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson puts on a hat after being chosen by the Los Angeles Rams with the 13th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP Of course, the emotional reaction would range from shock to outrage. All of which is understandable. Bottom line, the Rams used the first round of the 2026 draft to turn their cornerback weakness into a strength, and lock in a quarterback they believe capable to helping them get to Super Bowls. And by the way, they still have more picks to execute this weekend. And Snead and McVay have shown over and over and over that they can find high-end talent well beyond just the first round.