Stafford Taking Rookie Ty Simpson Under His Wing – Big Brother Vibes in Rams QB Room

Los Angeles Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson walked into OTAs and immediately felt the weight of Sean McVay’s offense. The Alabama product, selected 13th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, put it plainly. It felt exactly like his freshman year in Tuscaloosa.

“[It’s like] drinking from a fire hydrant,” Simpson said via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. “You’re expected [to do] a lot. The quarterback runs the show here, just how I like it. But it’s just making sure that you’re disciplined and you’re detail-oriented.”

The words landed with the blunt honesty of a player who knows the mountain in front of him. McVay’s system rewards quarterbacks who process fast and communicate clearly. For a rookie still adjusting to the speed and nuance, the early weeks became a crash course in both.

Limited Reps, Maximum Classroom Time

Simpson spent most of his OTAs in the meeting room and film sessions rather than taking live snaps. Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett IV handled the bulk of the on-field work. That hierarchy was expected. Stafford enters his 18th season as the clear starter and 2025 AP NFL MVP. Bennett, the 2023 fourth-round pick, has been in the building longer and earned early looks during maintenance days.

The setup left Simpson grinding the mental side. He studied formations, protections, and the precise timing McVay demands. The rookie did not complain. He leaned in.

Stafford’s Quiet Leadership

What stood out most to Simpson was how Stafford chose to lead. The veteran did not have to invest extra time in the new guy. He did anyway.

“I mean, he’s the MVP for a reason,” Simpson said. “Everything he does, he’s so just aware of everything. Aware of how everything works [and is] so detailed. Being in the room with him is just such a blessing. I really appreciate him and Stetson taking me in and answering all the questions I have. I know I’m probably annoying them, but it’s been really helpful. I can’t thank them enough.”

Simpson went further. Stafford extended that guidance beyond playbook talk. He created space for the entire young group.

“[Stafford has] taken us all in,” Simpson added. “And I really appreciate it because he didn’t have to do that. And anything that I can ask him and I can just take in, I’m willing to. So like I said, I hope I’m not annoying him, but I really appreciate the big brother kind of role that he’s playing in my development.”

That kind of access changes how a rookie sees the job. Stafford has seen every coverage, every late-game scenario, every way a defense tries to bait a young quarterback. Passing some of that along in real time gives Simpson a shortcut most first-year players never get.

The Draft Pick and the Win-Now Tension

The Rams knew selecting Simpson would spark debate. They already had a proven MVP under center and a roster built for 2026 contention. Adding a quarterback at 13th overall looked like a luxury to some and a necessity to others. General manager Les Snead and McVay viewed it as securing the next chapter while the current one still has gas.

Stafford turns 38 this season. His modified training camp schedule and planned absence from preseason games reflect smart workload management. That leaves more developmental reps available for Simpson and Bennett once pads come on. McVay has already signaled the plan.

In early June, when asked about possibly adding a veteran quarterback for insurance, McVay kept the door cracked but not wide open.

“That’s not something that we’ve really talked about as of right now,” McVay said. “I would never rule it out, but not right now.”

The decision now rests with how quickly Simpson and Bennett absorb the system and handle live pressure. Training camp will spread reps more evenly. Preseason games will test decision-making under the lights. Whoever shows the most command will likely claim the primary backup role behind Stafford.

What Comes Next

Simpson’s humility stands out as much as his talent. He knows the playbook will keep coming at him fast. He also knows Stafford and Bennett have already cleared paths he can follow. The Rams’ quarterback room carries a clear tone right now: learn fast, ask smart questions, and earn every rep.

The fire hydrant is still flowing. Simpson is determined to keep drinking. How much he handles between now and September will shape not only his own trajectory but the Rams’ approach to the position for the rest of the 2026 season and beyond.