Behind the Scenes: Ty Simpson’s Secret Pre-Draft Meetings with the Rams

A Calculated Choice

Following the Los Angeles Rams' decision to draft quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, initial reactions were mixed. Some observers pointed to head coach Sean McVay's restrained demeanor during post-draft press conferences as a sign of potential disagreement with the front office's selection. However, the organization quickly moved to dispel these rumors, releasing footage that showcased McVay’s genuine enthusiasm for the young prospect.

The Hidden Strategy

It turns out that the connection between the coach and the quarterback was established much earlier than the public realized. Simpson recently disclosed that he participated in private meetings with McVay at the Rams' facilities well before the draft took place. According to the rookie, he was explicitly instructed to maintain silence regarding these sessions to prevent other franchises from gauging the Rams' level of interest.

During an appearance on ESPN Radio, Simpson provided further context on their collaboration:

“We tried to keep this under wraps as long as we could. It was something to where I knew they were interested but they wanted to make it private and didn’t want people to know that they were interested. I had some secret meetings with coach McVay and I was just trying to be on script and do what everybody told me and not to tell everybody. It was something to where I knew that they were interested, I just didn’t know when.”

Future Outlook for the Rams

The selection caught many by surprise, as the Rams are currently focused on short-term success. While Simpson represents a significant long-term investment, he is not expected to challenge veteran Matthew Stafford for the starting role in 2026. Stafford, coming off an MVP-caliber season, remains the clear starter, though his future beyond the upcoming year remains a subject of discussion.

While reports indicate that the Rams and Stafford are exploring a contract extension, the presence of a first-round talent like Simpson suggests the team is preparing for a transition. Ultimately, the secret meetings between the quarterback and his head coach highlight just how much thought went into this high-stakes decision, signaling that Simpson is a central part of the team's long-term vision.