Former ESPN analyst Todd McShay has expressed strong interest in Ty Simpson, the former Alabama quarterback, as a potential backup for Los Angeles Rams star Matthew Stafford. On Tuesday’s episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, McShay indicated he expects the Rams to select Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft this upcoming April. McShay envisions the pick as a move focused on future potential to complement Stafford, who will be entering his 18th NFL season as a 38-year-old and the 2025 NFL MVP.
Reasons Behind McShay’s Prediction for the Rams’ Draft Choice
McShay discussed the fit between Simpson and the Rams’ system led by head coach Sean McVay. He believes that Simpson benefiting from a year learning behind Stafford within that offensive scheme could prove valuable. McShay pointed out,
I think with (Rams head coach Sean) McVay, and one year behind Stafford let’s say, in that offensive system and with a coach’s mind, I think that could work,
to Colin Cowherd. He added,
So, I put him at 13 in this (latest) mock draft. As of right now, I don’t think that’s going to happen, but wait for it. I’ve been doing this two and a half decades, as we get closer and without other (elite) quarterbacks, somebody’s going to rise, and I could see Ty winning over a lot of coaches in those (Combine) meetings.
Simpson’s Mixed 2025 Season Raises Questions but Shows Promise
After declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft somewhat unexpectedly as an underclassman, Simpson completed an uneven junior season at Alabama. He started the year strong, throwing 21 touchdowns with only one interception across the first nine games. However, Simpson struggled late in the season, including a difficult 23-21 home loss against Oklahoma on November 15, where he threw four interceptions over a five-game span, derailing his Heisman Trophy hopes. Still, Simpson finished with 3,567 passing yards and 28 touchdowns on a 64.5 percent completion rate in the 2025 season.
McShay’s Perspective on Simpson’s Talent and Challenges
McShay remains convinced of Simpson’s potential despite recent inconsistencies. He noted,
I’m probably more on board with Ty Simpson than a lot of other people. If you go back and … watch the first nine games of the season, … Ty Simpson was the best quarterback in college football,
emphasizing Simpson’s strong processing skills, quick decision-making, and ability to anticipate plays. McShay explained how a strong defensive game plan against Simpson by Oklahoma’s head coach Brent Venables exposed some weaknesses, saying,
And then they faced Brent Venables, the defensive-minded head coach for Oklahoma, and they were able to show how to beat (Simpson’s) protections. And then everyone after that followed and fell in suit.
He also pointed to external struggles that impacted Simpson’s late-season performance:
Now (Simpson is) behind a line that’s not protecting (him) great, banged up, (he) doesn’t have a run game, and (his) best receiver has decided to disappear,
McShay explained. Highlighting Simpson’s background, he added,
I’m telling you, this guy has something in him – a coach’s son, his dad has been a lifelong coach, 18 years he’s been the head coach at Middle Tennessee State. He’s different, he’s different than some of those other immature guys that have come out with fewer than 20 starts. So, I could see him being the exception to the rule.
Implications for the Rams’ Future with Stafford and Simpson
With Matthew Stafford’s age and career longevity in mind, adding a high-upside backup quarterback like Ty Simpson could be a strategic priority for the Rams. Stafford’s role as a veteran leader could provide Simpson with a valuable environment for growth in a well-coached offensive system led by Sean McVay. Selecting Simpson signals a long-term plan to nurture a quarterback who may benefit from seasoning before eventually assuming a primary role. As the 2026 draft approaches, the Rams and other contenders will weigh their options closely, watching how prospects like Simpson perform in pre-draft evaluations and interviews.
