Sean McVay explains why Rams drafted Ty Simpson

Dec 29, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts on the sidelines during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Sean McVay acknowledged that drafting Ty Simpson was not an easy decision, but that as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams it’s important to balance moves that will be better both for the short-term and the long-term. In an interview with the podcast Bussin’ with the Boys on Tuesday, McVay told hosts Will Compton and Taylor Lewan that he had a conversation with Matthew Stafford before drafting Simpson that “wasn’t exactly agreed upon” but that the reigning MVP understood where the franchise was coming from in terms of his timeline and needing a backup plan in case he retires next year.

Based on how McVay tells the story of drafting the Alabama quarterback and the fallout after the fact by fans and media members skeptical of making a long-term move while Stafford is in a Super Bowl window right now, the Rams became comfortable with Simpson’s lack of experience based on the film and some of the maturity he showed as a leader by waiting for his turn instead of transferring and accepting responsibility for mistakes instead of blaming others. “I like that it wasn’t easy. I like that he had to wait at Alabama,” said McVay.

“And the easy thing, especially nowadays, would’ve been able to run away (in the transfer portal). I like that they lose to Florida State and the sky is falling and they find a way to kinda have some resolve and they get into the SEC Championship and there’s a lot of good things in the midst of it. I like the way that he responded when guys would drop balls and he didn’t flinch.

Or guys would give up a free runner and he didn’t say a word except, “Where can I be better? ” Those were the things that the tape communicated to me. “ The Rams head coach also got into the “special” relationship he has with Stafford, how close the Rams were to putting him on injured reserve with a back injury last year (“We were nervous as hell”), and gave a hint that the quarterback does not agree with the team’s decision to draft a quarterback.