The first 11-on-11 session of mandatory minicamp took place on June 5, providing the first live-action look at the Rams' 2026 rookie class. Among them, the spotlight remains firmly on Ty Simpson, the Alabama quarterback selected 13th overall by Los Angeles in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Early reports and quotes from ongoing OTAs confirm consistent, steady progress from Simpson. His footwork has sharpened, his command of the huddle is growing stronger, and throws that were previously inconsistent in early May now arrive with greater conviction and accuracy.
For a team that invested a premium pick on a quarterback for the first time since drafting Jared Goff first overall in 2016, every snap Simpson takes this offseason matters. However, the Rams are wisely employing a patient development approach. History shows that first-round QBs sitting behind a veteran starter and learning the ropes steadily often leads to greater long-term success.
Where Simpson Stands Now
The Rams have moved into Phase 3 of their offseason program, progressing from individual drills and walkthroughs into competitive, team-based periods during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. For Simpson, this progression means adapting to live action, reading defenses at NFL speed, and reacting accordingly -- critical skills in Sean McVay's complex offensive system.
General Manager Les Snead, reflecting after the first 11-on-11 session on June 5, emphasized the room for growth both for the team and its rookies. "We had our first 11 on 11 today, and there's a lot of growth that we need to have as a football team," Snead said. This applies most acutely to Simpson, who is tasked with mastering the offense's motion, shifts, and option routes keyed off coverage.
Having veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford as a mentor provides Simpson with an invaluable resource. Stafford, now in his 18th NFL season, consistently makes the offense look automatic. Sixth-round rookie CJ Daniels, a receiver out of Miami, echoed this sentiment about working with Stafford, calling it "definitely gonna be a great deal." Simpson's opportunity to learn from a seasoned starter is exponentially more valuable given the demands of the position.
The Historical Precedent for Redshirting First-Round QBs
The Rams' patient approach to Simpson's development echoes their experience with Jared Goff. In 2016, Goff sat for the first 10 games before taking over under interim head coach John Fazio. This sit-and-learn path is a common one for first-round quarterbacks, especially with the advent of the rookie wage scale in 2011, which financially enables teams to manage rookie quarterbacks' development patiently without pressure to start prematurely.
Since that time, 11 first-round QBs have started fewer than five games in their rookie seasons, including Patrick Mahomes, who only started in Week 17 of his rookie year and one playoff game; Lamar Jackson, who started seven games only after Joe Flacco's injury; and Jordan Love, who sat three years behind Aaron Rodgers.
A common thread among these players was the presence of a veteran starter ahead of them, a situation the Rams currently have with Stafford. Last season, Stafford threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns, solidifying his role as the Rams' unquestioned starter again. This veteran presence means Simpson is not under immediate pressure to perform, allowing for a development-focused rookie year.
What Progress Looks Like in OTAs
Insights from Rams' offseason practices portray Simpson as a quarterback with strong processing skills, a hallmark often noted during his time under Alabama head coach Nick Saban. Though his college tape showed some inconsistency in arm talent, Simpson excelled at working through progressions and understanding defensive coverages.
At OTAs, Simpson has particularly impressed coaches with his accuracy on intermediate throws--those critical 10- to 20-yard passes that are the bread and butter of McVay's offense. While his deep ball remains a work in progress, it reflects a typical learning curve as rookies adjust to NFL pocket dynamics and throwing angles.
Stafford highlighted the positive collaborative environment within the quarterback room. "The engagement, the communication, our operations on both sides... has been a real positive," he said on June 5. For Simpson, this environment is arguably the most beneficial aspect of his rookie season--learning inside a supportive room led by a seasoned veteran.
The Smart Move: Slowing Down Rookie Quarterback Development
The Rams' development plan for Simpson is grounded in evidence rather than impatience. The data indicates that first-round QBs who start fewer games as rookies tend to achieve higher career passer ratings. Among active first-round quarterbacks who sat out much of their rookie seasons and later became multi-year starters, the average career passer rating is 96.4, compared with 85.1 for those who started immediately.
While it remains uncertain whether Simpson will reach the heights of Mahomes or Love, the Rams are giving him the best chance to realize his potential. With Stafford anchoring the offense and a competitive roster still poised for contention, the urgency for Simpson to start immediately is mitigated.
Quarterback development remains unpredictable, but the Rams have taken deliberate steps to maximize Simpson's growth. The draft capital has been committed, and the development plan is clear: Simpson must continue taking reps, learning the offense, and allowing the game to slow down for him.
As training camp approaches in July, the Rams and their fans will gain a clearer picture of Simpson's trajectory. For now, the progress reports are encouraging--a promising start to what could be a productive rookie season spent gaining valuable experience.
The measured approach to developing Ty Simpson embodies a thoughtful balance of patience and expectation -- a move that could pay long-term dividends for a franchise intent on building sustained success at the quarterback position.
