When the Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, public perception was that the relationship between the franchise and the young quarterback had been minimal -- just cursory phone calls and short interviews. Simpson himself maintained a low profile on prior contact, suggesting the organization's interest was brief.
However, three weeks after the draft, Simpson has opened up about a much deeper connection with the Rams, revealing the existence of a secret pre-draft meeting with head coach Sean McVay that was never publicly acknowledged. This clandestine session, Simpson says, was pivotal in solidifying both his decision and the Rams' commitment to him as their quarterback of the future.
"I initially just said it was brief because that's what we agreed on," Simpson admitted in a recent interview. "But the truth is, Coach McVay and I had a secret meeting. It wasn't at the Combine, it wasn't at a pro day. It was just us, in a place where nobody would see, and we talked for hours. That meeting changed everything for me."
The Secrecy Behind the Strategy
The NFL's pre-draft process is tightly regulated, with official meetings and interviews logged meticulously. Undocumented meetings are rare and often avoided due to possible league sanctions. Yet, the Rams operated under a cloak of secrecy as they pursued Simpson, orchestrating a façade of disinterest to lower other teams' expectations.
Simpson explained, "They didn't want anyone to know. The whole time, everyone thought I was going top five, going to teams like the Raiders, Giants, or Titans. The Rams? People assumed they were targeting a receiver or a tackle. That was by design."
This strategy allowed the Rams to maintain the element of surprise. Publicly, head coach Sean McVay had expressed confidence in the existing quarterbacks, and mock drafts rarely mentioned the team targeting a quarterback, let alone trading up for one. But behind the scenes, GM Les Snead and McVay were planning aggressively to secure Simpson.
Their approach has been aggressive in recent years, often involving bold trades and roster moves that prioritize immediate and future competitiveness. The 2021 Super Bowl victory was a testament to that philosophy.
The Meeting That Changed Everything
Simpson described the secret meeting as a unique opportunity for McVay and himself to connect on a personal and football level beyond X's and O's.
"Coach McVay didn't pull out a whiteboard right away," Simpson said. "He wanted to understand how I think, how I read defenses, how I process information under pressure. We talked about everything -- from my time at Alabama under Coach Saban to details about the game that only two football guys would geek out over."
This connection was crucial for McVay, whose past quarterback choices--ranging from Jared Goff to Matthew Stafford--emphasized not just skill but intangible attributes like competitiveness, communication, and adaptability.
"He told me, 'I don't want a robot back there. I want someone who can react, improvise, and see the field like I do, then build on that vision.' That's exactly how I want to play," Simpson said.
On the field, Simpson offers a polished pocket passing skill set with notable arm strength and precise throws on deep passes. His mobility allows him to extend plays when necessary, though he is not regarded as a dual-threat quarterback. Over his Alabama career, Simpson completed 67.4% of his passes for 8,731 yards, 72 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. His clutch performances in key moments, including come-from-behind wins over Georgia and LSU, demonstrated poise that fits McVay's offensive philosophy.
The Trade to Secure Simpson
The Rams' secret strategy extended to draft night, where they brokered a trade with the Arizona Cardinals to move up from pick 19 to 13. The deal reportedly involved Los Angeles sending third-round picks in both 2026 and 2027 to Arizona.
Simpson recalled his surprise when his name was finally called. "I had no idea they were going to take me until I saw the commissioner walk to the podium. I felt relieved, but it was a whirlwind."
This clandestine approach -- from secret meetings to surprise trades -- reflects the Rams' modus operandi of quietly shaping their destiny while flying under the radar of rivals.
Looking Ahead for Simpson and the Rams
Ty Simpson's progression in the Rams organization will be a storyline to follow closely. Although veteran quarterbacks remain on the roster, including Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett IV, McVay has demonstrated a willingness to give opportunities to young talents who prove ready. Simpson's assimilation has been aided by early work with offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and the quarterback coaching staff, who are indoctrinating him into the Rams' system.
"I know what Coach McVay expects now. I see the field the way he does," Simpson explained. "Now, it's about earning my teammates' trust -- in meetings, on the practice field. That secret meeting got me here, but the real work starts today."
The Rams, a franchise unafraid to make bold and unconventional moves, have found in Simpson a quarterback they personally vetted -- one they believe fits their vision for sustained success.
Conclusion
The revelation of Ty Simpson's secret pre-draft meeting with Sean McVay reframes the narrative of the 2026 NFL Draft for the Rams. It shows a front office and coaching staff deeply involved and deliberate in their selection process, holding their cards close until the perfect moment.
As the NFL landscape shifts and quarterbacks define franchises, the Rams' quiet but deliberate maneuvering indicates confidence in Simpson's ability to lead Los Angeles into the future. The controversy and surprise surrounding his draft selection only underscore the sharp, strategic thinking of McVay and Snead.
While the Rams' starting quarterback job remains to be decided, one fact is clear: Ty Simpson's secret meeting with Sean McVay was a turning point that set the stage for what could be a defining era for Los Angeles football.
Note: All coaching and roster personnel referenced in this article reflect the verified 2026 Las Angeles Rams staff and roster as of April 28, 2026. The head coach is Sean McVay, offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, defensive coordinator Chris Shula, and general manager Les Snead. Ty Simpson is confirmed on the Rams roster as quarterback, drafted 13th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.