NFL Rookie QB Grades: Ty Simpson keeps making Rams look smart

Ty Simpson continued to make the Los Angeles Rams look smart for selecting him in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

In his third preseason game, Simpson once again impressed with his patience, command and highlight-reel plays as he continues his developmental path in the NFL behind reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford.

In the Rams’ preseason victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, Simpson looked sharp, completing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. The performance continued to open eyes and position the former Alabama star as a potential future face of the organization once Stafford calls it a career.

The fact that this is still Stafford’s team has helped the rookie quarterback embrace his role and prepare for whenever his opportunity arrives.

Simpson entered the matchup looking to build off an impressive preseason debut that earned him an A grade, and his latest performance showed that his early success was no fluke.

"I knew coming into this organization that it was Matthew's team, and I was going to be behind him," Simpson said. "But I told myself, right, regardless of the circumstance, I'm always going to be mentally ready, and I'm always going to be prepared like I'm going to play, because it's only going to help you."

Ty Simpson earns another A in impressive Rams preseason

Throughout the preseason, Simpson has been steady, putting together strong performances that have showcased his potential in the league. The real test will come when he enters a regular-season game against defensive coordinators who have studied his strengths and weaknesses.

In those situations, he will need to show he can adjust while maintaining the pocket presence and accuracy under pressure he has displayed throughout the preseason. In the sample size we've seen so far, this was another overall A performance from the Rams rookie quarterback.

Grade: A

What stood out: The poise and command Simpson showcased in another strong performance continues to validate the Rams’ decision to take him with the No. 13 overall pick. After entering the NFL as a potential successor to Stafford, Simpson is already showing why Los Angeles was willing to invest a first-round pick in its future at quarterback.

He is also impressing his head coach and teammates with his ability to escape the pocket, deliver the ball accurately and look comfortable running the offense.

The confidence is there and the leadership is starting to show. Most importantly, Simpson has made a strong statement in the QB2 race while giving the Rams plenty to be excited about when it comes to their future at the position.

Following the game, McVay summed up his young quarterback’s overall performance throughout the preseason.

"You've really seen a lot of really good things from him in each of these last three games," McVay said postgame. "(He) didn't have as (many) opportunities last week (as) tonight and obviously in Week 1. I've been really pleased with Ty. He did a great job. I thought he had good command. He's got a great game day demeanor."

Best Throw/Play: One of Simpson’s strengths entering the 2026 NFL Draft was his pocket manipulation. On an 11-yard touchdown pass to Brennan Presley early in the second quarter, he showed exactly why.

Simpson avoided the pressure, escaped the pocket and delivered an accurate throw on the move for the touchdown.

Simpson explained after the game what he saw developing on the play.

"I kind of had an idea that, in red zone, they were going to go man," Simpson said. "There was some miscommunication on the line with a funky front. I tried not to take a negative play, and BP did a good job of playing football, getting open, and I just tried to get the good player the ball."

The impressive part of the play was Simpson delivering the pass across his body and into the end zone. It also came on third down with the Chargers bringing heavy pressure, making his ability to avoid the negative play and still find the end zone even more impressive.

Implications for the quarterback competition: Unlike the other first-round rookie quarterback battling for an opportunity, Simpson doesn't have a realistic path to the starting job as long as Stafford is healthy. Instead, the Alabama product is competing with Stetson Bennett for the primary backup role behind the reigning NFL MVP.

While Bennett hasn't done anything to necessarily lose his spot, Simpson has given Sean McVay an intriguing decision to make. The rookie has looked comfortable running the offense throughout the preseason and has shown the poise, accuracy and playmaking ability needed to keep the Rams competitive if he's forced into action.

The Rams are expected to carry three quarterbacks, but the bigger question is which one gives them the best chance to win if Stafford goes down. Based on what Simpson has shown this preseason, he has made a strong case for that responsibility.

What’s next: Simpson must continue developing in McVay’s system whether he enters the season as the primary backup or the third-string quarterback.

As he has shown throughout training camp and the preseason, Simpson looks prepared, comfortable and confident for a first-year NFL quarterback. His next step is staying ready for whenever his name is called and proving he can carry his preseason success into a regular-season opportunity.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow