The Los Angeles Rams' decision to select Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft already looks like a smart one, as the rookie quarterback delivered an impressive performance Saturday that showcased his long-term potential. In this edition of NFL Mocks' NFL Rookie QB Grades, we evaluate why Simpson earned an A in his preseason debut.
No one is taking Matthew Stafford's job in 2026 as long as he's healthy, but if the veteran QB does miss time, will the Rams have an adequate backup who can come in and lead a talented roster to wins? The Rams have two capable backups competing, with Simpson looking to unseat Stetson Bennett IV for the No. 2 role.
That is the short-term challenge for Simpson. The long-term goal is to be the successor of Stafford and with what he showed on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs, general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay were smart to invest in their quarterback of the future now rather than wait another year.
Simpson's A-worthy preseason debut showed exactly why the Rams invested a first-round pick in him. The goal that lies ahead for the former Alabama star is to continue to grow, make the most of his opportunities and just build off what he showed on Saturday.Â
How Ty Simpson aced his Rams debut
Grade: A
What stood out: The Rams' top pick left it all out there on the field in an impressive debut. In playing the final three quarters of the Rams’ 20-12 preseason victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Simpson completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Showcasing the traits that made him a first-round pick, Simpson made the most of his time on the field and let it rip, leaving McVay impressed by how effective he was making the right reads and delivering the ball.
"I thought he took what the defense gave him," McVay said following the preseason performance. "I thought he read the plays out, read with his feet. I thought he did a really good job overall. ... I thought he kept the ball in play. That's the biggest thing, is keeping the ball in play."
Best throw/Play: In demonstrating his command on the field, accuracy and ability to extend plays, Simpson’s best play of the night was a 9-yard touchdown strike to running back Dean Connors early in the fourth quarter. The two also connected on a play-action fake down by the end zone that led to the duo’s second TD connection of the day. Both plays showed off Simpson’s accuracy and zip on the ball, as well as his command in the pocket when he has time to throw.
What it means for QB competition: Simpson isn't going to unseat reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford for the starting role no matter how spectacular he plays, but when it comes to the backup role, the rookie put the heat on Stetson Bennett IV who completed 4 of 6 passes for 38 yards. Although Simpson stated following his performance that he is only focused on being the best he can be, it is hard to ignore the electricity he brought to the field.
What’s next: An A is a great way for Simpson to begin his NFL career, but the next step is proving he can build off it. As he gets more opportunities this preseason, the rookie needs to show he can handle tougher defenses, respond to adversity, and continue making smart decisions with the football. If he does that, he'll only strengthen his case as the Rams' backup in 2026 while continuing to show why the organization drafted him to eventually succeed Matthew Stafford. As Simpson's development continues, it will also be interesting to see how it shapes the Rams' long-term outlook and the quarterback landscape heading into the 2027 NFL Mock Draft.
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