DeBoer reveals why Ty Simpson's surprise Rams draft pick is a strategic development play, not a reach, aligning perfectly with the QB's patient, growth-focused mindset.
When Ty Simpson heard his name called at No. 13 overall in the NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, it caught a lot of people off guard.
You don’t usually see a quarterback with just one full season as a starter go that high, especially to a team that already has a proven veteran like Matthew Stafford in place.
But here’s the part people are missing…
This wasn’t a reach.
This was a plan.
And if you listen to Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, it becomes crystal clear.
DeBoer didn’t just like the landing spot for Simpson, he made it known this was exactly the kind of situation Simpson was hoping for.
“I thought it’s a great spot,” DeBoer said. “This was one of the scenarios that was probably the top scenario… something he was hoping for.”
That tells you everything you need to know.
This wasn’t about chasing the spotlight. This wasn’t about being thrown into the fire right away. This was about development.
And if you’ve followed Simpson’s journey at Alabama, that should sound familiar.
Nothing about his path has been easy. He had to sit. He had to wait. He had to compete in one of the most pressure-packed quarterback rooms in college football. And when his moment finally came, he didn’t waste it.
In 2025, Simpson stepped into that starting role and delivered: 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, just five interceptions, and a 64.5% completion rate.
That’s not just “good enough.”
That’s NFL-level efficiency.
But even with that production, DeBoer always emphasized something bigger than stats: growth.
Throughout the season, DeBoer consistently pointed to Simpson’s mindset, leadership, and ability to keep pushing himself and his teammates. He praised the way Simpson stayed hungry, stayed focused, and kept raising the standard.
And now? That same mentality is exactly why this Rams situation works so well.
Because Simpson doesn’t need to start right away.
He needs time to sharpen his decision-making. Time to adjust to NFL speed. Time to learn behind a quarterback who’s already done it at the highest level.
That’s not a weakness.
That’s a luxury.
Too many young quarterbacks get thrown into chaos before they’re ready. Too many careers get rushed. The Rams aren’t doing that with Simpson, they’re building him.
And DeBoer sees it.
He knows Simpson made a decision based on long-term success, not short-term hype.
He knows this is a move that could shape Simpson into something special if given the time to develop.
So yeah, people can question the pick all they want.
But the truth is, this might end up being one of the smartest moves of the entire draft.
Because Ty Simpson has already shown you who he is.
He’s patient.
He’s tough.
He’s built for the long game.
And now, he’s exactly where he needs to be.
Roll Tide.
