Ty Simpson Reveals Secret Pre-Draft Meetings With Sean McVay: How the Rams’ QB Pick Unfolded

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief

The Los Angeles Rams’ stunning selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft took a dramatic turn Monday when the rookie revealed he had spent “hours and hours” in secret meetings with head coach Sean McVay before the draft—contradicting his initial claim of only brief contact with the team.

Simpson, speaking on ESPN Radio, described the undisclosed sessions as a football-obsessed deep dive that left him “like a kid in a candy store.” The revelation reshapes the narrative around one of the draft’s most surprising picks and offers a rare glimpse into the Rams’ meticulous pre-draft process.

What Simpson Said—and Why It Matters

On draft night, Simpson told reporters he had only “brief” interactions with the Rams leading up to the selection. But in a Monday interview with Ian Fitzsimmons, he clarified the reality: “We tried to keep this under wraps as long as we could. It was something to where I knew they were interested, but they wanted to make it private and didn’t wish people to know that they were interested.”

Simpson added that the meetings with McVay were purely football-focused, with the two dissecting schemes and quarterback play for extended periods. “You can tell the obsession he has for the game, and you can tell the love he has for quarterback play,” Simpson said, via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. “It’s something that I appreciate, and it’s something that I enjoy because I really enjoy playing the position and value the position.”

The shift in Simpson’s story underscores the Rams’ strategic secrecy—a hallmark of McVay’s tenure. The team has long prioritized discretion in draft evaluations, often avoiding public signals of interest to prevent other franchises from jumping into the mix. In this case, the approach appears to have paid off, with Los Angeles securing a quarterback prospect they clearly coveted.

The McVay-Simpson Connection: A Shared Obsession

Simpson’s description of the meetings paints a picture of two football minds locked in detailed discussion. “It was just straight football,” he said. “Me and him are sitting there, and we’re just going back and forth.”

The dynamic aligns with McVay’s reputation as one of the NFL’s most hands-on offensive minds. Known for his intricate play designs and quarterback-friendly schemes, McVay has consistently sought signal-callers who can thrive in his system. Simpson, a five-star recruit out of Alabama, brings a blend of arm talent, mobility, and football IQ that fits the Rams’ mold—even if his selection at No. 13 surprised many analysts.

For Simpson, the meetings offered a preview of what life under McVay might look like. “Seeing a little bit of how I would get coached if I was fortunate enough to head there was something that I couldn’t have asked for a better situation,” he said.

Why the Rams Kept It Quiet

The Rams’ decision to downplay their interest in Simpson wasn’t just about avoiding media scrutiny—it was a calculated move to prevent other teams from trading up. With the draft’s quarterback market heating up, Los Angeles likely saw an opportunity to secure Simpson without tipping their hand.

McVay himself addressed the pick in the aftermath, telling reporters he was “thrilled” with the selection. The coach’s public enthusiasm, combined with Simpson’s new comments, suggests the Rams view the rookie as a long-term piece of their franchise—one they were willing to invest significant time in evaluating behind closed doors.

What So for the Rams’ Future

Simpson’s revelation adds intrigue to the Rams’ quarterback situation. With Matthew Stafford’s status uncertain beyond 2026, the team now has a developmental prospect who has already built a rapport with McVay. The secret meetings could accelerate Simpson’s transition into the NFL, giving him a head start on learning the Rams’ complex offense.

For fans, the story offers a reminder of the draft’s hidden layers. What appears to be a spontaneous selection on draft night is often the result of months of covert evaluation. In this case, the Rams’ patience and discretion may have landed them a quarterback who could shape the franchise for years to come.

Key Takeaways

• Secret Sessions: Ty Simpson met with Sean McVay for “hours and hours” before the draft, contradicting his initial claim of only brief contact.
• Football-Focused: The meetings were purely about scheme and quarterback play, with Simpson describing them as “like a kid in a candy store.”
• Strategic Secrecy: The Rams kept their interest in Simpson private to avoid tipping off other teams.
• Long-Term Fit: The connection between McVay and Simpson could accelerate the rookie’s development in Los Angeles.
• Draft Surprise: The No. 13 pick was a stunner, but the behind-the-scenes work suggests the Rams had targeted Simpson all along.

What’s Next

Simpson will join the Rams for their offseason program, where he’ll begin working with McVay and the coaching staff in earnest. The team’s mandatory minicamp in June will offer the first public glimpse of how the rookie is adapting to the NFL.

For now, the secret meetings remain a fascinating footnote in a draft that continues to unfold. But for the Rams and their new quarterback, the real work is just beginning.

What do you consider of the Rams’ draft strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.