Rams safety lauds Simpson’s tactical acumen, distinguishes arm talent from Stafford
Speaking on Underdog’s “The Arena: Gridiron,” Lake notes Ty Simpson’s high football intelligence and calculated decision-making, while reserving elite arm talent comparisons for Matthew Stafford and a select group of peers.
Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake has commended the rapid development of rookie quarterback Ty Simpson, who was selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Speaking on Underdog’s “The Arena: Gridiron” podcast, Lake highlighted Simpson’s high football intelligence and ability to execute throws during early offseason workouts. While acknowledging Simpson’s strong arm, Lake distinguished him from veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, describing Stafford as a "different breed" with elite arm talent comparable only to Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Justin Herbert. Lake attributed Simpson’s quick adaptation to the support structure surrounding him, including Stafford and head coach Sean McVay.
Lake appeared on the podcast on May 29, 2026, to discuss Simpson’s progress following his transition from a one-year starter at Alabama. Although Lake admitted he has not yet lined up directly across from Simpson in team drills, he has reviewed film to assess the rookie’s baseline intelligence and technical execution. Lake described Simpson as "very calculated," noting his ability to read the offense and anticipate plays effectively during the early stages of his professional career.
The Rams’ decision to draft Simpson was viewed as a bold move given the complexity of head coach Sean McVay’s high-octane offensive system. Lake observed that Simpson is navigating these early challenges remarkably well, attributing his rapid comfort level to the exceptional infrastructure and personnel surrounding him in Los Angeles. He noted that having access to guidance from experienced leadership has been instrumental in Simpson’s ability to click with the system.
A significant component of that support structure is veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has publicly stated he is prepared to provide Simpson with everything needed to succeed. Stafford, a 17-year NFL veteran and former MVP, remains under contract with the Rams for at least two more years. This contract length reduces the immediate pressure on Simpson to assume a starting role, allowing him to develop without the urgency of replacing an incumbent unless unforeseen circumstances arise.
Despite the optimism surrounding Simpson’s projectable traits, Lake was careful to manage expectations regarding raw physical tools. He clarified that while Simpson possesses a great arm, it does not yet reach the elite tier of Stafford, whom Lake described as capable of throwing 60 yards in the air on a dime with no hitch. Lake emphasized that Stafford’s arm talent is in a category shared only by a select few in the league, underscoring the developmental gap between the rookie and the veteran.
Simpson’s path to the starting lineup will likely be gradual, given his limited college experience and the stability of the current quarterback room. The presence of Stafford and McVay provides a front-row seat to one of the most effective head coach-quarterback duos in the NFL. Lake’s comments suggest that while the physical tools are promising, it is the mental processing and institutional support that are currently driving Simpson’s early success.
As the offseason workouts continue, the focus remains on refining Simpson’s technical execution and deepening his understanding of the offensive scheme. The Rams have invested significant capital in his potential, but the timeline for his ascent to the starting position remains speculative. For now, the organization appears content to let Simpson learn from the best, leveraging the existing hierarchy to ensure a smooth transition into the NFL.
