The NFL chatter is already wild, with word out of LA that rookie quarterback Ty Simpson is having some real trouble getting adjusted to the Rams' offense. It's only his first training camp, sure, but the whispers are turning into full-blown shouts, with some league insiders already saying the Rams pulled the trigger way too early on drafting him. This isn't just low-key talk, folks, it's a full-on debate.
NFL Experts Are Calling It Early
Former draft scout Daniel Kelly didn't mince words, taking to X to declare Simpson was drafted way too high and is basically "doomed to be a backup quarterback." Kelly pulled no punches, stating flat out, "Ty Simpson never belonged in the first- or second-round conversation." Oof. That's a gut punch for a rookie already. He's not alone, either. Kelly was echoing comments from Washington Commanders GM Scot McCloughan, who hopped on Team 980 in D.C. to share his own blunt assessment. McCloughan thinks the Alabama QB is "overdrafted," adding, "But it's the position alone, you know. I think, not being a guru, but he's like J.J. McCarthy. He's like Mac Jones. He's a career backup." Talk about a scorching take right out of the gate! When GMs are dropping those kinds of comparisons before a guy even gets through camp, you know there's some real concern brewing.Camp Whispers and the Stafford Shadow
The root of all this chatter? Reports from Rams camp suggest Simpson hasn't been able to separate himself from third-stringer Stetson Bennett. Yeah, *that* Stetson Bennett. While Bennett has apparently looked better recently, he hasn't exactly been good enough to leapfrog Simpson just yet. Honestly, we haven't seen a single rookie really light it up in OTAs or mini-camp this year, which isn't great news across the board. The plan for Simpson was always to learn behind NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, not to instantly take his job. The expectation is simple: pick up the offense, then move forward. It's worth remembering Simpson didn't start until his senior year at Alabama, getting to learn from guys like Jalen Milroe and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. So, the kid doesn't seem to mind waiting his turn. And when his number was called last season at Alabama, he absolutely proved his value to their offense. But the pressure is on now. With those kinds of labels already floating around, Simpson needs to lock in and show everyone why the Rams picked him. Can he block out the noise and prove these experts wrong? The next few weeks of camp are going to be absolutely critical for him to turn this narrative around.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.