Los Angeles – The Rams were discreet about their interest in Ty Simpson before the NFL draft, as the Alabama quarterback kept his meeting with coach Sean McVay “private,” he revealed in an interview with Ian Fitzsimmons on ESPN Radio’s “Amber & Ian.”
The Rams selected Simpson as the 13th pick on Thursday night, likely to succeed Matthew Stafford.
“We tried to keep this under wraps as long as we could,” Simpson mentioned in Monday’s interview. “It was something where I knew they were interested, but they wanted to keep it private and not disclose their interest to others.
“So, I had some secret meetings with Coach McVay, and I just followed their instructions not to reveal anything.”
After being drafted, Simpson played down his pre-draft discussions with the Rams.
“It was really brief, to be honest with you,” he said on Thursday night. “I met with some scouts in Alabama, and that was pretty much it. They spoke to my agent, but it wasn’t extensive.”
In reality, Simpson clarified on Monday that he and McVay had lengthy discussions before the draft.
“We talked for hours and hours,” Simpson shared. “And it was all about football. It felt like a kid in a candy store. He and I were just immersed in football discussions. You can sense his passion for the game and his admiration for quarterback play.
“It’s something I appreciate and enjoy because I love playing the position and respect its value. Being with him, getting to know him, and glimpsing how I would be coached if I were to go there were beyond my expectations.”
Even though McVay expressed his excitement about adding Simpson to the team, he emphasized that Stafford will remain the Rams’ quarterback for as long as he desires.
“When the time comes for [Simpson] to step in as Matthew’s successor, it will be on Matthew’s terms,” McVay stated on Saturday night.
