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The Los Angeles Rams’ pick of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round of this year’s NFL draft raised eyebrows around the league, but a former Ram who is in the Hall of Fame is supporting the team’s decision.
Jerome Bettis, who is best known for his lengthy tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers but who began his career as a Ram in Los Angeles, spoke with sportswriter DJ Saddiqi and explained why Simpson was the right pick, even with reigning MVP Matthew Stafford still behind center.
As Bettis pointed out to Saddiqi, the Rams were oh-so-close to a Super Bowl berth last year.
Given acquisitions like Myles Garrett, the Rams are likely considered even more capable of a title run.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson is selected by the Los Angeles Rams as the number 13 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
So when you already have the pieces in place, “it’s about depth,” Bettis explained.
“When you’re drafting for depth, where do you want the best depth? At the quarterback position? So they did exactly what they were supposed to do,” he said. “You draft for depth when you’re a championship team, and the quarterback position is where you ultimately need the best depth over the course of the season, because when you lose your starting quarterback, you’re in big trouble unless you’ve got depth right. You got another really good player right behind him, and that’s what they’ve done.”
And not only does the Ram’s move allow them to better withstand an injury to Stafford, but it will set the team up for future success as well, Bettis said.
While Stafford may not have loved the team using a first-round draft pick on his successor, it could benefit the Rams in a huge way.
Bettis cited examples like Patrick Mahomes sitting behind Alex Smith for the Kansas City Chiefs and Aaron Rodgers sitting behind Brett Favre as examples of organizational forethought and patience resulting in championships.
Alternatively, Bettis’ Steelers have struggled to replace Ben Roethlisberger, he explained.
“You can’t knock what the Rams have done, because when you look at teams, for instance, you look at the Steelers,” he said. “They were playing for championships, and did they ever think about the quarterback position? They did not, not until Ben was in the latter part of his career.
“And by that point they were still good enough to win games, but they didn’t have the opportunity to be high in the draft. That’s the scenario that you deal with, and when you don’t have that luxury, you wish you had it, and that’s what’s happening now with the Steelers. But the Rams, I think they did the right thing.”
The post NFL Legend, Former Ram Says Ty Simpson Pick was ‘Right Thing’ appeared first on LA Sports Report.
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Jerome Bettis, who is best known for his lengthy tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers but who began his career as a Ram in Los Angeles, spoke with sportswriter DJ Saddiqi and explained why Simpson was the right pick, even with reigning MVP Matthew Stafford still behind center.
Rams’ recent success creates opportunity for depth
As Bettis pointed out to Saddiqi, the Rams were oh-so-close to a Super Bowl berth last year.
Given acquisitions like Myles Garrett, the Rams are likely considered even more capable of a title run.
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Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson is selected by the Los Angeles Rams as the number 13 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
So when you already have the pieces in place, “it’s about depth,” Bettis explained.
“When you’re drafting for depth, where do you want the best depth? At the quarterback position? So they did exactly what they were supposed to do,” he said. “You draft for depth when you’re a championship team, and the quarterback position is where you ultimately need the best depth over the course of the season, because when you lose your starting quarterback, you’re in big trouble unless you’ve got depth right. You got another really good player right behind him, and that’s what they’ve done.”
And not only does the Ram’s move allow them to better withstand an injury to Stafford, but it will set the team up for future success as well, Bettis said.
The heir apparent method has its advantages
While Stafford may not have loved the team using a first-round draft pick on his successor, it could benefit the Rams in a huge way.
Bettis cited examples like Patrick Mahomes sitting behind Alex Smith for the Kansas City Chiefs and Aaron Rodgers sitting behind Brett Favre as examples of organizational forethought and patience resulting in championships.
Alternatively, Bettis’ Steelers have struggled to replace Ben Roethlisberger, he explained.
“You can’t knock what the Rams have done, because when you look at teams, for instance, you look at the Steelers,” he said. “They were playing for championships, and did they ever think about the quarterback position? They did not, not until Ben was in the latter part of his career.
“And by that point they were still good enough to win games, but they didn’t have the opportunity to be high in the draft. That’s the scenario that you deal with, and when you don’t have that luxury, you wish you had it, and that’s what’s happening now with the Steelers. But the Rams, I think they did the right thing.”
The post NFL Legend, Former Ram Says Ty Simpson Pick was ‘Right Thing’ appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
