2026 NFL Draft

[Cobra Mgr]

Originally Posted by Ragnar

Another draft oddity. Why did the Chiefs move up from pick 9 to pick 6 just to take a CB? I thought they were going to take Caleb Downs. They gave up a 3rd round pick and other picks to move up 3 spots for a player that would have been there at pick 9!

The only team interested in that CB was the Cowboys at pick 12. But they ended up getting downs.

How do you know for certain a player had no interest by anyone before 9? How do you know no one had any interest in Simpson before the Rams picked again? How do you know Jones would have been available to the Giants when their next pick came around?

[WooBallFan43]

I don't know. I'm not an NFL GM or coach. I am not an all-knowing omniscient being who knows everything, everywhere, all at once. We can only think. Simpson was going to go Round 2 in a normal draft. If it wasn't for the Rams, the highest he would have gone was to Pittsburgh at 21. QB's are necessary and there IS some inherent bias for them. It's why the Heisman/MVP have become the Best QB award instead of the best player award. I feel like this draft is similar to 2019 in QB talent, with a Heisman finalist drafted #1 and nobody else.

[Cobra Mgr]

Originally Posted by WooBallFan43

I don't know. I'm not an NFL GM or coach. I am not an all-knowing omniscient being who knows everything, everywhere, all at once. We can only think. Simpson was going to go Round 2 in a normal draft. If it wasn't for the Rams, the highest he would have gone was to Pittsburgh at 21. QB's are necessary and there IS some inherent bias for them. It's why the Heisman/MVP have become the Best QB award instead of the best player award. I feel like this draft is similar to 2019 in QB talent, with a Heisman finalist drafted #1 and nobody else.

Agreed. All they are doing is guessing & assuming to the best of their ability. But we all know how the game is played. Teams put out false information & the media, determined to act like they know more than we do, eat it up & vomit it out. Why would a GM trust what the draft gurus say about X player's value to the rest of the league? Why would they trust X team is/isn't looking @ a certain position? If the Rams felt Simpson was a bonafide star, it would be sheer ego for them to assume no one else picked up on that.

So again, I don't criticize a team for going "early" after a player they felt was good & could help. If in 5 seasons, the selections you picked are signing their 2nd contracts, everyone will proclaim you a genius. I criticize for going after a player that doesn't help.

[Ragnar]

Originally Posted by Cobra Mgr

How do you know for certain a player had no interest by anyone before 9? How do you know no one had any interest in Simpson before the Rams picked again? How do you know Jones would have been available to the Giants when their next pick came around?

Just educated guesses based on who is in front of you, the player himself, and other players left on the board. There was a very high probability Delane would have been there at 9.

Washington and the Saints weren't taking him. Everyone knew the Browns wanted to trade back. That was the risk. Another team trading up with the Browns and taking him. Possible, but unlikely.

[Sweed]

Originally Posted by Cobra Mgr

I know what they are thinking. I didn't ask the Rams brass what they thought of Simpson. I asked YOU.

You are in no position to defend or support the draft pick if you have no opinions on the player.

Wow, what an idiotic thing to say. What the Rams think should be a huge part of how anyone looks at the pick. Context matters. You asked if I thought Simpson was a Pro Bowler in waiting. That is the question I answered. FWIW it's something I never think of because pro bowl QB means nothing in my eyes. Shedeur is a pro bowl QB. When Manning and Luck were in the draft pro bowl was never a part of my thoughts.

The first thing I look at is can they make all of the NFL throws. I don't want a guy that is smart but limited. Then does he show an ability to anticipate throws. The combine and pundits seemed to agree he can make the throws. The examples I've seen of Simpson on film seem to show he anticipates throws well too. My opinion is he has the arm and appears to have the smarts. I've already stated I don't think he's too short comparing him to Nix. I've already stated only having 15 starts is a concern. Whether he's worth the 13th pick to be determined by who takes him and the situation he will going into. In my opinion in the context of going to the Rams he is worth the pick. Should I have written a legal brief to cover all possibilities and avoid any confusion? I guess in a thread where you have basically only said

If Simpson is not the LA Rams starting QB from 2027(8) til 2040 this will be a stupid pick. That is the only way this pick will make any sense.

I didn't think that detail was needed.


You say they have to think Simpson is their Peyton, Luck, etc. He was selected 13th not 1st. One slot behind where Denver took Bo Nix. Are you comparing Nix to Peyton and Luck? Be prepared to back that up with your grading of all three from you film study. In your posts you say Simpson had better be a pro-bowl QB. Shedeur Sanders is a pro-bowl QB.

The Rams are a rare team that is so good they find themselves in a fairly unique situation. They can afford to make this pick even if it fails**. If the Jets had traded back to 13 and given the Rams number 2 so they could get Love, and took Simpson at 13? That would be a reach. They're the Jets. IT IS A GOOD PICK BECAUSE THEY ARE THE RAMS. The ability they have shown in picking and developing players is why I think it is a good pick.

I don't need to see tons of game film to make a decision. He went to the combine and did very well in the throwing drills, ie he can make all NFL throws. I can watch those that know more than me dissect Simpson's game film highlighting receivers, windows down field, and how well he anticipated the opening and made the throw. How can I trust these "experts" that are showing me this film? I don't. I just watch the film and think he looks pretty good. But I don't base my thought on whether Simpson is a good pick based on these film clips. I never thought he was a good or bad pick in context of the 13th overall pick until McVay and Snead selected him.

Your argument is "he doesn't help this year". Congratulations on the depth of thinking it took to come up with that. You say you think he is average but not what you base that on. You say you "know what they (Rams) are thinking" and obviously disagree. Well, I know what they are thinking too but, unlike you I agree with them.

You're so worried about how much I haven't seen him play? There is tons of reports and film out there that fills one in quickly on what players can or can't do. Simpson has a ton of "experts" posting film study. I didn't see Jered Verse play a single college football game, yet I was confident he was going to be a very good NFL player. I never saw Randy Moss play a college football game (only highlights) and yet I thought he was going to be great. My opinion was based on film clips from various sports reports. It's not different for Simpson other than I only think he could be very good, but not as confident as I was for Verse or Moss.
I take all of that into my opinion, but none of that is enough in my mind to take Simpson at 13. What makes the pick "good for the Rams" in my opinion is McVay's and Snead's history of selecting and developing players. IOW the Rams thinking is what tips the scale towards my opinion that it is a good pick. Can't have one without the other.

Originally Posted by Sweed

Out of curiosity how much film did you study to make your decision for any of the picks in the draft? I'm guessing hundreds and thousands? If not how can you have a meaningful opinion on any pick? Who did the Rams miss out on based on your film study? Keep in mind if you don't "know" the player you can't have an opinion.

All of your player opinions have come from your personal study of game film, right?

Still waiting for your answer. Perhaps you could post your Simpson grades along with everyone picked in the first round? Without that you are in no position to criticize or support any picks in the draft.

**The Niners traded up to get Tre Lance. They're still doing ok. Do you know why? Because they are a well run franchise. Well run teams can take more chances than teams that are not well run. And we're back to why I believe it is a good pick.

[Sweed]

Originally Posted by dsvitak

I agree with your take. Lemon at WR is a HUGE upgrade, and makes it much more likely to win this year. Simpson isn't going anywhere, and wasn't going to be drafted anytime soon.

Said the Saints when KC traded up and took Mahomes.

[Sweed]

Originally Posted by Cobra Mgr

The problem is the media. You got all these "experts", draft aficionados & gurus ready to pounce on any perceived mistake & hyping any pick they think will make a good story. And owners & GM's wanting to win the front page. They don't just compete on the field. They want to pump out their chest @ the next owner's meeting. Look w/pride at the A+ Mel Kiper gives him on ESPN.

There are no winners after the draft. The winners are decided 4-5 years later. That's why I don't care about dropping down, maneuvering here & there , picking someone too early or too late.

The object is to find a player you can put to use for seasons to come w/every selection you have.

That's it. If you need a QB & you think Simpson is the next John Elway, you pick him. I don't care where in the draft you are. You don't take the risk somebody else hasn't clued in on what you figured out.

Again, my problem is the Rams aren't going to use him until Stafford retires. They took a pass on finding a player that could help them make a Super Bowl run, now.

Yes, I brought up the media before. Looking for clicks and dollars by stirring the pot. You thought the Rams were looking for an A+ from Mel by picking Simpson? He gave them a C+ while agreeing with you they should have taken a player for today. But the Rams "go there own way" and take what they think is best for them knowing the "experts" and media will jump on them and... you side with Mel? Ok.

So if the Jets had the 13th, thought Simpson was their guy, they should take him because they could use him right away? And that would be a good thing? With the Jets? For the record I've already stated the Jets taking Ty at 13 would be a waste. Rams at 13? A good pick based on them being the Rams.

Let's review. The Rams filled their CB need with the 29th pick by trade. Getting a better CB than any they could get in the draft. They also picked up a second CB in FA. They literally missed the SB last year because their punt returner couldn't be relied on to catch a punt in multiple games. Not because the team didn't have depth.

[Cobra Mgr]

Originally Posted by Sweed

I didn't have a thought on it either way. The same way I never thought about it with MaHomes, Drake Maye, or Bo Nix (12th overall pick). "Too short?" Simpson is an inch shorter than Nix and about 5 lbs lighter. I'm not concerned with size since Simpson is mobile enough. Would you agree when Simpson gets to play, if he puts up Nix's numbers he is well worth the pick? I think that would be a "win" for the Rams.

I've watched maybe 20 minutes of an Alabama game this year. It is the only time I know of where I saw Simpson play live over the last 3 to 4 years. All I know of him is that small sample and "how good he is" as reported by different pundits. These are some of the same pundits that "know" what is going through McVay's mind during the interview. Best I can tell from all of the reports is he has NFL talent but, only 15 college starts. As a football fan I'll say the 15 starts concern me. I'll also say the Rams know way more than me and I'll defer to their judgement.

The Rams on the other hand didn't select Simpson because Snead is a friend of the family. This isn't the Dodger selecting Mike Piazza with a late seemingly meaningless pick in the 62nd round as a "favor". The Rams making the pick is the result of their research into Simpson and believing they can make it work. The Rams know more about their situation than me, you, or any of their critics. I find it hilarious that John Lynch has the balls to smirk or say anything. Hey John how's that Trey Lance pick working out for you?

Time will tell if Simpson works out or not. But the Rams have been quite successful in the draft during the Snead/McVay era. I'll go with "they know what they are doing" six days a week and twice on Sunday over the "know it all-s" on tv or the internet.

Silly me. Here I thought that when someone was asked "True or False", somewhere in their "response" would be "True or False". Boy, is my face red.
I bet if you were asked "what is 2+2?", your answer would be "George Washington".

My response wasn't idiotic. An idiotic response would be typing several paragraphs on a topic while admitting you have never even thought about the topic. You've proven an opinion isn't necessarily an informed opinion. Sometimes it is just a blowhard in love with his perceived intelligence.

[Sweed]

Originally Posted by Cobra Mgr

Silly me. Here I thought that when someone was asked "True or False", somewhere in their "response" would be "True or False". Boy, is my face red.
I bet if you were asked "what is 2+2?", your answer would be "George Washington".

My response wasn't idiotic. An idiotic response would be typing several paragraphs on a topic while admitting you have never even thought about the topic. You've proven an opinion isn't necessarily an informed opinion. Sometimes it is just a blowhard in love with his perceived intelligence.

It was idiotic. It just wasn't as idiotic as the drivel in this post. Notice how you say "while admitting you have never even thought about the topic" yet you're leaving out the context of my post being, I don't think about the "pro bowl" in regard to a player being selected and whether he's worth the pick. Very weak statement on your part. Nice try.

I've told you what I based my opinion on. I guess the "several paragraphs" went over your head? Scratch that, obviously the several paragraphs" went over your head.

Where we have no detail is on how you come up with your opinion. I guess you're not going to answer the question on how much film you are watching to come up with your opinions on the draft? Didn't think so. Until you do there is no reason to take anything you are saying about the draft, or any pick in the draft seriously.

[WooBallFan43]

The Pro Bowl's useless as a factor anyway. With career backups like Shedeur and Huntley making it what is even the definition of an All-Pro anymore? It's like Sheldon Neuse or Darwin Barney making the All Star team. Utterly incompetent and idiotic and brings the whole process in disrepute. Kind of like Cobra's claims.

[Cobra Mgr]

Originally Posted by WooBallFan43

The Pro Bowl's useless as a factor anyway. With career backups like Shedeur and Huntley making it what is even the definition of an All-Pro anymore? It's like Sheldon Neuse or Darwin Barney making the All Star team. Utterly incompetent and idiotic and brings the whole process in disrepute. Kind of like Cobra's claims.

My mention of "Pro Bowl QB" was merely a shortcut to describe what Simpson had to be in order to make the pick stand up. In other words, he'd have to be a durable, well-above average starting QB for years to come. Consistently among the top 7 or 8 in the NFL. And I'd quantify that even further......Since they gave up a chance to have an active player while in the thick of SB contention, he'd need to at least start one SB season just for the Rams to break even. Two in order to come out ahead.

[WooBallFan43]

A Super Bowl winning season is lofty. Allen and Lamar haven't even made one, yet they're still top 5 at their position. And Lamar was kind of in a Ty Simpson/Love-esque position himself, backing up Flacco for the first part of the season.

"He'd need to at least start one SB season just for the Rams to break even. Two in order to come out ahead."


I would be fine if he made it to the NFC Championship game once. Because with the other QBs in the NFC (Williams, Daniels, Goff, Darnold, Purdy) he may never get to a Super Bowl. Plus, I don't think Simpson has the talent to be a good QB in the NFL.

[Ragnar]

Originally Posted by WooBallFan43

A Super Bowl winning season is lofty. Allen and Lamar haven't even made one, yet they're still top 5 at their position. And Lamar was kind of in a Ty Simpson/Love-esque position himself, backing up Flacco for the first part of the season.

"He'd need to at least start one SB season just for the Rams to break even. Two in order to come out ahead."


I would be fine if he made it to the NFC Championship game once. Because with the other QBs in the NFC (Williams, Daniels, Goff, Darnold, Purdy) he may never get to a Super Bowl. Plus, I don't think Simpson has the talent to be a good QB in the NFL.

Take a guess at how many teams won a SB with a QB at or above 13% of the cap. It's a very short list. It's teams with QBs on rookie contracts or at or around 10% of the cap.

[Cobra Mgr]

Originally Posted by WooBallFan43

A Super Bowl winning season is lofty. Allen and Lamar haven't even made one, yet they're still top 5 at their position. And Lamar was kind of in a Ty Simpson/Love-esque position himself, backing up Flacco for the first part of the season.

"He'd need to at least start one SB season just for the Rams to break even. Two in order to come out ahead."


I would be fine if he made it to the NFC Championship game once. Because with the other QBs in the NFC (Williams, Daniels, Goff, Darnold, Purdy) he may never get to a Super Bowl. Plus, I don't think Simpson has the talent to be a good QB in the NFL.

I know it is lofty. But because of the scenario, yeah, it fits. Rams have basically said what they have on their team pre-draft is enough to take the next step &/or Simpson was worth sacrificing that SB '26 opportunity. And the only way to exceed the worth of one SB is 2 of them.