The Los Angeles Rams rookie Ty Simpson just showed the NFL why he was picked as the No. 13 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, with NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe also lauding him for his performance at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Rams played the Kansas City Chiefs for a 20-12 win on August 15. Following the win, Sharpe had some positive comments for Simpson on his Nightcap podcast. Simpson completed 21-of-25 passes for 190 passing yards. He also recorded two passing touchdowns to running back Dean Connors.

"He was as good a quarterback as they had in all of college football. And then all of a sudden, you look at him; he's a big, nice kid," Sharpe said. "Nice pocket presence, nice arm, can throw on the move. Hey, Ty Simpson was nice, man."

Sharpe talked about Simpson's college days on the Nightcap podcast on August 16. Simpson played four years for the Alabama Crimson Tide, recording 334 of 523 passes for 3,948 yards. He led the Southeastern Conference for passes completed and attempted in 2025 with 305 of 473 passes.

He also recorded 28 passing touchdowns and five interceptions. Furthermore, he gained 223 yards on 112 rushing attempts and recorded five rushing touchdowns during his college career.

Ty Simpson on his NFL exposure amid coach Sean McVay's comments on him

While Simpson shone throughout the game, he did not feel the same when he entered the game. But his confidence kept growing as he played.

"I definitely felt more comfortable than I ever had in a game," Simpson said, according to therams.com. "But I also didn't know what to expect. First NFL game, first live NFL game against an NFL team. But once that first drive got done with, I was like, 'all right, yeah, this is just like playing in the backyard in the morning."

While Simpson did not get as many reps in training camp because quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett IV got more drives per practice, Simpson emerged as the hidden gem.

Not only Simpson, but head coach Sean McVay also made positive comments about the rookie.

"I thought Ty had great command all day," McVay said. "He was able to get through good progressions, got a lot of different guys involved. I thought he took what the defense gave him. I thought he read the plays out, read with his feet. He did a really good job overall."

Simpson has definitely shown his abilities during this preseason game. The Rams will next play against the New Orleans Saints on August 22 in Week 2 of the preseason.

Do you think Simpson has potential as a starter?

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi