Quarterback Ty Simpson, selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2024 NFL Draft, disclosed on Monday that he held a private meeting with head coach Sean McVay prior to the draft. The revelation came during an interview with ESPN Radio’s Ian Fitzsimmons, reported by Sarah Barshop of ESPN.
Simpson initially described his interaction with Rams personnel at the Alabama Pro Day workout as a “brief” meeting with scouts. In the recent interview, he clarified that the encounter was a “secret meeting” arranged by McVay. Simpson said the discussion lasted several hours and covered football strategy and the team’s expectations.
“We tried to keep this under wraps as long as we could,” Simpson told Fitzsimmons. “I was told not to say anything because they didn’t want anybody to know.” He added that the Rams wanted to keep their interest confidential to avoid alerting other teams, which could have prompted a trade-up move against the Rams.
The Rams selected Simpson in the later rounds of the draft, a decision that had been scrutinized after McVay’s subdued reaction on draft day, when he was seen sitting next to general manager Les Snead with his hands in his pockets. By confirming the private meeting, Simpson provides context for the low‑key demeanor, suggesting that the coaching staff’s interest was genuine but intentionally concealed.
The disclosure does not affect Simpson’s contractual status with the Rams; the team retains his rights per the draft selection. However, the information offers insight into the organization’s internal decision‑making process and illustrates the lengths NFL teams may go to protect their draft strategies.
For the Rams, the admission underscores their commitment to developing Simpson as a potential future starter. For analysts and fans, the episode highlights the strategic confidentiality that often surrounds late‑round selections and the impact of pre‑draft meetings on team evaluations.
Simpson is expected to report to rookie minicamp later this week, where he will begin learning the Rams’ offensive system under McVay’s guidance. The upcoming training camp will provide further opportunities for the quarterback to demonstrate his capabilities and for the organization to assess his fit within the roster.
