But, mainly because I was suprised by it. I never imagined they'd go that route. But NONE of us knew the grand plan behind it that centered on Myles Garrett.
I completely understand their critieria and their logic now that it's been presented and executed.
We don't need to go into how pivotal selecting Simpson was to making the play for Garrett... it's been well discussed.
And, yes, it was for a team like the Rams a "bonus" pick in every way. The previous year, they were going to use their late 1st round pick on Ferguson. Instead, they traded that late 1st round pick for a far earlier 1st round plus a 2nd, and got their guy anyway in the second. I'm sure the Rams FO were as shocked that Atlanta went for that as was the entire rest of the league, the media, and nearly every NFL football fan.
Knowing with Stafford's age they needed a future QB, and knowing full well what it was going to take for the Rams to trade up in 2027 to be in positition to get one (pushing a lot of future eggs into one risky basket), they liked what they saw in Simpson and made the move.
They knew Simpson was NOT ready. But, he had all the tools, the temperament, the coaching, the fast processing mind, etc. Better to develop him a year in the Rams system under Pro coaching than another year in college was their thought.
Fans tend to forget how the can't miss QBs often do. How much and how high of draft capital is spent to get one. I don't need to name a long list, we all know who they are.
ALL QB choices are risks. ALL QB choices are wait and see.
So, I'm wait and see for Simpson, just as much as I am for Fernandez. And, the list of projected top college QBs today will change drastically by the time the 2027 draft rolls around. It always does and always will.
And BTW: From a pure strategic standpoint, the Rams have NOT wed their future to Simpson. If a year of development produces poor results, they can move on with little cost. But, when you pay a lot of draft picks for a QB, or take one in the top 10, you ARE wed to that guy for several years. The Rams pick of Simpson will NOT determine the fate of the Rams for next 3 years or so; but the Raider's pick will. And so will other teams who took guys really high the year before, and will take a guy really high next year.
It was a very high reward, low risk pick for an attempt at the Rams future Franchise QB.
