Head coach Sean McVay appeared less than enthusiastic during the post-pick press conference on Thursday, but later explained his demeanor was due to an unrelated matter, not displeasure with the pick. McVay stated he is 'in lockstep' with general manager Les Snead and excited about the pick. Simpson did not work out for the Rams in the pre-draft process and has never met McVay, according to The Guardian.
McVay said Matthew Stafford remains the team's starting quarterback and that Simpson will compete for the backup job with Stetson Bennett IV. McVay added that Stafford could play into his late 40s. Simpson received a text from Kelly Stafford, Matthew Stafford's wife, welcoming him to the team, but has not spoken directly with Matthew Stafford since being drafted.
Simpson started only 15 games in college. According to The Guardian, Simpson is 6ft1in and 211lb, considered undersized for an NFL quarterback, and lacks elite athletic tools, drawing comparisons to Mac Jones or Brock Purdy. He also suffered a rib injury in college that affected his performance in the second half of the season.