Long secret meetings between Sean McVay and rookie quarterback Simpson confirm the head coach was fully invested in drafting him 13th overall as the future of the franchise. The Rams intentionally kept their interest quiet, even instructing Simpson to hide their pre-draft interactions to ensure they could secure him as Matthew Stafford’s successor.

If he ever wants to leave coaching, McVay will have a successful career in acting. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Simpson is viewed as the heir apparent and expected to spend his first two NFL seasons developing on the bench while Stafford remains the starter.