Ty Simpson was a polarizing draft pick for the Los Angeles Rams, but he has a strong support system that includes Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Tyler Booker.
Booker was the 12th overall pick of the 2024 draft, one slot ahead of where the Rams selected Simpson. Before that, though, he was keeping the pocket clean for Simpson and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The bond the duo forged there remains strong as ever amid the hot takes about Simpson.
Tyler Booker Sends Heartfelt Message to Ty Simpson
GettyDallas Cowboys offensive lineman Tyler Booker reflected on his own draft journey in his message to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson.
Booker called Simpson his “brother for life” in a post on X on April 26, sharing a video from the NFL of his draft-night message to his former teammate and the Rams’ new QB.
“Ty, a year ago today, when I walked off the stage, I told you that you were going to be here, and here we are, man. I’m very excited for you. I’m very proud of you, just for everything that you’ve been through, everything that you’ve grown through. In a day and age where everybody can transfer, move, leave, you decide to stay. You’re a man of your word, you’re a man of God, and I really admire you, bro. I really do,” Booker said in the video.
“I’m so blessed that God has given us this relationship, this brotherhood that we share. And I’m very excited for you and the fam going into this next journey of life. But this is only the beginning. You’re off to one great start. I love you, bro. I’m always going to be there for you. I’ll always have your back forever and always. I love you, man. Excited for your next journey.”
After watching the video, Simpson said, “It means the world. I invited him here tonight because he’s my best friend. A guy who I lean on in times of struggle. And something that I’m always going to cherish is our friendship.”
Notably, Simpson and the Rams will host Booker and the Cowboys in 2026.
The Rams certainly hope that they do not need to turn to Simpson at that point, save for mop-up duty. However, there figures to be a warm greeting postgame, regardless of the outcome.
Insider Defends Rams Drafting Ty Simpson
GettyTy Simpson could prove the Los Angeles Rams made the right choice in due time.
The Rams are not shying away from the notion that their 2026 draft class, led by Simpson, was geared more toward the future than the present, and the incoming rookie is generating plenty of strong feedback.
LA was one win away from the Super Bowl last season. The Rams also have several players who are up for contract extensions, including star wide receiver Puka Nacua.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano called the idea of the Rams regretting the decision an “overreaction.”
“The Rams don’t have any pressing needs on their 2026 roster. They used their own first-round pick to trade for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. You can make a strong case that they don’t need anything more than they might need a quarterback a year from now, if [Matthew] Stafford decides to retire. This is clearly a quarterback about whom Rams coach Sean McVay has conviction, and the team obviously trusts McVay when it comes to his QB evaluation,” Graziano wrote in an article on April 26.
“Heck, if he’s what McVay thinks he is, it’s not out of the question to think Simpson could help them in 2026 if Stafford has to miss a game or two and they need their backup to win a game. The Rams are an organization that has earned the benefit of the doubt. I’d be surprised if this pick costs them a chance at next year’s Super Bowl. I would not be surprised if Simpson turns out to be Stafford’s successor and this looks like a very smart pick in retrospect.”
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