On Tape: Louis Riddick's Masterclass Breakdown of the Rams and Quarterback Strategy
Scouts who rely solely on box scores missed Simpson's upside. During his time at Alabama, Simpson spent substantial stretches navigating congested depth charts, learning behind top-tier athletes while maximizing spot appearances. In his NFL Draft film study, Riddick isolated the subtle mechanical traits that translate directly from college tape to professional hash marks.
First is suddenness in the pocket. When edge rushers compress the edges, Simpson does not drop his eyes; he slides laterally while maintaining downfield torque. Riddick highlighted his short-area burst, allowing him to evade free rushers, reset his base in a fraction of a second, and deliver the ball on time. Second is arm elasticity. McVay's offense thrives on layered intermediate throws: deep crossers, glance routes, and seam benders. Simpson generates velocity without requiring a massive windup, flicking the ball with torque generated from his hips rather than his shoulder.