The NFL Draft buzz is still echoing through the league, and at the center of the conversation is the Los Angeles Rams' bold selection of quarterback Ty Simpson. Nearly two weeks after the pick, anonymous voices from the SEC are raising eyebrows—and a few doubts—about whether Simpson was truly worth a first-round selection.

Speaking to ESPN, one SEC coach didn't hold back: "For him to go that high, I was a little bit like, 'Wow, OK.' I don't know how he practices, I don't know his mind. They were saying he was banged up in the back stretch, but he was just OK. Maybe he has those qualities that you can't coach that some of these [NFL teams] fell in love with."

Another SEC coordinator offered a more nuanced take, suggesting the Rams' system might be the perfect landing spot: "It's a great fit for him from a system standpoint, and who he's going to be behind for a year. There are a lot of similarities [with Matthew Stafford]. The pick was the biggest surprise—a guy who didn't have a ton of starts, but when he played, he played well. His long game is going to be really good."

Simpson's college resume certainly shows flashes of brilliance. Before a back injury sidelined his momentum, he was a top Heisman candidate. The injury, which occurred during a game against Missouri, led to some inconsistency down the stretch. Still, Simpson rallied his team to an SEC Championship appearance, an 11-win season, and a memorable road victory in the College Football Playoff over Oklahoma.

What really caught scouts' attention, however, was Simpson's football IQ. His deep understanding of the game set him apart, even if some SEC insiders question his readiness for the next level. The Rams, clearly, see something special—and they're betting big on his potential.

Whether Simpson silences the doubters or proves the critics right, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on him when he steps onto the field in Los Angeles.