Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has been a big topic of conversation after his press conference following the first round of the NFL Draft went viral.
On social media, multiple videos of McVay’s body language and demeanor made the rounds, all of which suggested the head coach was unhappy with the selection of Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick in the NFL Draft.
The Rams were long linked to drafting Makai Lemon, the USC wide receiver, or another offensive weapon that could help out immediately.
With franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford at the helm and nearing the end of his career, the Rams were seemingly headed toward being all-in for the next few years, hoping to maximize the current veterans, including Stafford.
Video of the post-draft call saw Simpson say, “Let’s go make history, coach.” In response, McVay said, “Yeah … Hey, enjoy this night — you earned it.”Fans have read this as McVay not being as excited as a head coach usually is when taking a quarterback this high in the draft.
During the press conference with reporters, McVay made it clear that Stafford is the team’s quarterback and that the team is focused on making the most of the veteran above all else.
“There were a lot of players that we liked, but when you do look at it, I think the thing you liked about the body of work is … let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew’s team,” McVay said.
“You get a chance to be able to address the backup quarterback.”
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While the optics of the pick and reaction afterward were puzzling, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has reported that the head coach was acting out of respect for Stafford, not getting too gleeful about drafting his successor.
“Multiple team sources said they believe McVay might have felt the need to downplay the pick in order to accentuate his confidence in Stafford,” Fowler reported.
“He will be cautious and protective of Matt, and rightfully so,” a team source told Fowler. “I think Sean is excited for the pick. The appreciation for the tape was the biggest thing.”
Additionally, the report made it clear that McVay and general manager Les Sneed were on the same page regarding the draft pick, and that it was reached collaboratively rather than Sneed riding solo.
Time will tell whether Simpson, a fringe first-rounder according to experts, is worthy of the drama and selection, but McVay, as an elite offensive mind, has earned the benefit of the doubt regarding offensive decision-making and player development.
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