Rams’ new-look defense shines early in minicamp practice

WOODLAND HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 2: Trent McDuffie #22 of the Los Angeles Rams is playfully pushed by head coach Sean McVay during organized team activities workout at Rams Village at the Warner Center on June 2, 2026 in Woodland Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

This summer was supposed to be Stetson Bennett's opportunity to take hold of the L.A. Rams' backup quarterback position, as Matthew Stafford is expected to rest for the majority of offseason practices and drills. His timing couldn't be worse. The Rams have gone from a good defense to a unit featuring Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie. Garrett was out there with the Rams on Monday:

Myles Garrett pic.twitter.com/iGImn1saHf

- Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) June 8, 2026

Even though Bennett is almost 30 and entering his fourth season, OTAs is proving to be sort of a Welcome to the NFL" moment for him. McDuffie intercepted Bennett as he attempted to throw an out route to Puka Nacua on Monday.

New Rams All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie just undercut an out throw from Stetson Bennett to Puka Nacua and picked it off.

Some hoops and hollers from the Rams defense on that one.

- Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) June 8, 2026

All the more reason for Ty Simpson to get up to speed.

Will Ty Simpson be the backup?

Bennett, a fourth round pick in 2022, has yet to be more than a third-string quarterback in the NFL. It's rare for a player to last this long on a team that drafted him when he's never even been a backup before.

Even so, Ty Simpson is thought to be even further away from readiness for the NFL.

Bennett is getting the chance of a lifetime in 2026. As Stafford rests up for his 18th season, Bennett has the opportunity to wrestle control of the backup quarterback position by being the de facto first-string QB. However, his career has always been marred by turnovers and questions of arm strength, neither of which looked any better on Monday.

Ready or not, Ty Simpson's day could come sooner than L.A. had hoped for when they drafted him.