TEAM: Los Angeles Rams
Overall Draft Grade: C
CLASS OVERVIEW
Total Picks: 4
Primary Needs Entering Draft: CB, LB, WR Depth, DT, Future Offensive Line Help
Positions Addressed: QB, TE, OT, WR, DT
Summary
The Rams entered the 2026 NFL Draft as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, which makes this class somewhat puzzling. Rather than focusing on immediate-impact players who could help push the roster over the top, Los Angeles spent its first-round pick on a developmental quarterback and finished with the smallest draft class in franchise history. While there are some quality additions throughout the class, the lack of defensive reinforcements and limited draft capital leaves questions about whether the Rams maximized their opportunity.
PICK-BY-PICK BREAKDOWN
Round 1, Pick 13 – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
- Evaluation: Smart, experienced quarterback who showed resilience and growth throughout his collegiate career. Possesses good accuracy, leadership traits, and the football intelligence Sean McVay covets.
- Value: Reasonable value if he becomes Matthew Stafford’s successor, but difficult to justify for a team with championship aspirations.
- Scheme Fit: Excellent fit in McVay’s offense due to his processing ability and comfort operating from structure.
- Projected Role: Backup quarterback in 2026 with long-term starter potential.
Round 2, Pick 61 – Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
- Evaluation: Athletic tight end with receiving upside and long-term starter potential.
- Value: Solid player, but an interesting selection considering the Rams drafted Terrance Ferguson in the second round just one year ago.
- Scheme Fit: Fits Los Angeles’ heavy usage of multiple-tight-end personnel packages.
- Projected Role: Developmental tight end who may not see significant snaps until 2027.
Round 3, Pick 93 – Keagen Trost, OT, Missouri
- Evaluation: Versatile offensive lineman capable of playing all five positions. Allowed one of the lowest pressure rates among SEC tackles in 2025.
- Value: Strong value and arguably one of the better picks in the class.
- Scheme Fit: Provides much-needed depth and future flexibility along an offensive line with multiple starters entering contract years.
- Projected Role: Swing tackle and developmental offensive lineman with future starting potential.
Round 6, Pick 197 – CJ Daniels, WR, Miami
- Evaluation: Productive receiver who offers reliable hands and developmental upside.
- Value: Good value late in the draft.
- Scheme Fit: Fills a need as the Rams search for a reliable third receiver behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
- Projected Role: Competing for WR3/WR4 duties and special teams contributions.
Round 7, Pick 232 – Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama
- Evaluation: Experienced nose tackle with SEC experience and toughness against the run.
- Value: Good value in the seventh round.
- Scheme Fit: Adds needed depth to the interior defensive line rotation.
- Projected Role: Rotational defensive tackle and developmental depth piece.
TOP ADDITION
Keagen Trost, OT
While Ty Simpson received the headlines, Trost may end up being the most valuable player from this class. Four of the Rams’ starting offensive linemen are entering the final year of their contracts, making offensive line depth a major future concern. Trost’s versatility and production against SEC competition give him a realistic path to becoming a future starter.
BIGGEST QUESTION MARK
Ty Simpson, QB
This has nothing to do with Simpson as a player and everything to do with timing. The Rams are built to compete for a Super Bowl right now, and using the 13th overall pick on a quarterback who may not see meaningful playing time for several years is a risky allocation of resources. If Simpson becomes the franchise quarterback after Stafford retires, the pick will look brilliant. If not, it will be heavily scrutinized.
SLEEPER PICK
CJ Daniels, WR
Daniels enters a wide receiver room with an opportunity to earn meaningful snaps immediately. The Rams have been searching for a reliable third receiver, and Daniels has the production and skill set to compete for that role much sooner than many sixth-round picks typically would.
SCHEME & ROSTER FIT ANALYSIS
Scheme Alignment
The Rams continued prioritizing offensive depth and long-term planning under Sean McVay. Simpson, Klare, and Trost all fit players who thrive in a system built around intelligence, versatility, and execution.
Roster Impact
This is where concerns arise. Aside from Daniels potentially competing for WR3 snaps and Trost adding offensive line depth, very few players in this class project to make an immediate impact on a roster with Super Bowl aspirations.
Positional Value
The Rams invested heavily in offense, using four of five selections on offensive players. Meanwhile, several defensive needs remained largely untouched until the final pick of the draft.
FINAL TAKE
The Rams drafted for the future more than the present, which is unusual for a team viewed as a legitimate contender. Ty Simpson may eventually justify the investment, and there are several quality developmental players throughout the class. However, with only five picks and limited immediate impact expected from most of them, this draft feels underwhelming compared to what other NFC contenders accomplished.
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