Rams 2026 NFL Draft takeaways: Ty Simpson headlines a class of curveballs

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The Los Angeles Rams are making a strong push for the Super Bowl this season, but when it came to the draft, they focused on building for the future.

Instead of addressing immediate needs, the Rams used their draft picks to build depth and look ahead to future starting options. They even selected Ty Simpson, a quarterback who will be developed for the future.

One of their key moves before the draft was trading their first-round pick to acquire All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs. This change altered the outlook of their draft class, adding impact and addressing needs in a different way.

Let’s take a closer look at how their draft class performed.

Best value pick

The Rams managed to secure Alabama defensive tackle Tim Keenan III late in the seventh round, a player that The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had graded highly. While not a flashy pick, adding a run-focused nose tackle like Keenan will provide essential depth to the team’s defense. With the necessity to rotate players like Poona Ford, having a young and heavy player like Keenan will ensure the unit remains strong and solid.

Most surprising pick

The Rams’ decision to draft Ohio State’s Max Klare in the second round as a tight end was unexpected. Klare joins a crowded room of tight ends, raising questions about his immediate impact given the existing talent in the roster. However, with the Rams transitioning to more three-tight-end sets, Klare’s addition adds more options and depth to the position.

Biggest question mark

The selection of Ty Simpson as a quarterback raised eyebrows, as many felt the Rams could have chosen a player with a more immediate impact. The decision to invest in a young quarterback like Simpson reflects the team’s concerns about the future and the need for a reliable backup to Matthew Stafford. However, questions remain about Simpson’s skill set and ability to fill the shoes of a potential starter in the future.

Remaining needs

Although the Rams addressed several positions in the draft, the need for a reliable third receiver remains. Adding Miami’s CJ Daniels in the sixth round could help, but the team will still rely heavily on their existing receivers. The Rams will need players like Daniels to step up and contribute to the team’s offense.

Post-draft outlook

Overall, the Rams feel confident in their roster’s readiness for a Super Bowl run. While the draft class did not necessarily elevate their potential, it did provide depth and options across various positions. The additions of McDuffie and Watson have bolstered their defense and have positioned the team as contenders for the championship, pending success on special teams.