More questions than answers! The 2025 Rams were one victory away from the Super Bowl. Many believed their weak spot was at cornerback so Los Angeles addressed that position by trading for Kansas City All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie and signing his teammate CB Jaylen Watson. With two new starters in place, Los Angeles used this Draft to acquire players to develop for the future rather than contribute immediately. The Rams originally had two first-round picks after trading with Atlanta last year. They used the 29^th pick along with 2026 5^th and 6^th round picks and a 2027 3^rd round pick to acquire McDuffie from the Chiefs. McDuffie is better than anyone available at 29 and the later round picks are no guarantees for success. With the cornerback situation settled, Los Angeles could have used the 13^th pick to improve their offense as TE Kenyon Sadiq and WR Makai Lemon were both available. Instead, the Rams selected their quarterback of the future (so much for win now mode). Let's look at the team's picks and how those picks could help the Rams. The number in parenthesis is the overall pick number.

ROUND 1, PICK 13 (13): QB Ty Simpson (Alabama) will hopefully not play any meaningful snaps in 2026 and this pick frustrated many Ram fans including myself. The Rams could have taken someone to improve the roster immediately like WR Makai Lemon but they chose to take a quarterback whom they hope will develop into their franchise quarterback when QB Matthew Stafford decides to retire. If Los Angeles wins the Super Bowl and Simpson becomes a franchise quarterback, this pick will look brilliant; however, if the Rams don't win a ring and Simpson is not a franchise quarterback, then this was a wasted pick. I am upset now but will give McVay and Snead the benefit of the doubt.

ROUND 2, PICK 29 (61): TE Max Klare (Ohio State) is an athletic tight end known for his receiving skills more than his blocking, which is exactly how 2025 second round pick Terrance Ferguson was described coming out our Oregon. The Rams like to run a lot of "13-personel" meaning three tight ends on the field, but they already have four capable tight ends on the roster, including veteran Tyler Higbee who signed an extension this off-season. This pick makes no sense, unless the team is unhappy with Ferguson or Davis Allen. Tennessee selected Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. right before the Rams pick and I was hoping the Rams could take Hill, who is a three-down linebacker who could have helped Los Angeles. The NFL is a copycat league and since the Rams had much success with 13-personel last season, Tight Ends were in high demand during the Draft with 21 being taken.

ROUND 3, PICK 29 (93): OL Keagen Trost (Missouri) is a seventh year senior (25 years old) with a lot of experience at multiple positions on the offensive line (42 starts total). Trost has the size and skill set to provide depth at any offensive line position other than center. The Rams are set with their offensive line starters so if Trost can provide versatile depth this will be a great pick. Like all of the picks that the Rams made in this Draft, you are hoping none of these players are forced into action.

ROUND 6, PICK 16 (197): WR CJ Daniels (Miami) fits the mold of a Rams late round receiver. He has good size and ball skills but lacks explosive speed. Los Angeles found tremendous success with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, while Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield have contributed on occasion but still need to develop. The Rams traded the 207, 251, and 252 picks to move up to 197 to get Daniels, so they either like him a lot or were worried about the remaining receivers on the board. Daniel's draft profile says he is not a Special Teams contributor and like Trost he is an older prospect (24 years old). Daniels is not expected to be the next Puka, but if he can be better than Whittington and Mumpfield, then the Rams made a good pick.

ROUND 7, PICK 16 (232): DT Tim Keenan III (Alabama) is a massive man who specializes in plugging up the middle of the line. Poona Ford was solid for Los Angeles in that role, but he is 30 years old so keeping him fresh is important. The Rams drafted Ty Hamilton last year and he played a minor role behind Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Ford. With a pick this late in the Draft, Los Angeles just needs Keenan to make the team and provide depth on the defensive line.

Los Angeles made only five selections and none of the Draft picks will be counted on to start or contribute heavily this coming season. CB Trent McDuffie was acquired with the 29^th pick and other picks so he could be counted in this Draft class, which would make it a success. Ty Simpson going 13^th overall is either going to be considered a brilliant move or a bone head move depending on how far the Rams go this year and what kind of player Simpson becomes. The Rams always find undrafted free agents who not only make the team but contribute so hopefully that success continues. I am sorry that I have been absent recently as I deal with family issues. I will do my best to bring you updates pertaining to the Rams and the Fantasy Football impact. Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops and Scratch! Aloha and God Bless!

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