Los Angeles Rams Final 2026 NFL Draft class: Rams have their smallest draft class in a decade despite Super Bowl window
The Los Angeles Rams have finalized their 2026 NFL Draft class, and it’s a small one with plenty of question marks to wonder about.
The Los Angeles Rams have had the first draft class in recent memory that has actually angered the vast majority of their fan base. A year after getting the fewest contributions from a rookie class they have had in years, the Rams opted to not take a single player who projects to have a major role in 2026.
It’s a fascinating decision-making process in a Super Bowl window. They made just five picks in this year’s draft, their fewest since 2016.
Rams 2026 NFL Draft class
Round 1, No. 13: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The pick was a strange one from the start, made even worse by Sean McVay’s opening press conference on draft night.
The Rams have already admitted that Matthew Stafford will be extended soon. A source told ESPN that “If Simpson never starts on his rookie contract, that would be a win for the Rams.”
He’s a quick-game thrower who took snaps in a pro-style offense for Alabama. McVay and Snead have both pointed to his background as a coach’s son for his acumen and work ethic.
Round 2, No. 61: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Max Klare was a strong addition for the Rams in the long-term. Max Klare can do a bit of everything as a tight end. He’s a high-effort run blocker, he can threaten up the seams, and he’s outstanding settling down and finding holes in zone coverage. There’s some hidden athleticism there. Klare can do some damage after the catch with his speed. He’s not much of a tackle breaker, but he’s a pullaway threat with his speed.
Perhaps the best trait about Klare is his reliability as a receiver. Klare dropped just two balls on 55 targets, and he attacks the ball well in the air. I love his ability to adjust and contort his body in the air to snag passes away from his frame. He’s in a stacked room for 2026, but he can be the long-term TE2 and reliable contributor in the Rams’ heavy personnel offense.
Round 3, No. 93: Keagan Trost, OL, Missouri
Keagan Trost has flown under the radar in this draft class, but I think there’s some hidden potential to unlock with his game. Despite nearly 50 games at tackle in college, I thought he should move inside in the NFL. A move inside would allow Trost to show off his great power in the run game and create displacement at the point of attack while also limiting his exposure to speed on the outside. He’s on the smaller end at 6’4 with sub-33” arms, and he lacks the range on the outside to handle NFL speed.
However, the Rams have announced him as a tackle, and highlighted his versatility as a swing lineman.
I have my misgivings about using a top-100 pick on a depth player who might be a swing tackle at best. Additionally, they should extend both Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson.
Round 6, No. 197: CJ Daniels, WR, Miami
CJ Daniels is an interesting fit as a Rams’ wide receiver. He’s an average athlete who won’t threaten defenses vertically or after the catch. Daniels is a strong contested catch receiver who competes throughout the route and brings good size at 6’2, 202 pounds.
Daniels’ lack of speed shows up against press coverage, as every play becomes a contested situation because of that. He has had multiple injury-ridden seasons on his resume as well. His lack of production and special teams ability is a tough pill to swallow here, and the Rams traded three draft picks to land him.
Round 7, No. 232: Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama
A depth nose tackle, he brings some solid power and ability to hold up at the point of attack. Much like Poona Ford, he is short and stout as a defensive tackle. What you see is what you get. He’ll hold the point of attack well and plays with good leverage. Additionally, he was a team captain for the Tide. The Rams wanted to improve their run defense and depth at nose tackle, and Keenan is that.
Keenan is a very limited athlete who has struggled to maintain his weight and didn’t have much production in his final season. He won’t offer much, if anything, in the passing game, but he is a solid run defender.
Full Rams Draft Class
- Round 1, Pick 13: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
- Round 2, Pick 61: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
- Round 3, Pick 93: Keagan Trost, OT, Missouri
- Round 6, Pick 197: CJ Daniels, WR, Miami (FL)
- Round 7, Pick 232: Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama
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