Grading Los Angeles Rams Day 3 of 2026 NFL Draft: Rams elect for smallest class in a decade after massive trade up

Despite not picking in the fourth or fifth rounds, the Los Angeles Rams traded the majority of their Day 3 picks to give them their smallest class in years.

AJ Schulte — College Football Trending News Writer
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Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver CJ Daniels (7) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver CJ Daniels (7) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Los Angeles Rams did not pick in rounds four or five of the 2026 NFL Draft, but entered Day 3 with four picks, three of them in the seventh round.

How did their Day 3 haul end up grading out?

Los Angeles Rams Day 3 Draft Grades

Round 6, No. 197: CJ Daniels, WR, Miami (FL)

The Los Angeles Rams traded three picks to move up 10 spots at the end of the sixth round. That’s already a rough start.

CJ Daniels is not really what they need at wide receiver. He won’t beat press coverage as he’s just an average athlete. Daniels doesn’t really threaten anyone after the catch. He’s already 24 years old and maxed out, without any special teams experience on his resume. Daniels has never had a 100-yard game after transferring up from Liberty, and he’s struggled to stay healthy.

However, he is a strong contested catch receiver who can improve the Rams’ red zone ability.

With all of the wide receiver talent that was still available, this was a tough one to begin with. Unfortunately, the trade makes it even worse, in my opinion. I’m not convinced any other team was drafting him.

Grade: D

Round 7, Pick 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 Los Angeles 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. However, he won’t offer much, if anything, in the passing game. Regardless, the Rams drafted him to be a run defender.

Grade: B

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