2026 Draft so Far

[rdlkgliders]

Overall I feel pretty good about the draft, we are now into late round picks and even though we have hit late before the odds are long for players selected day 3 and even longer for those chosen after Rd 5.

A trade up is possible but even without it we see the intent of this draft, future contributors to coach up and get them ready for their day.
Out of the 3 only Klare seems to realisticly contribute outside of teams in 26. If we have learned anything about the Rams and their TE's is 3 years seems to be the magic number, both Allen & Park really improved last year, their 3rd in the system.

Are we building a "positionless" offensive identity where tight ends like Klare and big-bodied receivers can swap roles to exploit mismatches?
Or have we have seen enough smoke to believe we want to add another contributor on offense for this season, there are some targets that make sense.
I would love another receiver and believe that 13 will work best when we ca go trips and beat you too.

With only a few picks left, do you think they should prioritize a pure speed threat to take the top off, or go for more offensive line depth to protect Stafford's "future" replacement?

I don't remember who it was but 13 was slowed by a couple teams and having the ability to bully teams and beat them with speed & skill will go a long way.

Have a great final day of the 26' draft Ram Family

 

[Jacobarch]

I have mixed feelings about this draft

Eh who knows really. The rams swing and miss all the time. They also hit things out of the park. Being successful is all about taking outlandish risks

 

[jjab360]

13 personnel seems like the plan, we won't catch as many teams off guard this season though.

 

[majrleaged]

Well, McVay has had all offseason to find new ways to use 13 personnel.

 

[Memento]

Well, McVay has had all offseason to find new ways to use 13 personnel.

I still think 12 is another option with Puka and Davante (and maybe they end up trading for a top receiver as well). 11 is another option if they do trade for another receiver.

Either way, I trust one of the most brilliant offensive minds (as well as Scheelhaase, who, to me, is a rising star) to figure out the personnel.

 

[methomas50]

I am feeling middle of the road about it. Obviously we are years away from really judging it since it mainly be based on what Simpson becomes. I am just glad they didnt give away any 2027 draft capital in what is supposed to be a much better draft.

 

[CGI_Ram]

It’s exciting to have a young QB to be excited about. There’s a lot to like about Simpson. I assumed the Rams were leaning toward a more “proven QB” model as Stafford’s successor. A rookie is a real gamble. We have to play him to find out what he’s got. That could be bumpy. It could also be electric.

I wanted an offensive weapon at #13… someone who helps this year’s team.

I don’t think Lemon was a Rams-type guy. Sadiq was probably viewed as raw. Cooper and Concepcion felt like fringe 1st-rounders. But still, I wanted someone for the 2026 team. So yeah, Simpson leaves me a little empty.

That said… Simpson could see the field sooner than people think. Stafford is tough, but he’s not getting sturdier with age. If this is a Super Bowl team, there’s a version of this story where we look back and call this pick genius.

How much time is “enough” before you have to play Simpson if Stafford misses time? This could get wild.

Now I’m wondering if an A.J. Brown or Brandon Aiyuk-type move shows up—FA or trade. WR still feels thin, and we’re basically out of meaningful draft capital.

I’m liking Klare dreaming of 13 Personnel overdose, but is he going to play a lot in 2026?

 

[Coliseum Ram]

Yeah, of course this Draft will come down to the future performance of Simpson. If he hits and authors playoff success it will be A +. If he misses, could be an F.

 

[Coliseum Ram]

It’s exciting to have a young QB to be excited about. There’s a lot to like about Simpson. I assumed the Rams were leaning toward a more “proven QB” model as Stafford’s successor. A rookie is a real gamble. We have to play him to find out what he’s got. That could be bumpy. It could also be electric.

I wanted an offensive weapon at #13… someone who helps this year’s team.

I don’t think Lemon was a Rams-type guy. Sadiq was probably viewed as raw. Cooper and Concepcion felt like fringe 1st-rounders. But still, I wanted someone for the 2026 team. So yeah, Simpson leaves me a little empty.

That said… Simpson could see the field sooner than people think. Stafford is tough, but he’s not getting sturdier with age. If this is a Super Bowl team, there’s a version of this story where we look back and call this pick genius.

How much time is “enough” before you have to play Simpson if Stafford misses time? This could get wild.

Now I’m wondering if an A.J. Brown or Brandon Aiyuk-type move shows up—FA or trade. WR still feels thin, and we’re basically out of meaningful draft capital.

I’m liking Klare dreaming of 13 Personnel overdose, but is he going to play a lot in 2026?

There is definitely a lot to like about Simpson. And there was also a lot to be said for finally addressing our succession plan at Quarterback. I have to say that question has been gnawing at me in the back of my mind for a couple of years now and was very stressful.

Yeah, the Joe Burrow (Matthew Stafford 2021) veteran existing Star Franchise Quarterback option is the best way to go, but that option ever becoming available combined with getting a deal done is tenuous at best.

I will also say this for the people holding out hope FOR just that, we are not out of that market by any means. If a Burrow, or an Allen or a Mahomes type ever needed a Matthew Stafford/Detroit- style change of scenery there is no reason we couldn't still be involved if necessary.

If the prior price would have been two or three 1sts lets say, the price for US would be one or two 1sts PLUS Ty Simpson, which could actually be more enticing to a club than just another 1st.

Obviously hoping Simpson works out with us but just spitballing ideas if any other Franchise Quarterback unexpectedly shoots out available one day.

 

[BonifayRam]

Its very hard for me not to feel real good about this Ram 2026 draft.

Rams signed 12 FA's, 8 of their own FA's, 2 of which were long term starters. The biggest question was the reserve UFA veteran QB Jimmy G's ultimate retirement. Rams resolved that with the first 2026 draft selection. I live in Bama/Tide country....Ty Simpson is an QB prospect & lucky to have got him.

I have recently rewatched the 3 2025 preseason gms. they reassured me of the good ability of reserve QB Stetson Bennett. I have no concerns with Bennett as our back up QB. I would suggest anyone who has worries needs to spend some time & watch those games.

Thus far using our 2026 draft selections we secured one of the best young press corners in the NFL. (McDuffie)

With Two of our 5 signed TE's being UFA's next yr, 2nd rd selection of TE/HB/SL receiver Klare fits in perfect. The versatile swing OT/OG fills a big need for the future with 4 of our starting OL being UFA's next season.

 

[WestCoastRam]

I still think 12 is another option with Puka and Davante (and maybe they end up trading for a top receiver as well). 11 is another option if they do trade for another receiver.

Either way, I trust one of the most brilliant offensive minds (as well as Scheelhaase, who, to me, is a rising star) to figure out the personnel.

I'll have to find the stat but our EPA on 12 was significantly off from 13 personnel last season and I think we're gonna also look for ways to improve things out of 12 usage.

Will be really interesting to see how fast Klare can get up to speed and if his blocking can improve. Was honestly blown away by how much Fergy's blocking improved game in and game out last season - hope we can get that with Klare.

 

[Memento]

I'll have to find the stat but our EPA on 12 was significantly off from 13 personnel last season and I think we're gonna also look for ways to improve things out of 12 usage.

Will be really interesting to see how fast Klare can get up to speed and if his blocking can improve. Was honestly blown away by how much Fergy's blocking improved game in and game out last season - hope we can get that with Klare.

Klare was very much improving as a blocker at Ohio State; he had to, since there weren't enough balls to go around. He's not a rock star at it, but he's very much improved from his time at Purdue, and unlike another former Boilermaker tight end we selected (Brycen Hopkins), Klare's physical and willing to do the dirty work.

 

[WestCoastRam]

I don't love this draft. I also don't think it's an unmitigated disaster.

And, of course, one must review it with the eye of how our 2nd 1st and 5th round pick was used this year.

If Klare hits though, I think we could have something really cool for the next few seasons.

 

[WestCoastRam]

Klare was very much improving as a blocker at Ohio State; he had to, since there weren't enough balls to go around. He's not a rock star at it, but he's very much improved from his time at Purdue, and unlike another former Boilermaker tight end we selected (Brycen Hopkins), Klare's physical and willing to do the dirty work.

Yes, and that's a good sign.

 

[Merlin]

It’s exciting to have a young QB to be excited about. There’s a lot to like about Simpson. I assumed the Rams were leaning toward a more “proven QB” model as Stafford’s successor. A rookie is a real gamble. We have to play him to find out what he’s got. That could be bumpy. It could also be electric.

I wanted an offensive weapon at #13… someone who helps this year’s team.

I don’t think Lemon was a Rams-type guy. Sadiq was probably viewed as raw. Cooper and Concepcion felt like fringe 1st-rounders. But still, I wanted someone for the 2026 team. So yeah, Simpson leaves me a little empty.

That said… Simpson could see the field sooner than people think. Stafford is tough, but he’s not getting sturdier with age. If this is a Super Bowl team, there’s a version of this story where we look back and call this pick genius.

How much time is “enough” before you have to play Simpson if Stafford misses time? This could get wild.

Now I’m wondering if an A.J. Brown or Brandon Aiyuk-type move shows up—FA or trade. WR still feels thin, and we’re basically out of meaningful draft capital.

I’m liking Klare dreaming of 13 Personnel overdose, but is he going to play a lot in 2026?

Re: QB gotta say preseason will be exciting. Both Bennett and Simpson competing should mean really great work for the depth chart boys. Also the Rams having a full year to get a look at their QBotF is an advantage. Even worst case if they end up thinking he's a gamble they can add to the room in 2027, increase competition, etc. But hopefully he impresses and ends up killing our first team defense with the scout team.

Not happy with our wideout room, personally. Wanted to see us go 3 deep in legit weapons, but they prioritized the slot which is understandable if you imagine our offense without Puka. But also there is time for them to add more competition, and the one real problem with our WR depth chart is we don't have real returners or gunners among them. So I expect that may be in play.

If Stafford goes down Simpson will play. For a couple reasons. First because Bennett is unlikely to beat him out, and I say that because the Rams have seen him develop in practice year after year and McVay said they needed more quality at QB2. So I took that for what it was. But also because if Simpson drops games due to inexperience and adjustment to this level, you get to see what he's made of in real time, and if you end up drafting higher in what looks to be a quality draft... That's not a bad thing.

Lastly I think it'll be a big deal if Klare picks up the offense quickly. They tried to shoehorn Ferg in as a rook and he wasn't quite ready. So the competition provided by Klare coming in hot helps Ferg, and also will make me feel better about the offense if Puka misses time.

 

[DzRams]

Yeah, of course this Draft will come down to the future performance of Simpson. If he hits and authors playoff success it will be A +. If he misses, could be an F.

The draft would certainly be disappointing if Simpson misses, but if Klare, the OT, and some of the remaining picks hit, then it could be a lot higher than an F.

 

[Merlin]

Are we building a "positionless" offensive identity where tight ends like Klare and big-bodied receivers can swap roles to exploit mismatches?

I think the answer to that is yes. Also it has been that way with McVay's offense from the beginning.

His first draft he took Everett (6'2" TE) and Kupp (6'2" WR) for the slot role. Everett couldn't live up to it. Kupp excelled in it. They use the term "big slot" now for those types, but in the end a slot's a slot whether you're a TE or a WR or even a small hybrid RB source position. Key is having the ability to survive across the middle, separate, and be smart enough to handle option routes etc.

 

[Memento]

The draft would certainly be disappointing if Simpson misses, but if Klare, the OT, and some of the remaining picks hit, then it could be a lot higher than an F.

Let's include McDuffie in that conversation: we got him with #29, and he's only twenty-five (and is literally months younger than Akheem Mesidor, who got selected by the Chargers in the first round).

 

[Mojo Ram]

I like the McDuffie pick at #29

 

[rdlkgliders]

assumed the Rams were leaning toward a more “proven QB” model as Stafford’s successor.

I too thought this would be the more likely approach especially after the Stafford success, proven comodity vs projections and assessmenents.
It is quite likely that they believe that the players out there who would fit the bill do not time out right in regards to Stafford retirement and their assumed availability.