Your draft recap: Good, Bad, Ugly

[Gandalf]

The good, is picking Simpson this year opens up our draft for the next couple of years. We probably won't be picking this early in the near future and we would have to give up a lot of draft capital to get into position for a QB next year. We will have the option of trading for veteran players to help this year or have all of our picks next year, which should be a lot stronger than this year.

The bad, fans complain that we didn't get any help for this year, but last year's picks like Ferguson and Hunter will be a year better and hopefully contribute more this year and our picks this year will grow and be players next year. The rams use free agency and trades to fill immediate needs and draft the best players available for this year and the future.

The ugly, it seems to me that the talent level of this draft was pretty week. It didn't seem like McVay and Snead were that enamored with many players this year. We didn't move up or down to position ourselves for players we liked. It was a very lack luster draft this year.

 

[OregonRamsFan]

Good: Apparently we are a shoe-in to win the SB.

Bad: We all thought that last year.

Ugly: That we are so sure we win the Super Bowl this year that we draft like we already have won it. The arrogance. I really feel MvVay was not on board with that pick at 13. No matter what anyone says, if Tye Simpson is great in three years that’s great but it will be 2028! We should be trying to win the Super Bowl. We did little to help that in this draft. The point of picking up a long term project is you get him cheap. We paid full price and then some if we don’t win the SB this season.

 

[FaulkSF]

Good: We filled the majority of depth issues where it needed to be filled.

Bad: I would have liked more contributors on ST. There are three phases in FB.

Ugly: Many of us fire from the hip:
1. We don’t need a backup QB project. The Packers didn’t need Rodgers and Love either.

2. We already got 4 decent TEs on the roster. 1 starter has had trouble staying healthy, and 2 starters have expiring contracts while it takes time for TEs to learn the system and position.

3. We already have starters at LT and RT. We need a swing OT that is hungry and younger than DQ.

4. We need a WR 2A, not a project. Daniels needs time to come around and learn the system, just like Jo Whit, X man, and Mumps who should improve in 2026.

While I would have liked to have seen upgrades at ILB and CB depth, I’m fine where we’re at.

 

[den-the-coach]

The Good: Ty Simpson, smart, great leader, fantastic attitude plus he gets to learn from one of the best.

The Bad: Would have liked to add an edge rusher because IMO, the pass rush was lacking during post season.

The Ugly: Kelly Stafford asking Matt if he could shave, cut his hair shorter and talk southern.

 

[FrantikRam]

If you're going to lament taking Klare and not getting Lemon....I mean, I don't think Lemon was ever going to be a Ram.

But he's small and doesn't have top end speed. Likely would be in the slot.

Klare basically provides the same insurance Lemon does if Puka or Davante go down. Not like Lemon could actually do what Puka and Davante do anyways

 

[Tumak61]

Really liked the draft. I think the OL in the 3rd could be a starter. As far as returners. Kyren should get the job. He's the best on the roster as constructed.

 

[FrantikRam]

No bad and no ugly. I would prefer some speed and an upgraded returner, but I'm a X man fan. The fumble was bad obviously, but he progressed as a WR last year too.

Wanted an outside CB, but we're signing a few UDFAs and that's our 5th CB anyways.

We got a sixth OL, Klare gives us a 12 personnel option that could be filthy with him and Ferguson, and another option in 13 obviously.

CJ Daniels is a Rams WR.

We had the number one offense last year without speed. So it's not necessary.

The backup NT was huge as well. Each pick could contribute but hopefully doesn't have to and sets us up nicely for future needs.

 

[Steve808]

In the big picture of things, the draft was good, IMO. Of course nobody really knows until these players get on the field. If Ty Simpson is a legit franchise QB, then we got a steal because we'll have a future after Stafford without paying a King's ransom again. I was thinking McSnead would be going "all in" because the super bowl window is wide open right now, but maybe they felt we're still there and able to address the future in the same draft after getting two good CB's via trade and free agency. The Rams have no glaring weaknesses, but I was hoping they would take a LB who can help in pass coverage. They did take a pretty high rated and versatile O-lineman so that's good. Overall, I think we won't know how good this draft was until down the road, but I have to trust in McSnead.

 

[DzRams]

Weird. That is exactly what I was thinking. I think if Sean sticks around that has a good possibility of happening. I think McShay hit it on the head the other day, they wanted Simpson but later in the round at least. Purdy gave them years of a dirt cheap contract and allowed them to build around him. I doubt he has near the same career with out Rat Boy.

I posted this before the draft when people were comparing Simpson to Purdy. If the 2022 draft was redone, Purdy would be a 1st round pick. He'd probably be picked somewhere around 13.

 

[RamFan58years]

We had the number one offense last year without speed. So it's not necessary.

Speed added to McVay's offense with deep crossers and bubble screens, can turn 10 play drives into four play drives. Turns FGs into TDs. I know it's not the end all be all, but there was a reason McVay used high picks to acquire TuTu, Cooks, Watson, Van. About the only thing to do to defend speed is create perfect angles or get poor offensive execution. One could also say while it isn't necessary for a team with few sacks to win or be the number one defense, it sure helps to get sacks.

 

[pvtdragon39]

Good:
Klare is going to be an underrated huge pickup i think. Proplem with drops tho. He is a decent blocker, and does very well in Zone Blocking. Very fast Acceleration and Change of Direction. 14 personnel packages Coming? K-will, and Corum might Eat!

Simpson will learn from the best. As we know, he doesnt have alot of time in college as astarter, but under Mcvay I dont see this as a problem. Maybe he didnt develop Bad Habits, like 4 year Starters do.

Trost has good footwork, but needs work on his hands. Penatly Hell! If he can fix his Hands placement, he will drag people everywhere. Might even beat Mcclendon for the starting spot. IF he doesnt, Mcclendon is a FA next year.

Bad: Not giving some of these picks a chance, and we just shit on them. Not getting a proper returner, and Risk our starting Running backs to do it every year. (Hunter needs to be in this role at least)

I dont see CJ Daniels, or Tim Keenan Making the team just my opinion unless someone gets hurt.

Ugly: FUCK THE EAGLES!!!!!!! Did I mention Returner?

 

[RamFan58years]

I get the desire for adding speed it's natural. But think about it for a second we had speed last year in Tutu. And what did we do? We went slower when Puka went out and Tutu didn't do a thing. Stop knocking the Rams for doing what McVay has shown us he wanted to do maybe?

Talk about bad? How about being negative and knocking the team because the guys that got us a Lombardi have a different opinion than you

Simmer down now. One, I guarantee any speedy receiver taken at 13 this year would be much better than TuTu. Speed allows more opportunities for shorter TD drives and FGs instead of punts. Every offense benefits from more speed. And two, I've been a die-hard fan through many lean years and some great ones, but many ending in playoff heartbreak, going back to losing in GB in 1967 when we went 11-1-2. So I am not just being negative; I am stating the obvious. After last season, to get over the final hurdle next season - and that's the ONLY season that matters right now - another weapon would have helped immensely.

 

[OldSchool]

Well not everyone thinks every player the Rams acquire is awesome. You obviously do. And that's your business.

But the Rams did nothing to improve the offense. Is the offense better than last year? I'll say no.

One thing that's obvious from this this draft is the rams arrogance. They think the offense is enough right now. They drafted a bunch of backups that won't play for 2 years.

I was hoping for another Super bowl before I'm gone but it's looking bleaker and bleaker. Maybe next year huh?

Good - Rams re-sign Harrison Mevis

Bad - the entire draft

Ugly - People trying to convince people it was a good draft.

Lol not at all but I don't auto dislike a guy because I had a different idea of what I'd do. The chat in the draft and pick threads was honestly embarrassing how over the top it was.

 

[ScotsRam]

Good - 1) the Rams brass are clearly extremely high on the existing roster. Making only 5 picks, and all for depth tells me they are happy with where we are at. Whats the point in trading around, making ten picks and then having to cut 4 of them?

Good - 2) they are clearly not at all concerned about the long term viability of Puka Nacua as a Ram. I know there are others who didn't see it this way, but i was genuinely concerned that his tenure as a Ram was not going to be for long based on well documented issues. If the Rams were concerned they would have addressed WR right away imo. So I am reassured about that.


Bad - the fans reaction. I understand scepticism but it crossed a line on Thursday, both here and elsewhere. These guys have earned the benefit of the doubt. Fuck "all in" for 1 more SB. I want this team to compete for the long term. We've done that under several iterations of this coaching staff with only one down year. It's insane to me that people genuinely believe one rookie is the difference - most often even the best pros take a while to get going. Its pretty rare to draft a day 1 difference maker even at no 13.

The ugly - that loooong stretch between rounds 3 and 6!

 

[RamsSince1969]

Good: I like that they picked Simpson because I think he's a good scheme fit and it shows that McVay is thinking about life after Stafford. I also really like Klare's athletic skillset. He and Ferg could be a dynamic combo in the future.

Bad: I was hoping we'd address the lack of CB depth.

Ugly: We didn't bring in a return specialist. I think it's a huge benefit under the new kickoff rules, and obviously, X's fumble played a role in our loss to Seattle.

Jrry32, you nailed it! For the Rams, Ty is the perfect fit. Super smart football IQ that you can't teach. They will sleep well at night knowing they got their next gunslinger.

 

[Cjcinec]

Well not everyone thinks every player the Rams acquire is awesome. You obviously do. And that's your business.

But the Rams did nothing to improve the offense. Is the offense better than last year? I'll say no.

One thing that's obvious from this this draft is the rams arrogance. They think the offense is enough right now. They drafted a bunch of backups that won't play for 2 years.

I was hoping for another Super bowl before I'm gone but it's looking bleaker and bleaker. Maybe next year huh?

Good - Rams re-sign Harrison Mevis

Bad - the entire draft

Ugly - People trying to convince people it was a good draft.

They don’t exactly have to convince anyone outside of their building. What’s the point?
The fact of the matter is simple. Everyone is going to have a different opinion on draft day. The Rams are doing what they think is best for their team even if it’s not popular with some. They have a consensus and also a track record. While it’s not 100% percent perfect it’s been among the best in the NFL since McVay and Snead began a decade ago.