The mood of many fans regarding the Los Angeles Rams' rookie class of 2026 is a bit subdued. Some fans are concerned about the size, and the five drafted rookies make it the smallest draft class in the history of the franchise. And those concerns are certainly valid.
Other fans' hopes were dashed upon the rocks of reality as the team passed on drafting either wide receiver Malik Lemon or tight end Kenyon Sadiq to aim for a controversial rookie quarterback out of Alabama, Ty Simpson. And once the draft mood was ruined for that enclave of fans on Day 1, there was no coming back.
But in that disappointment, those fans may have missed an excellent rookie class.
A look at our 2026 Draft Class! 🐏 pic.twitter.com/umOzm1bBGT
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 26, 2026
It may have been a small draft, but it could prove to be one of the mightiest. And everyone knows not to take stock in any 'instant' draft grades. Didn't years of reading about how well the Cleveland Browns drafted, only to struggle to win games that season, teach NFL analysts anything? It's not the talent level of an individual player, but the fit of that player on the team's roster, that proves to be a quality selection.
So let's examine LA's rookies compared to those of the successful 2023 NFL draft:
5 Rams rookies would have been significant additions to the 2023 roster
The practice of "what if?" scenario building is fraught with pitfalls and traps. After all, any fictional article is by definition an untruth, a piece of persuasion rather that fact. But the art of projecting, assessing, and forecasting relies upon the ability to concoct those types of parallel realities.
And it's a method that is used to predict the weather, assess the value of property, and comprehend the mysteries of the universe. So applying similar techniques to assess the quality of the Rams' 2026 rookie class should not be too far of a stretch.
1. QB Ty Simpson
Perhaps no selected rookie has faced more controversy this early than wide receiver Tutu Atwell, and for very similar reasons. While selecting a lightly experienced NCAA quarterback in Round 1 of any draft holds risks, keep in mind that no quarterback under contract for 2027 and beyond is awfully risky as well. And while the team drafted quarterback Stetson Bennett in 2023, Ty Simpson appears to be the heir apparent to Matthew Stafford.
LA loves 'smart' quarterbacks who can improvise. And both Les Snead and Sean McVay agree that Simpson has that 'it' factor that they demand from anyone who steps foot into the pocket. Fans are dissatisfied because they expected the draft to go a different way. But Simpson's preseason performance should win everyone over.
2. TE Max Klare
The Horns added tight end Davis Allen in the 2023 NFL draft and then continued to pursue elite tight ends ever since. But had the team added Max Klare in 2023, they may have finally scratched that itch. Klare is more than another warm body. He is a seasoned tight end who blocks like a tight end, but who runs routes like a wide receiver, breaks tackles like a power running back, and catches footballs like a magnet.
Klare has to learn the offense, but he has such a strong foundation that coaches already expect him to see playing time this season.
3. OT Keagen Trost
LA drafted interior offensive lineman Steve Avila in 2023. Now, the team has added another big-bodied offensive lineman in the form of offensive tackle Keagen Trost. And this 6-foot-4, 311-pound rookie comes straight out of the bully-ball chapter of trench warfare. And with four starters in their contract year, it's always smart to have capable options on the roster.
Trost could stun fans this season. He's got a smoldering snarl that has shown up in his college footage repeatedly. And he's arriving at a team that loves the physical style he is known for.
4. WR CJ Daniels
While some fans hoped for a Day 1 projected wide receiver to Los Angeles, don't discount general manager Les Snead's ability to find offensive diamonds on Day 3 of the draft. And this team traded up to grab Daniels, so it was never a question of 'settling' for whoever fell to him. Daniels is a toolsy wide receiver who makes circus catches appear routine.
His fearlessness, physicality, and yards after the catch prove he is a fit on this roster. But his ability to catch everything thrown his way is his true superpower. And he will have plenty of time to develop chemistry with rookie quarterback Ty Simpson, too.
5. NT Tim Keenan III
It's nearly impossible to see defensive tackle Tim Keenan III and not see an NFL nose tackle. At 6-foot-1 and 327 pounds, he is the perfect padawan for veteran Poona Ford. And his college football body of work supports that projection. As long as he keeps working on his power in the weight room, he will find his way into the rotation.
Keenan is a fireplug, that immovable object that frustrates opposing offenses. He clogs the middle of the offensive line, forcing ball carriers into the waiting arms of edge rushers like outside linebackers Jared Verse or Byron Young. And he understands that agility and leverage are his best tools to defeat double teams, much like veteran defensive tackle Kobie Turner.
While there may not be many gaping holes in the Rams roster in 2026, these rookies may carve out niche roles for themselves in 2025 despite their rookie status.
As fans prepare to learn when games will be played, they have the peace of mind knowing that this rookie class is ready to win, now. As always, thanks so much for taking the time to read this article.
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