It’s the Ty Simpson draft.
The Rams only have five picks, and they needed a few final pieces of the puzzle guys with the Super Bowl window with Matthew Stafford still open.
And yet, they went with a project of a quarterback prospect with the 13th overall pick. Of course, there’s a shot Simpson becomes a strong NFL starter, but what the Rams needed, this was a draft that will be talked about for a long time.
Rams Draft Quick Hits
Best Value: Tim Keenan, DT Alabama
Biggest Need: Pass Catchers
Missed: Sure-thing right-now players
Big Call: Ty Simpson will be just fine … eventually
Apr 24, 2026; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams first-round draft pick Ty Simpson poses with his jersey during a press conference at Code Next at Hollywood Park.© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images (© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)What They Got Right
Ummmmmm, uhhhhh … they did get the second-best quarterback in the draft. At least, that’s the consensus belief – we think Miami‘s Carson Beck, who went to Arizona, is better.
Simpson does have upside, and there’s a chance this becomes the perfect situation. Stafford keeps being Stafford for another year or two while Simpson gets up to speed.
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What They Missed
Players who are sure things help now. Ohio State tight end Max Klare should be a part of the mix, but he was taken at least a round too soon. Missouri’s Keagen Trost is hardly a certainty to make a splash at tackle, and the other two late picks were late on Day 3.
With that said, the Rams did come up with some nice ideas, even if there wasn’t a ton of value.
Best Value Pick
Tim Keenan, DT Alabama
He’s a seventh-round pick, and he was expected to be a late Day 3 selection, but he might turn into the one guy in this draft who can help right away.
He’s a bowling ball, but stick him in the middle of the line in a rotation, and he won’t be moved.
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Biggest Reach
Ty Simpson, QB Alabama
The Rams did need a quarterback to develop behind Stafford, but they could’ve had any one of the questionable talents on the board at any time.
They really needed a wide receiver, and they passed on USC’s Makai Lemon. They really needed some help for the offensive line, and they passed on four blockers who went within the next six picks.
Instead, they took Simpson, which is a big question mark because …
CFN Draft Grade
Grade: C
Again, there’s a solid shot that none of the picks after Simpson make any sort of impact, and again, there’s a solid shot that Simpson turns out to be good-to-terrific.
Here’s the problem.
If Stafford goes down for a stretch, and the Rams need someone to step in and fill the gap – like the 49ers did when Brock Purdy got hurt and Mac Jones stepped up – you’re going to throw in a guy to save the season whose one big issue is a lack of college experience?
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Los Angeles Rams Draft Class
Round 1, (13): Ty Simpson, QB Alabama
It’s been a bit overblown that the Rams were just one 13th overall pick away from getting to the Super Bowl, but taking a developmental backup quarterback here didn’t help.
Round 2, (61): Max Klare, TE Ohio State
The Rams got him after others reached for the position. He’s a sound pass catcher, but he needs to be
Round 3, (93): Keagan Trost, OT Missouri
He was around for FOREVER. Ready right out of the box, he’s an instant fix at backup tackle.
Round 6, (197): CJ Daniels, WR Miami
An idea to try out in camp, he fits the Ram mold of good, strong route runners.
Round 7, (232): Tim Keenan, DT Alabama
A good late get, he’s a veteran run plugger who might stick as a key backup.
Related: Los Angeles Chargers 2026 NFL Draft: CFN College Football Take on Every Pick
This story was originally published by College Football News on Apr 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL Draft section. Add College Football News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.