PITTSBURGH — As the Rams prepared for their most significant draft pick in ten years, they reached a crucial understanding.
They recognized that, regardless of who they picked with the 13th overall selection, breaking into the starting lineup on such a talent-rich team would be a challenge.
Rams general manager Les Snead noted, “You can’t just throw someone in the mix, especially with a roster like ours. They need to earn their spot—earn the trust to contribute on game day.”
This realization guided their draft strategy. Unless someone like Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Love or Ohio State’s Carnell Tate unexpectedly fell, the choice would be Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, seen as a potential future star during evaluations.
Since the 13th pick wasn’t likely to dramatically alter their Super Bowl ambitions, they opted to use it for a succession plan for quarterback Matthew Stafford, who’s 38 and a likely Hall of Famer.
This decision will shape their draft focus, leaning towards the future and targeting skill positions they’re already well-staffed.
Simpson might not see the field for a couple of years.
Max Clair, a second-round tight end from Ohio State, steps into a competitive tight end group. The Rams often play with three tight ends, so he’ll need to compete against veterans like Tyler Higbee and Terrence Ferguson.
Missouri’s Keigen Trost might fill the swing tackle role this year, but he could also end up being the fourth tackle. He has the talent to start—it’s just a testament to the depth they have.
In a league as fluid as the NFL, things are bound to change. In just a few months, circumstances could look entirely different.
Two veterans, Allen and Parkinson, have expiring contracts. Without extensions, Clair could be positioned as the go-to replacement.
Trost will start as a redshirt in 2026 but might find himself starting in 2027, especially since most tackles are under contracts that are running out.
The fast-paced nature of the NFL requires foresight; without a solid plan for the future, teams can find themselves out of luck.
And that future can shift immediately, with injuries and unexpected developments altering plans. “We could draft someone, and if injuries hit, suddenly that future becomes our reality,” Snead commented.
Ideally, the Rams would slowly integrate their draft picks, allowing them time to develop while being ready to adapt quickly if needed.
But, in professional football, ideal scenarios rarely play out. There’s a chance they may have to depend on their rookies sooner than they’d hoped.
On Day 3 of the draft, they picked up two more selections, snagging Miami’s CJ Daniels in the sixth round and Alabama’s Tim Keenan III in the seventh.
Grade: B
If Simpson develops well, he could reach A-level status; Clair might be able to contribute earlier than expected.
