ESPN's Louis Riddick loves the upside of two 2026 drafted Rams rookies

Just as not every rookie prospect is a fit for the Los Angeles Rams roster, not every NFL analyst naturally "gets" what general manager Les Snead's roster-building strategy is trying to do. Thankfully, there are a few, and fans are blessed that ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick is more than willing to share valuable insight freely.

Riddick has heard enough. Despite the smallest draft class in franchise history, he is pushing back hard on the misconception that Snead did not help out the team in this year's draft. He loves LA's draft, calling out two drafted rookies as true gems. He loves the way Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels fits the tough mindset of the receiver room, and how offensive tackle Keagen Trost proved to be a true road grader in the Missouri Tigers' offensive line:

Curiously, he is spot on in both Accounts. And he never mentioned the fantastically physical football potential of new tight end Mx Klare, the cool calculations of quarterback Ty Simpson, or the run-stuffing phenom, Tim Keenan III.

Louis Riddick knows the upside of Rams small but mighty rookie class

The most intriguing trait of all five LA Rams drafted rookies lies in the fact that while they may all sit throughout their entire rookie season on the bench, each offers the potential to step up as a significant contributor if the need arises. While not an easy set of qualities to find in a rookie, Snead did so with each selection.

That's right. Even Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson could be a huge contributor at season's end if LA has the occasion to sit starter Matthew Stafford for a final quarter, or even a game. And yet, amidst all the fan fuming, few paused to ponder that fact. And yet, everyone voiced the need for a rookie quarterback from this draft the instant the team landed an additional Round 1 pick from the Atlanta Falcons.

Louis Riddick was not dazzled by his own brilliance at mock-drafting prospects to LA. He simply spells out the facts and tracks those prospects whom Los Angeles loves. If you recall, he was all over Konata Mumpfield's fit in the Rams offense a year ago.

Keep in mind that all spotlight roles on the Rams roster were already claimed as soon as Snead restocked the secondary with a pair of Kansas City Chiefs cornerbacks. From that point on, this has been about depth, backups, and rotational assets. No matter what negative draft grades you may read, LA was never in the market to find the NFL Rookie of the Year in this draft.

The stakes of finding a contributor to the team were simply too high.

Louis Riddick understands the logic of incremental improvements to an NFL roster. And unlike many analysts who view this as an opportunity to toss shade at the Horns, he sits back, admires Les Snead's handiwork, and relays to fans why it's such a masterclass in roster construction.

We'll be talking about the new rookie additions for some time. But one thing is clear. Some of the most discerning NFL analysts love what Los Angeles did in this draft. But the proof is in the pudding. Stay tuned.

As always, thanks for reading.

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