Lack of Week 1 impact from Rams youngsters reflects team's recent draft slump

In the season opener, the Los Angeles Rams benched every drafted rookie. Perhaps even more concerning, the only second-year player to make any impact was outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart, who finished the game with six tackles.

Other notable Rams sophomores failed to move the needle. Tight end Terrance Ferguson was unable to secure the only pass thrown his way. Same goes for wide receiver Konata Mumpfield. Defensive lineman Ty Hamilton recorded just one tackle.

And of course, two of six 2025 draft picks, linebacker Chris Paul Jr. and running back Jarquez Hunter, from are already gone.

No matter how you slice it, the lack of contributions from younger players is not just inconvenient. It spells future trouble with a capital T. And the Rams cannot afford complications. They once again mortgaged the future to build a better roster win in 2026. They have depleted their cash reserves, despite more than two dozen contracts expiring this season.

LA won't get much help from next year's draft, either. The team currently has the league's least valuable arsenal of 2027 picks:

• * Round 1 - traded to the Browns for DE Myles Garrett
• Round 2
• * Round 3 - traded to the Chiefs for CB Trent McDuffie
• Round 4
• Round 5
• Round 6
• * Round 7 - traded to the Ravens (2024) with CB Tre'Davious White for a 2026 Round 7 pick

For a team struggling to get anything out of young players now, there is little hope of improving that trend for the foreseeable future.

Rams have concerning dearth of future picks to restock the roster

Los Angeles exceeded expectations in both 2023 and 2024, buoyed by better-than-average rookie draft classes that seeded the team with young, inexpensive starters who played with passion. Unfortunately, the past two drafts have not been nearly as productive. Big picture, the season-opening loss in Melbourne, Australia, may be the least of this team's worries.

Neither the 2025 nor 2026 draft class has panned out so far. Compare that to the 2023 class, which yielded six starters and three key backups. In 2024, the Rams added six more key rotational players.

They have yet to find a starter from either of the past two drafts.

The 2023 class propelled the Horns to the playoffs. And as those players have grown in experience, the team has been more and more successful. But now, '23 draft picks find themselves in the last year of their contracts. And with limited funds, not all will be extended.

Sure, blockbuster trades thrill fans during the offseason, when any football news is welcome. And one loss will not define the season. But no matter how 2026 ends, signs are starting to pile up. Everybody was shocked by LA's 5-12 season a year after winning the Super Bowl. A similar fall-off could be creeping closer.

2022 began with a humiliating loss at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. By the Week 7 bye, the Rams had improved to 3-3 but would lose their next six games, fueled by the domino effects of multiple serious injuries forcing them to dig deep into the roster.

LA chose to scratch all rookies in Week 1. The message is clear. As a result of scant playing time, don't be surprised if they are unable to step up if needed later in the season. Trust begins now. Performance comes later. So far, fans have legitimate reasons to be concerned.

As always, thanks for reading.

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