Les Snead showing up draft guru Mel Kiper is becoming an annual tradition

When it comes down to understanding the Los Angeles Rams draft strategy, one of the last draft analysts fans should trust is the NFL draft guru himself, Mel Kiper. Why? Well, in 2023, Kiper was not shy about LA's selection of BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua in Round 5, who he considered a 'reach'. In fact, if you revisit the LA Rams 2023 draft class (which was outstanding), how did Kiper grade it?

To sum it up, not very well:

• Round 2: IOL Steve Avila - 36th overall | Mel Kiper Jr.: 43
• Round 3: OLB Byron Young - 69th overall | Mel Kiper Jr.: 51
• Round 3: DT Kobie Turner - 89th overall | Mel Kiper Jr.: NR
• Round 4: QB Stetson Bennett - 128th overall | Mel Kiper Jr.: NR
• Round 5: OLB Nick Hampton - 161st overall | Mel Kiper Jr.: NR
• Round 5: OT Warren McClendon Jr. - 174th overall | Mel Kiper Jr.: NR
• Round 5: TE Davis Allen - 175th overall | Mel Kiper Jr.: NR
• Round 5: WR Puka Nacua - 177th overall | Mel Kiper Jr.: NR
• Round 6: CB Tre Thomlinson - 182nd overall | Mel Kiper Jr.: NR
• Round 6: OLB Ochaun Mathis - 189th overall | Mel Kiper Jr.: NR
• Round 6: RB Zach Evans - 215th overall | Mel Kiper Jr.: 132
• Round 7: P Ethan Evans - 223rd overall | Mel Kiper Jr.: NR
• Round 7: S Jason Taylor - 234th overall | Mel Kiper Jr.: NR
• Round 7: DE Desjuan Johnson - 259th overall | Mel Kiper Jr.: NR

When you make a career out of calling wide receiver Puka Nacua a 'reach' without penalty, you know you have a good gig that does not hold you accountable.

Kiper's vast knowledge about so many rookie prospects is hands-down impressive. But he skids off the road as soon as he tries to interpret which players are fits for any NFL team. His draft board is simply a one-size-fits-all perspective, and if a prospect is selected out of sequence, his wrath is swift and terrible.

"Puka Nacua was a reach" and other Kiper miscalculations

Not all rookie prospects are created equally. Some are motivated by money, some are motivated by fame and recognition, while still others are passionate about the game of football. Kiper doesn't care. And not all rookies are a fit for every NFL team.

Once again, Kiper couldn't care less.

In Mel Kiper's draft universe, teams and rookies are ultimately capable of changing to make it work. Rookies are given every chance to earn playing time and starts. And if a veteran is traded, cut, or retires, that instantly translates into open competition that can be won by a rookie.

Only LA doesn't work that way.

Mel Kiper's instant draft grade from the LA Rams rookie class was a bit harsh. That's what fans should expect from an instant draft assessment that uses Kiper's draft board as the answer sheet.

Was Puka Nacua truly a 'readh'? The only player Kiper endorsed from that 2023 rookie class that LA selected was running back Zach Evans, and he is long gone. If fans need reassurance about the quality of the 2026 NFL Draft class, consider this. If Mel Kiper disapproves, history suggests that general manager Les Snead got it right.

As always, thanks for reading

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