NFL Draft expert deep dives on Rams draft hinting at future OL starter

The Los Angeles Rams compressed 10 draft picks earmarked for the 2026 NFL Draft into one All-Pro veteran cornerback and five rookies. By all rights, the chances for any rookie to have an impact on the 2026 season for the team are remote. But fans fumed over general manager Les Snead not adding offensive weapons in Round 1 of the draft.

Still, the team's offense was the top scorer in 2025. LA's lone loss of any significance on offense was out-of-place wide receiver Tutu Atwell. And the team did address two vulnerabilities. That is, the secondary landed two now-starting cornerbacks, and special teams will have an entirely new set of strategies.

Did Los Angeles miss a chance to restock the roster? Many do not think so. But it's important not to remain in an echo chamber of similar opinions.

Justin Melo's insights give Rams fans a different perspective. With extensive experience working with the NFL Draft and the Tennessee Titans, he is uniquely poised to offer opinions that veer from the norm. So, without further ado, let's get Justin's perspective on the job Snead did in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Juistin Melo breaks down the LA Rams draft

Ramblin Fan: The Los Angeles Rams had the top-scoring offense in 2025. While 2026 is truly a new season, was there truly anyone on the board at the 13th overall pick who would have moved the needle in 2026? Who, and why?

Justin Melo: I certainly thought they'd take Kenyon Sadiq or Makai Lemon at no. 13. Sadiq could have made sense given Sean McVay's current love for heavy TE sets. With Davante Adams on an expiring contract, Lemon could have helped in 11 personnel immediately while developing into the #2 opposite Puka Nacua.

Ramblin Fan: A major protest about LA's selection of Ty Simpson at 13 was that he was taken too early. Were any other NFL teams in the mix for Simpson? Which teams might have selected Simpson in Round 2 before the 61st overall pick?

Justin Melo: Would the Jets have considered Simpson at No.16? It's worth noting they traded back into the first round for Omar Cooper. Would they have done the same for Simpson on the back half? Teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers that took mid-round quarterbacks come to mind as well.

Ramblin Fan: Multiple analysts dinged LA for not selecting TE Kenyon Sadiq. But the team did add Max Klare, and he has a more robust college experience.

Los Angeles drafted just five rookies. Are there any particularly interesting additions (i.e., could be better than expected)?

Justin Melo: It doesn't sound like any rookie will make an impact on offense in 2026. Both Simpson and Klare are long-term plays. Klare could be ready to replace Higbee and Parkinson, who probably won't be there in 2027.

Ramblin Fan: In the wake of LA parting ways with Tutu Atwell and leaning heavily into 12 and 13-personnel sub packages on offense, is there room on the Rams offense for any rookie to make an impact in 2026?

Justin Melo: I thought Keagen Trost was a very interesting pick. I was higher on him than most. I have Trost making the transition from tackle to guard, but I could see a pathway to future relevance for him.

Ramblin Fan: How do you see the Rams' draft compared to the NFC West rivals? Did the draft have a significant impact on the division?

Justin Melo: The Rams draft will come down to whether or not Simpson eventually develops into Matt Stafford's successor. As noted, they probably won't get any immediate contributions from this class. The Cardinals are obviously rebuilding and are a long way off.

I liked the Jadarian Price and Bud Clark picks for the Seahawks. They should make quick impacts. The 49ers had one of the worst drafts, but they'll put Romello Height in a rotational role.

A bit about Justin Melo

Justin Melo is the publisher of NFL Draft On SI and Managing Editor for Titan Sized.

He has previous experience covering the NFL Draft in a professional capacity at various outlets such as The Draft Network and USA Today SMG. Melo's NFL Draft prospect interview series has featured more than 1,000 exclusive interviews with NFL Draft picks.

Melo is also the published author of Titans of The South: Photographs and History of the Tennessee Titans, available where all books are sold.

As always, thanks for reading.

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