No offensive rookie had a snowball's chance in a fireplace of making 2026 impact

Protests linger over the Los Angeles Rams decision to select Alabama rookie quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Some fans who were disgruntled with the pick pointed out that both tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Makai Lemon were on the board as more worthy selections.

Why didn't the team trade back? Reportedly, the phone did not ring. So the team had to make it's best selection. So why aren't more pleased wtih the pick?

After all, the consensus argument goes, Los Angeles is all-in and needed an immediate impact player. Everyone understands that Simpson will spend all of 2026 on the bench, and perhaps longer. So they conclude that Sadiq or Lemon would give LA's offense a burst of rookie energy this season.

But there is one flaw in that thinking. LA seldom dilutes its offense to work in rookies if there is a capable veteran on the roster.

And so it goes. The same success enjoyed in 2025 has all but shut the door to rookie opportunities in 2026. After all, running back Jarquez Hunter sat on the bench all season, and he had a significantly promising college track record. Even tight end Terrance Ferguson, who added three touchdowns in his rookie season, was only targeted 25 times, resulting in 11 receptions.

No rookie will get playing time in 2026 in this offense

While some fans may be aware and even concerned over the departure of veteran wide receiver Tutu Atwell this offseason, the team still has wide receivers Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, and Xavier Smith seeking targets in 2026. Would a rookie slot receiver knock all three out of the running?

The prospects for Kenyon Sadiq are even more remote in 2026. The LA Rams have found that 13-personnel works. But the team has solidified the package with tight ends Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and, in some regards, Terrance Ferguson. While the team did add Max Klare in Round 2, Klare has a far more extensive college football resume that positions him far more likely as a plug-and-play rookie.

The roster held plenty of opportunities for rookies in 2023, and many drafted players took full advantage of the opportunity. But the 2026 rookie class simply does not have that luxury. And so, it's far better to draft a quarterback who can develop for a season (or two) than an offensive rookie who will wilt on the bench.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow