Rams drafted its smallest rookie draft class in franchise history at worst time

Even though the Los Angeles Rams entered the 2026 NFL Draft armed with 10 draft picks, the rookie class was much smaller. Unfortunately, the team emerged with no more than five rookies. That's the smallest drafted rookie class in the Rams franchise history. LA drafted six rookies on multiple occasions in the past. But with only five rookies, the pressure is on for them to contribute quickly.

Unfortunately, that may not prove to be the case. Much like the 2025 NFL Draft, the overarching theme of this rookie class is the pattern that held throughout the multi-day event. In short, general manager Les Snead ensured that he selected a rookie to back up his most senior veteran starters.

• QB Matthew Stafford (38) -> QB Ty Simpson
• TE Tyler Higbee (33) -> TE Max Klare
• OT Rob Havenstein (33, retired) -> OT Keagan Trost
• WR Davante Adams (33) -> WR CJ Daniels
• NT Poona Ford (30) -> NT Tim Keenan III

Every drafted player is talented. All have intriguing NFL-worthy skills that could earn them playing time (at some point). But not one project as a starter at any point in time in 2026, barring an untimely injury to a prescribed starter.

With a ravenous fanbase starving for immediate impact players to help the team compete in 2026, did the team do enough?

Slow and steady is the theme of LA Rams draft

With five drafted rookies added to a roster and 65 players currently under contract, the LA Rams scouts must scramble to sign 20 more players to round out the roster after the draft. And they are already working quickly, with rumored signings flying in on social media:

With 20 roster slots to fill, the LA Rams have wasted no time in rumored post-draft collegiate signings. Keep in mind that nothing is official until the team announces its undrafted player additions in the days ahead:

Well, perhaps not that long. Rumors are flying around to suggest the team's 90-man training camp roster is already nearly topped off (more on that later). The team's greatest need for depth after the draft includes defensive backs, offensive linemen, offensive skill players, and defensive players for the trenches.

Should fans worry that LA did not crush the draft? Well, be patient before discounting this team. Snead has earned a reputation for possessing a keen eye for talent. And with a team that is already burying the needle with success, there are simply not many niche holes to fill.

As always, thanks for reading.

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