Rams fans cannot assume 2025 draft class to step up into larger roles in 2026

As the Los Angeles Rams entered the 2025 NFL Draft, fans were understandably on the edge of their seats. General manager Les Snead has smashed two consecutive NFL drafts with a bank vault's worth of elite NFL talent. But the team needed depth in last year's draft, depth that seemed to struggle to find playing time throughout the year.

It's far too early to judge the quality of those rookies. But it is fair to guess whether or not they will step into larger roles in 2026. And just from a quick overview, the same factors that limited their playing time and impact in 2025 are still very much in play in 2026.

It's not simply a matter of talent. Depth players are there as insurance. Fortunately, LA's roster did not reach critical mass to trigger the need for significant contributions from its rookies last season. And the same players who fended off competition in 2025 are still projected to start in 2026.

Still, keep in mind that LA competed in the NFC Championship Game. While it did not compete in Super Bowl LX, the roster was competitive enough to advance deep into the playoffs. Now, those rookies must take on the roles of players whose contracts expired, or who have since parted ways with the team.

LA Rams 2025 draft experience was unexpectedly unique

Even as fans ready for the LA Rams 2026 NFL Draft, there is some value in revisiting last year's draft., The team held picks in Round 1, but did not return to the podium until late on Day 2. General manager Les Snead was armed with eight picks. He would only select six rookies.

Only five rookies remain from that draft class.

2025 Rams Draft Pick (Original)

The team held eight picks entering last year's draft. But a trio of trades reshaped the team's entire draft footprint.

• Round 1 (26th overall)
• Round 3 (90th overall
• Round 3 (101st overall) (comp pick)
• Round 4 (127th overall)
• Round 6 (190th overall) (via Falcons)
• Round 6 (195th overall) (via Steelers)
• Round 6 (201st overall) 
• Round 6 (202nd overall) (via Bears (originally from Texans))

For the second time, Snead vacated Day 1 to acquire more picks. But the team used the ammunition in its cache to trade into position to make other picks. Ultimately, LA emerged with six rookies.

2025 Rams selections

• DAY 2 PICKS
• Round 2 (46th overall) - TE Terrance Ferguson
• Round 3 (90th overall) - OLB Josaiah Stewart
• DAY 3 PICKS
• Round 4 (117th overall) - RB Jaquez Hunter
• Round 5 (148th overall) - DT Ty Hamilton
• Round 5 (172nd overall) - ILB Chris Paul Jr. (released)
• Round 7 (242nd overall) - WR Konata Mumpfield
• 2026 NFL Draft Additional Picks
• Round 1 (via Atlanta)

We'll have plenty of time to dive deeper into sane projections for these remaining five players in 2026. But the same factors that limited their opportunities in 2025 remain in place. And the same habits that limit the impact of offensive skill players in their rookie season are still in place.

The team did not address the cornerback position in the draft in 2025. But the situation is drastically different this year.

Yes, more experience will make playing this year possible for many players listed above. But the depth chart continues to boast starters who will command the lion's share of snaps. So these second-year players remain in the show-me category for coaches to trust them in 2026.

Looking for immediate impact players from the 2026 NFL Draft? Perhaps it's a good time to revisit and amend those lofty expectations. LA has plenty of momentum heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, and did not manage to reload the roster with starters.

Los Angeles needs to upgrade its roster. But it must do so with an eye to 2027 and beyond. And that is where the 2026 NFL Draft will be most effective.

As always, thanks for reading