Rans tradition of double-dipping is vital to future success of this franchise

The Los Angeles Rams stumbled into the NFL's secret sauce of success in 2023. Purely by accident, general manager Les Snead selected Tennessee outside linebacker Byron Young and defensive lineman Kobit Turner. The accidental outcome was how quickly the pair bonded, forging a fraternal bond that rivaled that of close brothers.

In 2024, the team chose a pair of close friends from Florida State's dominating defense in outside linebacker Jared Verse and defensive lineman Braden Fiske.

Now the team is applying the lessons learned with that historical success by adding two of the five drafted rookies from the same college football program: Alabama's quarterback Ty Simpson and nose tackle Tim Keenan III.

There is no true magic in the strategy. But young men need to have a built-in support system when their entire lives undergo rapid and total upheaval. From a college football program of near celebrity status, a rookie drafted to the NFL must adapt to their new cities, culture, coaches, teammates, and a brand new set of rules in which it's sink or swim.

Facing that with a friend improves the chances of success significantly.

Tim Keenan can ensure Ty Simpson's NFL success

Even as the LA Rams face 2026 with few expectations placed upon either rookie quarterback Ty Simpson or nose tackle Tim Keenan III, the future of the franchise is very much in their hands. And that creates a dichotomy of parallel goals that will run simultaneously in 2026.

Not only does this team need to ready starters for a grueling 2026 NFL season, but it must ensure the growth of rookies to be ready to step into significant roles when their time comes.

While LA's locker room is full of veterans who are more than happy to mentor younger players, the need for support cannot be overemphasized. Both Simpson and Keenan have fallen from the top of the food chain at Alabama to the bottom in Los Angeles. And like all football teams, their standing and respect have to be earned the old-fashioned way.

By performance.

That's a tall task in 2026, as neither will be granted much playing time. So it will come down to training camp, practices, and the support and encouragement of friends. After all, it's a long way to the top, and both Simpson and Keenan are starting on the bottom.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow