Tim Keenan III can offer Rams defense what a rookie Ty Hamilton could not

The Los Angeles Rams drafted defensive tackle Tim Keenan III 232nd overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, seeking a big body to clog the middle of the line in a rotational role. Measuring 6-foot-1 and 327 pounds, Keenan can do that if anything. 

Opposing team has the ball, fourth-and-one at the Rams' 49-yard line. That could be just the spot for Keenan. 

Last year's Day 3 DT pick, Ohio State fifth-rounder Ty Hamilton, did not give the Rams much substance as a rookie, especially against the run. It wasn't a big role - only 138 snaps - but in 2026, Keenan will be coming for his roster spot if Hamilton can't prove he can clog the gaps up front.

Tim Keenan III could give Rams rotational oomph immediately 

As a prospect, Keenan arguably has less upside than Hamilton did entering the league a year ago. The Alabama nose tackle received a lower prospect grade and athletic score and is more limited in what he can provide. Listed at 6-foot-3, 303 pounds, Hamilton is more agile in the pass rush. Keenan is almost exclusively suited to play the run.

However, Hamilton's struggles in that area could open the door for Keenan to leapfrog him on the depth chart. In limited reps last season, Hamilton earned a ghastly 29.6 Pro Football Focus grade in run defense. Against the pass, he earned a mark of 49.9. PFF credited him with three total pressures, two quarterback hits, and two stops in 14 games. 

That's not a high bar to clear. Keenan won't do much in the pass rush, and there are concerns about his length even against the run, but his sheer mass in the middle could create a niche for him in the Rams' rotation. All he has to do is show he can slow down opposing rushing attacks in short-yardage situations.

The Horns already have Poona Ford locking down the lead role at nose tackle. Tyler Davis is an excellent, versatile backup. What they could use is someone who can give them a few snaps per game in run-heavy scenarios, or step into the rotation temporarily due to injury. 

The opportunity should be there. Hamilton earned 10-plus snaps in all but four of his appearances last season. But his projected fourth-round potential didn't show up as a rookie. Now Hamilton's share of playing time is up for grabs between him and Keenan. 

Keenan has a size advantage on both Hamilton and Davis, who can slide over to play the three-technique. As a pure nose tackle, he should take inspiration from Ford, a former undrafted free agent who entered the league out of Texas at just 5-foot-11. 

While Keenan lacks Ford's disproportionately broad wingspan, he shares similar limitations as a late-draft prospect with physical shortcomings. Ford's 5.60 prospect grade was even lower than Keenan's. Look at him now, PFF's fourth-ranked interior defender last season.  

All that to say that Keenan is a worthy challenger to Hamilton for a spot in next season's d-line rotation. 

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