The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as draft class analysis from Ryan McCrystal. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview.
Every team is excited about their incoming class of rookies, but how will those new players affect each team in 2026?
Let's look at the Los Angeles Rams, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from their class while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Los Angeles Rams 2026 Draft Class: Which Rookies Will Make an Impact?
The Rams took the biggest gamble of the draft with the selection of Ty Simpson (first round). Simpson will obviously ride the bench behind Matthew Stafford for at least the 2026 season and probably for as long as Stafford wants to keep playing. While learning from the sideline can help some players, Simpson probably needs to get on the field. He already sat for three years at Alabama and has attempted just over 500 passes since graduating high school in 2022. The Rams were probably attracted to Simpson’s accuracy, which could allow them to develop him into a more mobile version of Stafford. Based on route-adjusted data, Simpson’s on-target rate was 3.5% above expected last year, ranked 15th among power-conference quarterbacks.
However, he’ll need to become a better decision-maker under pressure before he plays anywhere near Stafford’s level in the NFL. When facing pressure, Simpson generated -1 EPA or worse on 32% of his dropbacks, ranked 47th out of 78 qualified power-conference passers. The stability of the Rams’ coaching staff increases the odds that Simpson develops into a quality starter despite his lack of experience, but it was still shocking to see a Super Bowl favorite spend the 13th overall selection on a player who will have zero impact on their ability to hoist the trophy.
Max Klare (second round) was another baffling selection due to the Rams’ depth at the position. The Rams led the NFL in rate of three-tight end formations (31%) and had four tight ends play at least 400 snaps last year between the regular and postseason, but all four are still on the roster. Klare has potential as a well-rounded tight end, but blocking is his primary weakness at this stage of his career. Given how the Rams rely on tight ends in the run game, it’s difficult to imagine Klare carving out a substantial role as a rookie. Expect Klare to essentially redshirt in 2026, taking on a larger role after Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen hit free agency after the season.
Keagan Trost (fourth round) will be a four-position backup on the offensive line, having played both tackle and guard during his seven years at Morgan State, Indiana State, Wake Forest, and Missouri. Although Trost has the body type and athletic traits of a guard, he thrived in pass protection at right tackle for Missouri last season.
CJ Daniels (sixth round) is a physical receiver who fits the Rams' prototype as someone with the versatility to play in the slot and the outside. Daniels thrived as a big-play weapon at Liberty in 2023, but never made the same impact at LSU or Miami. Although he isn’t an explosive athlete, Daniels generated a catch rate 6.4% above expected based on route-adjusted data during his two years at the power-conference level. Due to that reliable pass-catching ability, Daniels has a good chance to immediately be the third option in the passing game behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, though that’s a smaller role in Los Angeles than most places due to the Rams’ heavy use of tight ends.
Tim Keenan III (seventh round) is a space-eating nose tackle who offers little else. Expect Keenan to serve as insurance behind Poona Ford, potentially seeing a handful of snaps on early downs to keep Ford fresh.
Les Snead’s approach to this draft class was baffling given the state of the franchise. Every other move the Rams made this offseason was about going all in on chasing another Super Bowl before Stafford’s time runs out. So why draft a backup quarterback and fourth-string tight end with your first two selections? Maybe Simpson and Klare develop into quality starters down the road, but if the Rams fall short of the Super Bowl, it will be difficult not to look at the lack of production from this rookie class and wonder what could have been if they added some immediate contributors, especially on offense.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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