Rams know they're ready to contend, so they make just 5 draft picks with eyes on long-term future
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Although the Los Angeles Rams are squarely in a window for championship contention, they were focused primarily on the long-term future at this NFL draft. Starting with their shocking decision to use the 13th overall pick on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson — who won't play important snaps this season unless things have gone very wrong — the Rams clearly demonstrated they believe they can win it all with the players currently under contract.
Los Angeles made only five selections in the smallest draft class in this franchise's 80-year history, and every selection was a player who won't be expected to contribute much in 2026. That was by design, according to assistant general manager John McKay. “Where we’re at now, especially in Day 3, you’re saying, ‘What is our vision for this guy?
How is he going to make our team? ’” McKay said Saturday. “Because it’s not going to be an easy team to make this offseason.
For us, having a fewer number of picks and (choosing) guys we really believe in was a good thing for us. ” What’s more, the Rams have some big decisions to make soon. Players who will be up for second contracts within the next calendar year include Puka Nacua, Byron Young, Kobie Turner, Steve Avila, Jared Verse, Braden Fiske and several other regulars.
“When you look at our free agents coming up after this upcoming season, that was something we really wanted to be able to plan for, because it's a high number of guys,” McKay said. “A high number of high-level contributors. We were fortunate our roster is in a place where we don't have a ton of glaring needs.
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