Rams Failed in 2026 Draft Approach

[PARAM]

We are not even halfway thought the season. These guys still have time to contribute. We had to wait awhile to see much of Ferguson last year.

Dude, common sense doesn't fly well in this thread!!!! This is about a 7-0 record that turned into 3-4. So something had to go wrong right? Let's start with THE PLAN and narrow it even more by adding FOR THIS ALL IN SEASON. You know.....like in other years we're not trying to win the Super Bowl. And despite not winning it the last 4 years leading to 2026, THE PLAN was better.......FOR THOSE YEARS.

 

[majrleaged]

From the beginning, I wanted to at least try to improve the team from the draft to increase their chances of winning the SB. Getting a QB of the future and a TE was definitely not at all what I pictured. I was disappointed to say the least. Getting Garrett changed the picture, but the injuries and resulting loses, as always are making the non moves stick out.

Assuming picking WR instead of Klare no matter how they are playing with another team, doesn't mean they would be seeing the field with the Rams. If they can't block, they can't play. For some reason, even if you have an amazing aspect of your talent McVay doesn't like making packages or simplifying the offense to get a player on the field. He is the most stubborn coach when it comes to his offense. You all know it.

Merlin is right though about the bottom of the roster. Focus on ST talent is a much smarter use of the roster spots than 8 receivers. But even with that, I know one thing for sure. If the Rams hadn't fucked up the handling of Garretts injury, their record right now would be better and this convo would be Moot.

 

[Coliseum Ram]

From the beginning, I wanted to at least try to improve the team from the draft to increase their chances of winning the SB. Getting a QB of the future and a TE was definitely not at all what I pictured. I was disappointed to say the least. Getting Garrett changed the picture, but the injuries and resulting loses, as always are making the non moves stick out.

Assuming picking WR instead of Klare no matter how they are playing with another team, doesn't mean they would be seeing the field with the Rams. If they can't block, they can't play. For some reason, even if you have an amazing aspect of your talent McVay doesn't like making packages or simplifying the offense to get a player on the field. He is the most stubborn coach when it comes to his offense. You all know it.

Merlin is right though about the bottom of the roster. Focus on ST talent is a much smarter use of the roster spots than 8 receivers. But even with that, I know one thing for sure. If the Rams hadn't fucked up the handling of Garretts injury, their record right now would be better and this convo would be Moot.

Yep. Shoulda been surgery in August, back in October. Instead we got September-November. And who knows how much that Australia flight might have done a number on him to boot.

 

[Memphis Ram]

Merlin is right though about the bottom of the roster. Focus on ST talent is a much smarter use of the roster spots than 8 receivers.

Even with that bottom roster focus there are only so many players that can be active on game day.

While coaching plays a role, methinks it's the lack of speed and want to of the immediate backups that are active that's the main issue on coverage teams.

For example: This offseason I pointed out how I couldn't believe that Jaylen McCollough had the 2nd highest snaps on special teams last year, but ONLY had 5 special teams tackles (3 solo, 2 assisted) for the season.

Not much has changed this year. If the website I'm looking at is correct, so far this year he has 1 through the first 7 games. From that I can only assume that teams are either running away from him all the time or he simply doesn't want to play special teams.

 

[DzRams]

To be fair, only if he hits.

Well, yeah, that can be said about every pick. I'm just saying that as a priority, I rank QB of the future much higher than WR3.

 

[Pupped]

Even with that bottom roster focus there are only so many players that can be active on game day.

While coaching plays a role, methinks it's the lack of speed and want to of the immediate backups that are active that's the main issue on coverage teams.

For example: This offseason I pointed out how I couldn't believe that Jaylen McCollough had the 2nd highest snaps on special teams last year, but ONLY had 5 special teams tackles (3 solo, 2 assisted) for the season.

Not much has changed this year. If the website I'm looking at is correct, so far this year he has 1 through the first 7 games. From that I can only assume that teams are either running away from him all the time or he simply doesn't want to play special teams.

Bolded the first lines because I think they speak to an important aspect..

One of the things I think is regrettable about the approach this year is that it didn't produce competition for roster spots, which I think helps promote a feeling of urgency on a roster.

Another thing is just the concept that there's a dearth of athleticism on special teams.. it's an obvious, tangible thing. I've mentioned trading two 7ths to move up for Daniels was a head scratcher.. I would've rather used the three picks searching for true ST contributors.
Heck.. I would've used all of the bottom 4, rather than draft Keenan.

 

[Pupped]

I’ve gone over it enough and explained my perspective. I understand that explanation is insufficient for you.

I'm confused here, what's inappropriate about my response?

 

[Coliseum Ram]

Well, yeah, that can be said about every pick. I'm just saying that as a priority, I rank QB of the future much higher than WR3.

Oh totally. I didn't even mention that because that's not even in question.

 

[Memphis Ram]

Bolded the first lines because I think they speak to an important aspect..

One of the things I think is regrettable about the approach this year is that it didn't produce competition for roster spots, which I think helps promote a feeling of urgency on a roster.

Another thing is just the concept that there's a dearth of athleticism on special teams.. it's an obvious, tangible thing. I've mentioned trading two 7ths to move up for Daniels was a head scratcher.. I would've rather used the three picks searching for true ST contributors.
Heck.. I would've used all of the bottom 4, rather than draft Keenan.

But this still goes back to the loaded roster. While it would be something, competition doesn't mean that the rookie was going come in and beat out a veteran who knows the scheme for his spot or get snaps within the first 7 games. Just like Klare didn't beat out the guys ahead of him.

And they could have drafted all special teamers with those final selections. But there are still only so many active spots on the game day roster.

 

[Pupped]

But this still goes back to the loaded roster. While it would be something, competition doesn't mean that the rookie was going come in and beat out a veteran who knows the scheme for his spot or get snaps within the first 7 games.

And they could have drafted all special teamer with those final selections. There are still only so many active spots on the game day roster.

I think it's fair to question the characterization of the roster as, "loaded", needs some deconstruction.

I think parts of their roster are absolutely loaded.. and they have a high number of true "super stars", imo.

But.. I think that you could easily see competition leading to changes at the bottom.. especially if there was more emphasis on Special Teams.

And, again.. that lack of attention to STs on the game day roster shows up, imo.
And.. Who knows? Maybe you draft a Dallen Bentley or Carsen Ryan And have developmental TE.. AND as a ridiculous athlete on STs? And have used the 2nd for someone who could contribute immediately at WR?

You could've drafted Deion Burks and created competition with X Smith and Mumpfield and had a legit return prospect.

Maybe you take a shot at Cole Wisniewski to develop at S and contribute on STs.. physical profile much like Benny Skow. Not an undersized guy.

Maybe you draft a Tommy Doman to have someone compete with Evans.. who has been.. interesting? Inconsistent?

Anyway.. I'm listing all the possibilites because when I said they failed in their approach.. I very much did not like the idea of.. what looked to me.. like punting on the 6th and 7th rounds. Both guys looked like practice squad candidates who offered nothing, no competition, at their positions.. or a boost to special teams.

 

[majrleaged]

Even with that bottom roster focus there are only so many players that can be active on game day.

While coaching plays a role, methinks it's the lack of speed and want to of the immediate backups that are active that's the main issue on coverage teams.

For example: This offseason I pointed out how I couldn't believe that Jaylen McCollough had the 2nd highest snaps on special teams last year, but ONLY had 5 special teams tackles (3 solo, 2 assisted) for the season.

Not much has changed this year. If the website I'm looking at is correct, so far this year he has 1 through the first 7 games. From that I can only assume that teams are either running away from him all the time or he simply doesn't want to play special teams.

Well, when ST isn't a reasonable priority for actives, he might be the best they have to offer.

 

[Memphis Ram]

I think it's fair to question the characterization of the roster as, "loaded", needs some deconstruction.

I think parts of their roster are absolutely loaded.. and they have a high number of true "super stars", imo.

But.. I think that you could easily see competition leading to changes at the bottom.. especially if there was more emphasis on Special Teams.

And, again.. that lack of attention to STs on the game day roster shows up, imo.
And.. Who knows? Maybe you draft a Dallen Bentley or Carsen Ryan And have developmental TE.. AND as a ridiculous athlete on STs? And have used the 2nd for someone who could contribute immediately at WR?

You could've drafted Deion Burks and created competition with X Smith and Mumpfield and had a legit return prospect.

Maybe you take a shot at Cole Wisniewski to develop at S and contribute on STs.. physical profile much like Benny Skow. Not an undersized guy.

Maybe you draft a Tommy Doman to have someone compete with Evans.. who has been.. interesting? Inconsistent?

Anyway.. I'm listing all the possibilites because when I said they failed in their approach.. I very much did not like the idea of.. what looked to me.. like punting on the 6th and 7th rounds. Both guys looked like practice squad candidates who offered nothing, no competition, at their positions.. or a boost to special teams.

Carsen Ryan & Cole Wisniewsk can be had via the Browns & Eagles practice squads today if the Rams wanted them.

Dallen Bentley has yet to make the active gameday roster for Denver & Deion Burks had no punt return experience and trails Whittingon by about a 5 yards average per kick return.

Loaded doesn't mean everyone is stud. But, also includes decent VETERAN depth. And for a team going hard for a Championship VETERAN depth is going to trump rookies most of the time if feasible under the salary cap.

 

[Pupped]

Carsen Ryan & Cole Wisniewsk can be had via the Browns & Eagles practice squads today if the Rams wanted them.

Dallen Bentley has yet to make the active gameday roster for Denver & Deion Burks had no punt return experience and trails Whittingon by about a 5 yards average per kick return.

Loaded doesn't mean everyone is stud. But, also includes decent VETERAN depth. And for a team going hard for a Championship VETERAN depth is going to trump rookies most of the time if feasible under the salary cap.

You’re missing a key part I’ve expressed.. competition. Team mindset.

Yes, I think that matters.

And Klare hasn’t done anything.., for a 2nd rounder as opposed to a 7th.

And… having those guys in camp competing for the roles on your team is different than a mid-season pluck.

And Burks is a rookie.. with explosive potential.. you know… the possibility of getting better this season.

If veteran = quality… great… if veteran = comfort, not so great.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

I'm surprised this conversation is still going on lol.... Both sides feel strong about their beliefs and that ain't changing anytime soon.

 

[Memphis Ram]

You’re missing a key part I’ve expressed.. competition. Team mindset.

Yes, I think that matters.

And Klare hasn’t done anything.., for a 2nd rounder as opposed to a 7th.

And… having those guys in camp competing for the roles on your team is different than a mid-season pluck.

And Burks is a rookie.. with explosive potential.. you know… the possibility of getting better this season.

If veteran = quality… great… if veteran = comfort, not so great.

No. I got the competition aspect.

I'm questioning just how much real competition these guys would be on a team going for a Championship vs. a veteran that knows the schemes. And if these guys wouldn't just be as inactive on gameday IF they could make the team. Especially those listed that can't stay on or are always inactive on lesser rosters right now.

And how can one point out Burks having the possibility of getting better this season and disregard the same could be true for the Rams rookie class?

As far as backups a solid veteran that knows what to do trumps a rookie with possible upside (no guarantee) that has to learn.

 

[majrleaged]

I think it's fair to question the characterization of the roster as, "loaded", needs some deconstruction.

I think parts of their roster are absolutely loaded.. and they have a high number of true "super stars", imo.

But.. I think that you could easily see competition leading to changes at the bottom.. especially if there was more emphasis on Special Teams.

And, again.. that lack of attention to STs on the game day roster shows up, imo.
And.. Who knows? Maybe you draft a Dallen Bentley or Carsen Ryan And have developmental TE.. AND as a ridiculous athlete on STs? And have used the 2nd for someone who could contribute immediately at WR?

You could've drafted Deion Burks and created competition with X Smith and Mumpfield and had a legit return prospect.

Maybe you take a shot at Cole Wisniewski to develop at S and contribute on STs.. physical profile much like Benny Skow. Not an undersized guy.

Maybe you draft a Tommy Doman to have someone compete with Evans.. who has been.. interesting? Inconsistent?

Anyway.. I'm listing all the possibilites because when I said they failed in their approach.. I very much did not like the idea of.. what looked to me.. like punting on the 6th and 7th rounds. Both guys looked like practice squad candidates who offered nothing, no competition, at their positions.. or a boost to special teams.

Yes it becomes obvious the Rams were happy with the squad they had in place. They even said, there wasn't much room for new personnel and it was the reason they were fine with the number of pics. Even the reason they didn't look to trade back.

At first I agreed with that or at least saw where they were coming from. Now I have been thinking the lack of competition coupled with basically the entire 1st and 2nd string not playing in the preseason, giving even the backups a comfortable feeling, eliminated the urgency and intensity necessary to prep the team for the season. It has been obvious through out this season. The Rams have not recovered from the complacency imbedded into the team this summer.

 

[Memphis Ram]

Yes it becomes obvious the Rams were happy with the squad they had in place. They even said, there wasn't much room for new personnel and it was the reason they were fine with the number of pics. Even the reason they didn't look to trade back.

At first I agreed with that or at least saw where they were coming from. Now I have been thinking the lack of competition coupled with basically the entire 1st and 2nd string not playing in the preseason, giving even the backups a comfortable feeling, eliminated the urgency and intensity necessary to prep the team for the season. It has been obvious through out this season. The Rams have not recovered from the complacency imbedded into the team this summer.

Or maybe it's just injuries, horribly bad officiating, and missed FGs.

 

[Memphis Ram]

Well, when ST isn't a reasonable priority for actives, he might be the best they have to offer.

I see what they are going through.

I've gotten bored a few times and tried to come up with a prediction on active game day rosters. And this, of course, without having Reggie Scott give me the injury status on players.

It's not as easy to have all basis covered as some may believe.

I think if more tried this exercise, they might see what McVay and the Rams are up against each week and better understand.

 

[majrleaged]

Or maybe it's just injuries, horribly bad officiating, and missed FGs.

Or maybe it all is part of the problem. The thing is, a team more ready to play at the beginning of the season, is better prepared to overcome all of those things. Maybe the offense is good out of the gate and compensates for the other challenges. You have to admit, the offense has been sluggish.

 

[Memphis Ram]

Or maybe it all is part of the problem. The thing is, a team more ready to play at the beginning of the season, is better prepared to overcome all of those things. Maybe the offense is good out of the gate and compensates for the other challenges. You have to admit, the offense has been sluggish.

Yet it's the #1 offense in the NFL via yards.
I'd argue redzone play-calling and Stafford missing some throws as the issue.
Not competition for roster spots or being ready.