Rams Failed in 2026 Draft Approach

[Coliseum Ram]

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

I understand. Dont have the strength to venture back into this thread.

But c'mon, just give me one. Pick 13. Instead of Simpson, I'd have taken.......????

 

[Pupped]

I understand. Dont have the strength to venture back into this thread.

But c'mon, just give me one. Pick 13. Instead of Simpson, I'd have taken.......????

I didn’t have strong opinions on draft day, so I don’t want to pretend now that I knew exactly who to pick.
I have said I did not want Makai.. didn’t think he was worth it.
I’ll defer to @merlin’s pick of Boston.. who I did draft in fantasy lol.

 

[Memphis Ram]

Yes but stating this is exactly what I've would have done doesn't make what I would have done necessarily possible. You're now introducing other factors into the equation like other teams accepting trades for players, trying to take players that may not have been available, trade downs or trade ups where you don't know the compensation involved, etc. This is why you'll get I would have taken a WR or an OT in this round with no particular target, but at most a name here or there. Of course there's a debate of what is wrong or right from either side because we don't know the outcome. You're dealing with opinions not facts because enough time hasn't passed. Both sides can say they are right until they are Ram blue in the face, but we just don't really know. Its a fun exercise as long as people don't go ape shit over it, but it happens. I mostly eat my popcorn when it does because I honestly don't take it that seriously. The Rams have who they have and nothing is changing that. Basically something to kill time and shoot the shit over.

A general answer of I would have taken a player at this or that position at this or that draft slot with no regard to the actual player would simply tell me that said person doesn't know what they are talking about in regards to the NFL draft and the talent available and thus shouldn't be so quick to say an something is wrong 7 games into a season.

There is no fun exercise if there are no actual player alternatives presented. Just the back and forth foolishness we have via a good percentage of this thread.

 

[Coliseum Ram]

I didn’t have strong opinions on draft day, so I don’t want to pretend now that I knew exactly who to pick.
I have said I did not want Makai.. didn’t think he was worth it.
I’ll defer to @merlin’s pick of Boston.. who I did draft in fantasy lol.

So Boston, by himself, would definitely be better for the 2026 Rams than Simpson. No doubt.

If Simpson alone, "CAUSED" Garrett and Donald, then the Simpson pick is better than the Boston pick.

If you still believe that even with drafting Boston, we still trade for Myles, and AD subsequently un-retires, then THIS scenario is better for the 2026 Rams.


So thats a 2-1 score in your favor, if you believe Boston STILL begets Garrett and Donald. However, you must explain, in rational detail, how you plan about getting your next Franchise Quarterback, unarmed with your 2027 1st, 2028 2nd, and 2029 3rd.

I know this is as close to an impossible exercise, and Im not trying to jump you, Pupped. Just TRYING to break it down to bare essentials, as most of the board feels that ypur position is mostly hindsight than cannot be confirmed under most circumstances.

 

[Pupped]

So Boston, by himself, would definitely be better for the 2026 Rams than Simpson. No doubt.

If Simpson alone, "CAUSED" Garrett and Donald, then the Simpson pick is better than the Boston pick.

If you still believe that even with drafting Boston, we still trade for Myles, and AD subsequently un-retires, then THIS scenario is better for the 2026 Rams.


So thats a 2-1 score in your favor, if you believe Boston STILL begets Garrett and Donald. However, you must explain, in rational detail, how you plan about getting your next Franchise Quarterback, unarmed with your 2027 1st, 2028 2nd, and 2029 3rd.

I know this is as close to an impossible exercise, and Im not trying to jump you, Pupped. Just TRYING to break it down to bare essentials, as most of the board feels that ypur position is mostly hindsight than cannot be confirmed under most circumstances.

I’ve said.. the QB issue is for another day, to me.
That’s part of the whole thing… and built-in to that is the fact I have faith that they’ll figure it out.

I’ve also said that if they hadn’t gotten Garrett.. we’d have Verse & draft capital. Buckner just moved for a 4th.

So, you would still have future draft capital to throw at a QB.

I reject others’ (not yours) argument that without specifics.. my premise is pointless. I stand by there were multiple different pathways to improve roster for this season.

 

[Coliseum Ram]

I’ve said.. the QB issue is for another day, to me.
That’s part of the whole thing… and built-in to that is the fact I have faith that they’ll figure it out.

I’ve also said that if they hadn’t gotten Garrett.. we’d have Verse & draft capital. Buckner just moved for a 4th.

So, you would still have future draft capital to throw at a QB.

I reject others’ (not yours) argument that without specifics.. my premise is pointless. I stand by there were multiple different pathways to improve roster for this season.

No one could forsee the Garrett injury. We THOUGHT we were getting the best pass rusher on the planet. I think this is fueling most of the angst.

I still believe we are getting vintage Myles Garrett. Just that we are getting him in Week 10 or so instead of Week 1.

Hang tight. The 2026 Rams have not shown up yet. But its comin....

See you guys tomorrow. Getting late here in the East.

 

[Pupped]

No one could forsee the Garrett injury. We THOUGHT we were getting the best pass rusher on the planet. I think this is fueling most of the angst.

I still believe we are getting vintage Myles Garrett. Just that we are getting him in Week 10 or so instead of Week 1.

Hang tight. The 2026 Rams have not shown up yet. But its comin....

See you guys tomorrow. Getting late here in the East.

Good stuff.

Just to be clear.. I have nothing against the Garrett trade, I’m only observing what the alternative path could’ve looked like.

Take care!

 

[XXXIVwin]

I’ve said.. the QB issue is for another day, to me.
That’s part of the whole thing… and built-in to that is the fact I have faith that they’ll figure it out.

I’ve also said that if they hadn’t gotten Garrett.. we’d have Verse & draft capital. Buckner just moved for a 4th.

So, you would still have future draft capital to throw at a QB.

I reject others’ (not yours) argument that without specifics.. my premise is pointless. I stand by there were multiple different pathways to improve roster for this season.

Thanks for the straightforward answer. And your response here is why I respectfully disagree with you.

Your response of "the QB issue is for another day" is particularly telling. You have stated several times that you think McVay and Snead are "awesome." And you have faith they'd "figure it out."

I'd argue that McVay and Snead felt they would be SCREWED if they didn't have a CONCRETE, VERIFIABLE PLAN for how to obtain the next QB.

You wrote that under your proposed scenario that "you would still have future draft capital to throw at a QB." I agree with @Coliseum Ram that your argument would be bolstered by AT LEAST detailing what that supposed draft capital would be.

If I follow your argument correctly, we would have spent our premium picks in 2026 in shoring up positions of need. And I also think you implied you would have preferred keeping Verse and the picks instead of trading for Garrett, is that correct?

Then the point is: how on earth would the Rams land their next franchise QB in 2027 without a boatload of premium picks?

I gather your answer seems to be "that's a problem for another day" and/or "McVay and Snead are smart enough to figure it out."

My opinion is that McCay and Snead were "smart enough to figure out" that waiting until 2027 or 2028 to try to get their QB of the future would put them in an intolerably weak position. All the options left would be incredibly risky.

Last thing... to defer to your argument, "of course" if the Rams had gone completely all-in on 2026, their chances of winning it all would be higher. Of course drafting a QB of the future is about the future and not about the present.

EDIT: I see just now you seemed to imply you were in favor of the Garrett trade? If so, that would mean the Rams would have traded away their 2027 first rounder. Again, many would ask what your plan might be to get a QB of the future with even LESS draft capital, then.

 

[Pupped]

Thanks for the straightforward answer. And your response here is why I respectfully disagree with you.

Your response of "the QB issue is for another day" is particularly telling. You have stated several times that you think McVay and Snead are "awesome." And you have faith they'd "figure it out."

I'd argue that McVay and Snead felt they would be SCREWED if they didn't have a CONCRETE, VERIFIABLE PLAN for how to obtain the next QB.

You wrote that under your proposed scenario that "you would still have future draft capital to throw at a QB." I agree with @Coliseum Ram that your argument would be bolstered by AT LEAST detailing what that supposed draft capital would be.

If I follow your argument correctly, we would have spent our premium picks in 2026 in shoring up positions of need. And I also think you implied you would have preferred keeping Verse and the picks instead of trading for Garrett, is that correct?

Then the point is: how on earth would the Rams land their next franchise QB in 2027 without a boatload of premium picks?

I gather your answer seems to be "that's a problem for another day" and/or "McVay and Snead are smart enough to figure it out."

My opinion is that McCay and Snead were "smart enough to figure out" that waiting until 2027 or 2028 to try to get their QB of the future would put them in an intolerably weak position. All the options left would be incredibly risky.

Last thing... to defer to your argument, "of course" if the Rams had gone completely all-in on 2026, their chances of winning it all would be higher. Of course drafting a QB of the future is about the future and not about the present.

The last last graph is my point.

I, obviously, disagree about acquiring a QB.

They shake loose.. and some vets would do backflips to end up playing for McVay. Look at what he meant to Mayfield. The current SB champ features a retread. The best team in football features a team whose failed QB efforts lead to massive success thru their backup plan.

I did not advocate against Garrett trade. People believe Snead when he said Simpson allowed them to trade for Garrett. Maybe that’s true.. maybe that’s his way to sell the pick, I don’t know. I merely lay out what the alternate situation would be.

I appreciate the respectful exchange and hope you feel I’ve shown you the same.

 

[Merlin]

So the Rams screwed up the draft. Which is basically what the OP is saying. He's got a right to be wrong. So does everyone else. One thing I do know. The draft is not a failed draft today. It could be in 3 years. Or it could be a great one. But its neither today.

All true. Discussing drafts 8 games into the first season they apply is madness. But sometimes you can see the shape of the drafts and how they're going to turn out early. Really great drafts tend to show you a lot right away. Also really bad drafts tend to show a lot in a really bad way.

This one at the very least Simpson, the QB who many here (myself included) did not like being taken at 13, looked outstanding for a rookie in preseason. He was poised, processed fast, was accurate, and just looked like a dude who busted his ass to learn the offense. That's a big deal. It's a great early sign.

But the rest... Ugh. Again I think Klare is going to help us one fine day. But this doesn't look like a strong draft to me at this point. Looks quite weak. And yes we'll see down the road where we're at, definitely need a few years.

 

[XXXIVwin]

The last last graph is my point.

I, obviously, disagree about acquiring a QB.

They shake loose.. and some vets would do backflips to end up playing for McVay. Look at what he meant to Mayfield. The current SB champ features a retread. The best team in football features a team whose failed QB efforts lead to massive success thru their backup plan.

I did not advocate against Garrett trade. People believe Snead when he said Simpson allowed them to trade for Garrett. Maybe that’s true.. maybe that’s his way to sell the pick, I don’t know. I merely lay out what the alternate situation would be.

I appreciate the respectful exchange and hope you feel I’ve shown you the same.

Well said. I don't agree with you, but IMO your position is quite defensible.

To be honest, the irony is... prior to the 2026 draft, I probably would have agreed with you. (And frankly I think many if not most other posters would have agreed, too).

Before the draft, I was thinking, "Rams should load up for 2026 and worry about QB later." After 2025, it sure seemed like MS might have "potentially" another 2 or 3 years left. And even if MS showed decline... there was always the potential of adding a "competent retread" free agent QB to a loaded team. Someone like Kirk Cousins, or Baker, or any of a number of FA QB's who as you say would love to play for McVay.

On draft day, Like everyone else, I was gobsmacked by the Rams shock decision to take Ty Simpson. But now that I've learned more about him, and seen how McVay loves him, and seen his rockstar debut in preseason, I'm hopeful he'll be our next true franchise QB and lead us to Super Bowls.

So yeah, it's too soon for any of us to know. We're all debating about un-provable hypotheticals. But IMO your opinion-- "go all-in for 2026, worry about QB later"-- is an understandable and defensible position. Now that I'm stoked for Ty's future, I don't agree with your position anymore, but I get it.

For the record-- I think the Rams absolutely nailed it. I think they got their QB of the future AND they loaded up for 2026 by expending draft capital to "win now" (2026 1st for McDuffie, 2027 first plus Verse for Garrett). So I think the Rams got the best of both worlds. But a slow start, the injury bug, and ST failures have hampered them so far. But if the 2026 Rams can get healthy, watch out.

 

[DzRams]

Well I'm the one here acknowledging that I utilize hindsight to criticize the team time to time. And for every instance of being right, I have also been wrong, so I try to at least tone down my victory laps by wearing an American flag speedo or something.

As to Boston, the answer would be anywhere between 13 and 39. He has a translatable skill set at WR and one that we specifically could have used. Especially now with Adams out. And even if we had Adams the aforementioned could have played in the slot for us as well.

I think we badly overvalue our depth WR room. And I am tired of them not being able to step up and do shit for us, not even basic teams roles. You could basically cut every fucking one of them at the end of this season and restack that room with UDFA nobodies and at least have better special teams.

I didn't like the WR talent but was ok with Boston. I agree he could help this year. One of the few IMO.

Realistically, I don't see how they would have gotten him and Simpson. If I had to choose, I'd rather get the future QB.

 

[XXXIVwin]

I think we badly overvalue our depth WR room.

I freaking loved the Rams' offseason moves. Drafting Simpson, trading for Garrett and McDuffie... so many great choices.

But why in hell they didn't upgrade the WR room is a mystery to me. I thought for sure they'd take a WR with their 2nd round pick.

When they didn't use a premium pick on WR, I thought for sure they'd add a quality #3 vet FA WR. There were a TON of big names out there that could've been had for a cheap one-year contract.

So my homer brain will have to just keep thinkin'... Tutu is gonna be amazing as soon as they utilize him

 

[DzRams]

I freaking loved the Rams' offseason moves. Drafting Simpson, trading for Garrett and McDuffie... so many great choices.

But why in hell they didn't upgrade the WR room is a mystery to me. I thought for sure they'd take a WR with their 2nd round pick.

When they didn't use a premium pick on WR, I thought for sure they'd add a quality #3 vet FA WR. There were a TON of big names out there that could've been had for a cheap one-year contract.

So my homer brain will have to just keep thinkin'... Tutu is gonna be amazing as soon as they utilize him

I don't love our WR room, so I'm certainly not overvaluing the depth.

But I suspect the Rams didn't upgrade the room because of a dearth of options. They may have felt about this draft class the same way I did: meh. Subpar. Getting someone like Boston would have required a trade up from their 2nd round pick. That would've been expensive.

The free agent class was meh...maybe even subpar.

The trade route may have been the best path to get something good which explains their rumored strong push for A.J. Brown. It sounds like they thought he was too expensive amd prioritized obtaining Garrett over him.

Just because you have need doesn't mean you have opportunity to improve there.

 

[Coliseum Ram]

Good stuff.

Just to be clear.. I have nothing against the Garrett trade, I’m only observing what the alternative path could’ve looked like.

Take care!

No I KNEW you had nothing against the Garrett trade. Only stating that had we had real Myles Garrett since Day 1, HEALTHY, it would have covered up alot of the other warts that have sprung up as a result.

 

[Coliseum Ram]

I didn't like the WR talent but was ok with Boston. I agree he could help this year. One of the few IMO.

Realistically, I don't see how they would have gotten him and Simpson. If I had to choose, I'd rather get the future QB.

To be fair, only if he hits.

 

[LouisvilleRam]

Which they can use on a 6'5" 245lb white TE or a smallish RB without breakaway speed.

 

[Memphis Ram]

What seems to be completely ignored in regards to an early look at the Rams NFL Draft is how loaded the roster was and is for this team.

This team was going to be hard pressed to draft anybody that could make a significant contribution 7 games into their rookie season. On this loaded roster, the best chance would have been a return specialist.

I was more of an Omar Cooper guy, but take Denzel Boston for instance.

With more of a TE focus and the organizations affinity for Mumpfield someone like Boston may have gotten a few snaps away from the top 3, but would probably still be mostly blocking and be way down the line via targets behind Puka, Davante, & the TE group 7 games into the season.

Max Klare on a less loaded roster might be showing the initial signs of a playmaker, if given the opportunity.
Max Klare on a loaded roster? Sits.

Methinks that some mistakenly look at rookies on lesser rosters and thus given opportunities to do something and then come to the conclusion that those same players would be jumping the depth chart and be performing the same on this loaded roster within the first 7 games. And that just wasn't likely at all.

This isn't and wasn't the same Rams team we've seen in the past. This is/was the most loaded roster this team has had since the Greatest Show on Turf days.

 

[sloramfan]

well said memphis...

i made it through about 3 pages before i cliked to the end... peat and repeat..

the rams were loaded before the draft, and spent quality draft picks on
quality players (mcduffie and garrett) and watson

how much more could we have done? i guess you know

ill take it as is, and hope the guys heal quickly so we can see what we really have...

go rams

slo

 

[PARAM]

What seems to be completely ignored in regards to an early look at the Rams NFL Draft is how loaded the roster was and is for this team.

This team was going to be hard pressed to draft anybody that could make a significant contribution 7 games into their rookie season. On this loaded roster, the best chance would have been a return specialist.

I was more of an Omar Cooper guy, but take Denzel Boston for instance.

With more of a TE focus and the organizations affinity for Mumpfield someone like Boston may have gotten a few snaps away from the top 3, but would probably still be mostly blocking and be way down the line via targets behind Puka, Davante, & the TE group 7 games into the season.

Max Klare on a less loaded roster might be showing the initial signs of a playmaker, if given the opportunity.
Max Klare on a loaded roster? Sits.

Methinks that some mistakenly look at rookies on lesser rosters and thus given opportunities to do something and then come to the conclusion that those same players would be jumping the depth chart and be performing the same on this loaded roster within the first 7 games. And that just wasn't likely at all.

This isn't and wasn't the same Rams team we've seen in the past. This is/was the most loaded roster this team has had since the Greatest Show on Turf days.

Excellent post! No. Better than excellent!!!!

Why did the Rams trade up for Daniels? Sure, they liked him but were 6 or 7 guys going to make the roster? No. So, why pass on Daniels, who they obviously liked by keeping those lower round picks? So they didn't. And Daniels showed out pretty well in preseason. But still, only 4 of the 5 they drafted made it. That's not a reflection on the draftees but on the strength of the roster going into the draft.

Great post Memphis!! I can't say it enough!!
It's common sense like that that is extremely rare on fan forums.