3 Rams thoughts I have before the draft

TL;DR

The Los Angeles Rams hold a top 15 draft pick for the first time since 2016, sparking discussions about their strategy. Key considerations include the long-term value of first-round picks, the potential selection of a quarterback, and the need to improve special teams.

Key points

Rams hold a top 15 draft pick for the first time since 2016
First-round picks are viewed as five-year investments
Potential to draft a quarterback with Kliff Kingsbury's hiring
Need to improve special teams after a weak performance in 2025
Investment in talent is crucial for special teams enhancement

Mentioned in this story

Kliff Kingsbury

Los Angeles Rams

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 1: quarterback Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts before the game during the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty Images Draft week is finally here. The action gets underway on Thursday evening, and the Los Angeles Rams unusually hold a top 15 selection. It’s their earliest pick since they took Jared Goff first overall in 2016. Since LA rarely picks in the first round and often trades their selections for veteran players, like they did earlier this offseason in exchange for Kansas Ctiy Chiefs corner Trent McDuffie. There are a few thoughts I can’t shake just days before the draft. This is what is on my mind.

First round picks are five-year investments, not one

A lot of those in the Rams community are saying that the 13th pick should follow suit in LA’s offseason plan to go “all in”. That whoever the team takes in the first round must be able to contribute in year one and help Los Angeles Rams the Super Bowl. But draft picks are five-year investments. It’s simply not wise to distill a player’s capabilities down to how ready they are to produce in their first season. This is the Rams’ earliest pick since 2016. They are in position to come away with a franchise building block for the foreseeable future, even if they already have plenty of promising, young talent on the roster. What if the top two or three receivers are on the board, meaning the team won’t be able to fill one of the biggest remaining needs? What if the best option is someone like Spencer Fano who probably projects as a backup in 2026 with potential to be a high level starting guard or tackle thereafter? Simply put, most fans would be disappointing if the Rams do indeed select Fano. That doesn’t make sense. LA is in a position to come away with a good player. Asking them to boom or bust as a rookie is ill-advised. We need to move off this thought process.

Q&A

What is significant about the Rams' top 15 draft pick this year?

The Rams' top 15 draft pick is their earliest since selecting Jared Goff first overall in 2016, indicating a crucial opportunity for building the team's future.

Could the Rams draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft?

There is speculation that the Rams may draft a quarterback, especially with Kliff Kingsbury's hiring, which suggests a focus on developing a young player like Ty Simpson or Drew Allar.

What improvements do the Rams need to make on special teams?

The Rams aim to enhance their special teams after a poor performance in 2025, requiring investment in talent to address weaknesses in areas like kick returns.

How should the Rams approach their first-round draft pick?

The Rams should view their first-round pick as a five-year investment rather than expecting immediate contributions, allowing for the selection of a player who can develop into a franchise cornerstone.