Why Rams didn't use NFL Draft for 2026 season despite all-in plans

While the Rams could've used the 2026 NFL Draft to help them in the short-term, the Rams believe that they were very close to a Super Bowl with the same roster last year.

They fell to the Seahawks in two out of three games, and if they won the game with the freak two-point play, or they won the NFC Championship, they might've been holding up the Lombardi at season's end.

And it's not like the Rams didn't address their top need, as the McDuffie trade and Watson signing resolved their biggest need at CB with two great additions.

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They also didn't lose anyone too important over the offseason. So, with a fairly complete roster, the Rams drafted Ty Simpson to be a long-term Matthew Stafford replacement, and Max Klare as a depth tight end for now, but a starter as soon as 2027.

Last year, the Rams were potentially one unlucky bounce from winning the Super Bowl. The only big changes they needed to make were already addressed by the time of the NFL Draft.

Sure, they could've drafted someone like Ruben Bain Jr., Makai Lemon, or an offensive lineman at No. 13 overall. But the Rams feel confident in their roster, and instead used the draft to plan for the future.

They could've gotten more help for 2026. But the Rams elected to prepare for the future, believing their roster is good enough to win the Super Bowl. Which, to their credit, it is. But that doesn't mean fans won't feel frustrated and ask questions about this approach.

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