By Daisy White | Rams Writer
The NFL Draft is a marathon, not a sprint, and for the Los Angeles Rams, the most intriguing moves often happen beyond the first round. Just a few hours ago, the team's pre-draft show went live, featuring J.B. Long, D'Marco Farr, and Maurice Jones-Drew. The trio shared insightful analysis on what Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft holds for the Rams.
While the first round usually garners the most attention, the Rams' front office, led by General Manager Les Snead, has repeatedly found valuable players on Day 2. From Cooper Kupp, the standout third-rounder of 2017, to Puka Nacua, a fifth-round gem in 2023, Los Angeles has a strong track record of unearthing impact talent after the top picks. The focus for Day 2 is clear: bolster overall roster strength and possibly draft a quarterback who can develop into the franchise's future.
The Quarterback Conundrum: Ty Simpson in Focus
The standout topic from the Rams' pre-draft show was the consensus prediction that the team will draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson during Day 2. The hosts emphasized that this is a prediction and analysis, not an official announcement. Yet, when all three respected analysts -- each deeply connected to the Rams' broadcast and organizational insight -- converge on this prospect, the speculation gains weight.
Ty Simpson entered the 2025 college season as a Heisman Trophy hopeful but experienced an uneven year at Alabama. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, Simpson combines a strong arm, athleticism, and the off-script playmaking ability that fits perfectly with Head Coach Sean McVay's offensive scheme. Given Matthew Stafford is now in the twilight of his career and Jimmy Garoppolo serves as a stopgap backup, the Rams face a necessary future transition at quarterback.
Drafting Simpson in the middle rounds would be a smart move consistent with Rams franchise strategy: secure a high-upside signal caller who can learn behind an established veteran like Stafford, with Garoppolo providing depth. Simpson's mobility and accuracy on the move are reminiscent of Jordan Love's pre-draft profile but with more refinement, which McVay values for his system that thrives on quarterback agility and improvisation.
Maurice Jones-Drew commented during the broadcast, "The kid can spin it. You see the tape -- the arm strength, the mobility. If he's available on Day 2, the Rams have to take that swing."
Positional Focus for Day 2
Beyond the quarterback discussion, the broadcast team outlined key positional needs and potential targets the Rams might pursue on Friday night:
Cornerback: With Jalen Ramsey long gone and the current depth behind starters still developing, the Rams need a physical, press-man corner capable of playing both inside and outside. The analysts expect they might find a player who can immediately challenge for a starting role in the second round.
Offensive Line: Los Angeles has invested heavily on the offensive front, but depth, especially at interior line spots, remains a priority. The team could target a "mauler" from a Power Five school with the athleticism to pull and lead blocks in the run game, a fit for McVay's dynamic offense.
Edge Rusher: Although Byron Young and Michael Hoecht have shown promise, the Rams desire a rotational edge presence with high motor and explosive bend around the corner. A productive Day 2 edge rusher would fit the team's blueprint of adding disruptive, energetic defenders.
Wide Receiver: The passing attack is a cornerstone of the Rams' offense, with stars like Davante Adams and Puka Nacua leading the way. Adding a big-bodied receiver who can win contested catches and stretch the field would bolster depth and prepare for the eventual transition from the current veterans.
The "Value" Drafting Philosophy
The overriding theme stressed by the pre-draft panel was the Rams' strategic patience. They don't reach for players but allow the draft board to dictate moves. Whether it's a quarterback, cornerback, or offensive lineman, the team sticks to trusted grades and makes selections based on best available talent.
D'Marco Farr articulated, "This Rams front office doesn't force things. They have a plan and trust their board. If a quarterback like Simpson falls to the late second round, they'll grab him. If a corner with upside slides due to concerns, they'll pounce."
This methodical approach shows the Rams are not rebuilding but instead balancing competing for the NFC West crown today while quietly securing the team's future. Taking Simpson in Day 2 is not a signal of moving on from Stafford immediately but a calculated step to groom the next era's quarterback.
What This Means for Rams Fans
NFL Drafts are ultimately about hope and potential. Day 2 in 2026 could determine the Rams' next foundational star or the heir apparent to a franchise quarterback legend. The buzz around Ty Simpson is significant and reflects well on the organization's internal evaluations.
Considering the Rams' history of quarterback development -- from Jared Goff to unlocking Stafford's best seasons -- plugging Simpson into the fold this year creates a roadmap for sustainable success.
The panel also emphasized this draft class's depth, noting it's rich in quality options in the middle rounds, exactly where the Rams thrive. Fans should anticipate Los Angeles being smart and aggressive, both in capitalizing on value picks and maneuvering up or down in the draft to secure desired talent.
Final Thoughts
The Rams' pre-draft show provided an insightful preview into their Day 2 strategy. Ty Simpson's name dominates the conversation, symbolizing hope for a seamless transition at quarterback. The broader message is one of disciplined patience and calculated roster building.
Los Angeles is constructed to win now and invest in long-term success. Friday night's picks could add the key pieces for both missions.
As the countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft continues, Rams fans should watch closely for moves involving Simpson and trust the blueprint this longtime diligent front office has crafted. The future is being built -- the swings are ready to come.
