The 2026 NFL Draft has seen the Los Angeles Rams make decisive moves through the first three rounds, selecting quarterback Ty Simpson, tight end Max Klare, and offensive tackle Keagen Trost. Now, as Day 3 arrives on April 25, the Rams look to use their final four picks to add depth and value to the roster, continuing a long-standing strategy of extracting contributors from late-round selections.
Building from the Beginning: Early Picks Define the Core
General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Sean McVay have prioritized offensive skill players and offensive line depth early in the draft. With the 13th overall pick, the Rams selected Ty Simpson, a quarterback from Alabama known for his strong arm and mobility. Simpson is expected to compete for the backup role behind veteran Matthew Stafford, providing the team with a promising developmental prospect at the most critical position.
In the second round, the choice of tight end Max Klare from Ohio State added a dynamic receiving weapon to the offense. With established tight end Tyler Higbee recovering from injury and entering his mid-30s, Klare serves as a vital complement, capable of creating mismatches in the passing game.
The third-round selection of Keagen Trost, an offensive tackle out of Missouri, targets immediate depth on the offensive line. Trost's versatility and athleticism give the Rams a potential swing tackle behind starters Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr., helping to shore up a line that will be key to protecting the quarterback and opening up lanes for running backs like Blake Corum.
The Rams' Remaining Draft Capital: Four Picks on Day 3
Day 3 of the draft typically focuses on finding value late in the draft, and the Rams' current capital consists of one sixth-round pick--No. 207 overall, acquired from the Houston Texans--and three seventh-round compensatory picks at Nos. 232, 251, and 252. The absence of fourth- and fifth-round selections is the product of prior trades, necessitating a focused and strategic approach toward these final picks.
Despite the limited quantity, the Rams have historically maximized late-round picks to build depth. Sixth-round pick Quentin Lake, drafted in 2022, has become a contributor in the secondary, demonstrating the franchise's ability to identify talent beyond the early rounds. The seventh round, although riskier, has been a source for special teams standouts and developmental players who push for roster spots.
Priorities and Strategy: Depth and Special Teams
Given the current roster composition, the Rams will likely target depth in key defensive positions and versatile special teams players. The defensive line rotation, anchored by stars like Tyler Davis and Byron Young, could benefit from younger pass rushers or interior linemen selected late in the draft. Bringing in developmental players who can learn behind veterans is a standard approach.
The secondary remains another focus area. The cornerback and safety positions have solid starters, but depth is still necessary for a deep NFL season and special teams coverage. The coaching staff, including Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula and the defensive backs coach, will be seeking players with zone-coverage abilities and special teams acumen.
Special teams contributions are often the ticket for later-round draft picks to make the active roster. The Rams lost some key special teams players in recent free agency moves, and finding versatile athletes who can serve as gunners, blockers, and even return specialists is a priority. Players with high effort, speed, and tackling ability--often linebackers or defensive backs--are prime targets in these late rounds.
Furthermore, some investment in offensive line depth remains prudent. Late-round selections or undrafted free agents who can play interior line positions such as guard or center would bolster the team's injury insurance behind established starters Beaux Limmer and Coleman Shelton.
Historical Success with Late-Round Picks
The Rams have a notable record of extracting value in the draft's later stages. In 2021, cornerback Robert Rochell was a fourth-round pick who contributed during their Super Bowl-winning season. Additionally, Puka Nacua, a fifth-round wide receiver in 2023, has developed into a dynamic playmaker. These successes underscore the importance the Rams place on thorough scouting and player development beyond early-round selections.
The front office and scouting department have likely compiled extensive player profiles and scouting reports to identify prospects who fit the Rams' schematics and culture. With only four picks remaining, there is flexibility to trade up in the seventh round if a valued player begins to slip, though Les Snead typically prefers calculated moves rather than aggressive capital spending late.
Looking Ahead: What Fans Should Watch for Today
Today, Rams fans can expect a focus on strategic selections aimed at both immediate and long-term roster improvements:
Trade Moves: It remains unlikely the Rams will trade up substantially, but a modest jump using a seventh-round pick to secure a preferred player is possible.
Positional Focus: Look for at least one defensive back, a linebacker or edge rusher, and possibly an interior offensive lineman to be selected.
Special Teams Impact: The special teams coordinator, Bubba Ventrone, holds significant influence on late-round choices, pushing for athletes who can make an immediate impact on kickoffs, punts, and coverage units.
Undrafted Free Agents: Once the draft concludes, the Rams will aggressively pursue undrafted free agents to complement the rookies selected and provide competition in training camp.
The 2026 Draft Outlook: Building a Balanced Roster
The Rams' strategy in this draft mirrors their overall team-building philosophy: prioritize high-upside starters early and fill out the roster with versatile, developmental players who contribute on special teams and provide depth. The selections of Ty Simpson, Max Klare, and Keagen Trost form the foundation for future success at key offensive positions, while the remaining picks offer a chance to reinforce defense and special teams units.
As the draft progresses today, attention will shift from marquee names to sleeper prospects, underscoring the crucial role that late-round picks play in the NFL's competitive landscape. With Les Snead guiding the front office and Sean McVay overseeing the coaching staff, the Rams continue to position themselves as contenders who rarely overlook the importance of depth and roster flexibility.
Stay tuned as the Rams make their final selections to complete their 2026 draft class. For fans, it's a chance to witness the final pieces of a carefully constructed team puzzle come together -- the players who could become tomorrow's surprises and steady contributors to Los Angeles' ongoing quest for NFL excellence.
