B+
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams let Rodriguez fall into their laps, and walked away with a B+.
by djuve ·
2026 NFL Draft
· 10 picks
· 4 steals
· 2 reaches
The Rams ran the phones like sharks, prying loose value on deal after deal until the ledger was lopsided. No fireworks, but a solid B+.
If one pick saves this weekend, it is Rodriguez. The Haynes reach is the anchor dragging on the value grade.
With quarterback, interior defensive lineman and other spots unsolved, spending premium capital on linebacker is the choice that costs them. They punted on quarterback, and it is the miss that keeps the grade honest.
In sum, a sturdy weekend with one asterisk, the quarterback spot they never got to.
Pick-by-Pick
In the 24th overall pick they get a downhill thumper at linebacker, outstanding value to boot.
D'Angelo Ponds in Round 2, Pick 17 is exactly on the number, no argument either way. A minor need, but a need all the same.
Eli Stowers at the 61st pick is a sensible buy, a touch better than market for the tight end. It shores up a spot that genuinely needed the help.
The needs board was loud and they turned it down, spending pick 70 on Jacob Rodriguez with quarterback, interior defensive lineman and other spots unsolved.
Good price on Skyler Bell in No. 93, a hair ahead of his grade with no real quibbles. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
Travis Burke at slot 163 is a clear overpay, with better names still on the board. A must-fix position, and they treated it like one.
VJ Payne slid further than he should have, and the 207th overall pick is lovely value for the safety. This was priority one on the needs board, and now it is handled.
They let Kaden Wetjen come to them and pounced at the 232nd pick. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
They paid sticker price for Bryce Foster in slot 251, and that is fine. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
The board screamed and they did not listen, reaching into the next round for Jamal Haynes. It answers the question that was keeping the coaches up at night.