Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams were in a great position. Having already addressed their biggest need on the trade market and in free agency, the Rams invested over $200 million into their defensive secondary with the additions of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, along with the team's move to retain Kam Curl.
The Rams had their vision and went about it in their own way. BigBoardLab.com put together grades of how well each NFL franchise stuck to its draft plan, and here's a look at how the Rams did.
According to Big Board Lab's methodology, the Rams ranked 20th with a score of 78 out of 100, addressing all three of their previously stated priorities, while only three of their five total picks were considered "on plan."
Taking in statements made by the top members of the organization and reports from the media, Big Board Lab stated the Rams came in with three objectives: add a pass-catching threat for Matthew Stafford, stay aggressive at premium positions, and plan for a post-Stafford future. Those were considered Plans 1, 2 and 3.
The Rams addressed Plan 1, adding wide receiver CJ Daniels and tight end Max Klare to be pass-catching threats for Stafford. Ty Simpson is considered on the edge of Plan 2, but follows more of Plan 3. The Rams get a young passer at a premium position, allowing a natural succession once Stafford retires.
Offensive tackle Keagen Trost and defensive tackle Tim Keenan III were considered off-plan selections.
We did something odd with Draft Grades, so I think (hope) it's worth the wait.Lots of talk about consensus boards vs team boards, and we wanted to look at the NFL Draft through a different lens: How well did each team execute their stated draft plan? https://t.co/wnOmsObe06 pic.twitter.com/RQxeLocuRD
The Rams came into the offseason with a simple philosophy. Use free agency and the trade market to avoid making desperate decisions in the draft. They did that. For me, Trost addresses the second objective. He reloads a critical need as he's able to play along the entire offensive line, while potentially being in position to become a starter as soon as next season, with four of the five starting offensive linemen on the Rams currently in the final year of their deals.
I also feel Simpson addresses Plan 2 a bit more than given credit for. Kirk Cousins is with the Raiders, Joe Flacco chose the Bengals, and Jimmy Garoppolo is considering retirement. They needed a backup; the team clearly does not believe in the future of Stetson Bennett, and Simpson did guide an overrated Alabama team to the College Football Playoffs, where he pulled off a win against Oklahoma during the first round after the Sooners had won the previous two matchups.
Overall, the Rams didn't use the 13th overall pick to add an instant difference-maker, but that move didn't deviate from their plan in a meaningful way. They added McDuffie with their other first so they made a long-term bet. They followed their plan more than they're being given credit for.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: How well did the LA Rams stick to their plan?