The Los Angeles Rams have a knack for finding hidden gems in the later rounds of the NFL Draft, especially along the defensive line. In 2026, they may have done it again with seventh-round pick Tim Keenan out of Alabama. While he may not have been a household name on draft day, Keenan's path to contributing in LA is clearer than you might think.

The Rams have a proven track record of selecting players in the sixth and seventh rounds who go on to have longer-than-average NFL careers. These aren't always superstars, but they are reliable depth pieces who find a way to stick—whether in Los Angeles or elsewhere. It's a testament to the Rams' scouting process and their ability to round out the roster by beating the odds late in the draft.

So, what does Tim Keenan bring to the table? According to draft analyst Dane Brugler's "The Beast," Keenan was a favorite of Nick Saban during his time at Alabama because of his reliability and "do your job" mentality. That reputation carried over when the Tide's new staff took over. Keenan got a late start to his senior season after undergoing ankle surgery in the preseason, which impacted his production, but he saved his best for last—particularly in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia.

Keenan may lack elite range and suddenness as a block shedder, but he's an instinctual player with refined hands who excels at clogging up run lanes. Many scouts have compared him to Khyiris Tonga, a player who has carved out a solid NFL role despite being a late-round pick. If Keenan can follow that blueprint, the Rams will have found excellent value.

One area where Keenan could surprise is his pass rush potential. During Senior Bowl practices, he turned heads in one-on-one drills, showing untapped ability to get after the quarterback. At Alabama in 2025, he played nearly a 50/50 split between the A gap (between the center and guard) and the B gap (between the guard and tackle). While we don't have exact alignment data to pinpoint his role with the Rams, his versatility suggests he can fit into multiple spots along the interior.

For a team that values depth and competition, Keenan is exactly the kind of late-round flyer that could pay off big. Whether he's rotating in on early downs or developing into a reliable run-stuffer, the Rams' track record suggests they know how to unlock his potential.