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znModeratorFrom an Atkins/Athletic article that is posted here: (Rams post-NFL Draft roster analysis: How the rookies fill out the depth chart) https://theramshuddle.com/topic/rams-roster-ideas-issues-guesses-post-draft/?view=all
Wide receiver
Starters: Puka Nacua, Davante Adams
Top backup: CJ Daniels
Depth: Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington, Xavier SmithMany expected the Rams to prioritize wide receiver in the draft as they were lacking depth behind Nacua and Adams, each of whom missed three games last season. Instead, they waited until the sixth round to take Daniels out of Miami.
Daniels is a strong fit for a third receiver role after blocking in one of college football’s most physical offenses. Time will tell if he can be that injury replacement for a top option, as he caught just 50 passes for 557 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games last season, though he did play six college seasons….Daniels, whom the Rams selected in the sixth round, could find himself competing for the team’s No. 3 receiver role
This is how I see it too. Whether or not the plan eventually works, they took Daniels to be their WR3.
As already established, Daniels is a crafty and advanced route runner (who models his game on Adams) who has superlative hands and a great knack for catching contested throws. Plus he blocks.
And he’s more advanced than many rookies. He’s 24 and played college football for 6 seasons, and played for 3 different programs, which means he is used to learning new systems and excelling. Even though he transferred to Miami, for example, (to quote one draft report here) “he ran routes on 96.4% of Miami’s pass snaps,” and that “tells you the coaching staff trusted him completely.” That’s after transferring, so he acquired the system easily enough to earn 96% of their pass snaps.
So yes he CAN become the #3 WR as a rookie.
Here’s more on his qualifications. Quoting different write-ups from throughout this thread:
Sources in Miami program speak highly of his pro mindset and consistency in practice
He’s confident, crafty and focused
Smart, tough player and shows a natural feel for the position
Crafts separation with a deep bag of tricks.
Fluid hips and quick feet allow him to sink, snap off routes, and generate separation at the top of his breaks with consistent quickness that makes life tough on defensive backs.
put his tape on and you see a guy who understands how to play the position. His route craft is legitimate. He uses his lower body to deceive defenders, changes pace within his stems, and consistently wins out of breaks with quickness rather than raw speed. The savvy is real,
he is quick and sudden in his releases and at the top of routes, allowing him to consistently create separation on intermediate routes.
Reliable ball skills with just a 1.6% drop rate the last 2 seasons
Daniels has a tremendous feel for creating catch opportunities with varied route tempo, body control and late separation tactics.
His blocking alone makes him worth a roster spot
blocked more than he ran routes in one of the sport’s most physical and run-first offenses.
Willing and capable run blocker who Miami trusted as a move blocker in their screen game and pre-snap motion packages, consistently sealing off defenders in the ground attack.
You can’t guarantee anything but still, I would be surprised if he doesn’t end up being their regular #3 WR this year.
…
znModeratoraka this vid. I know James. I met him while bartending in the 80s.
These seem almost impossible. Terminator X is what??!! pic.twitter.com/Q3DuHeObh0
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) May 1, 2026
znModeratorDan Villari Welcome to the LA Rams TE/QB
from https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dan-villari/32005649-4c55-6907-ef93-a7ddd067507f
College: Syracuse
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 243 lbsOverview
Villari is a multi-purpose move tight end with competitive spirit and appealing upside. He’s a former quarterback who has grown into his frame. He’s not strong enough to block in-line, but he has the wiring and effort to project as a space blocker from the slot. The route-running fundamentals are behind but coachable, while his hands and catch radius are already working for him. He has average speed and excellent catch toughness. Villari’s gadget versatility on direct snaps adds a fun twist, but refining his talent as a pass-catcher will determine his long-term value.
Strengths
Dynamic skill set with talent to catch, run and pass.
Alters speed to sneak separation at break points.
Tough in traffic with strong hands to secure combat catches.
Can operate zone-read and throw out of that look.
Rarely stopped on short-yardage carries.
Determined and willful once the ball is in his hands.
Shows some strain when connected to a block.Weaknesses
Behind the curve with receiving fundamentals.
Still learning to generate leverage as a route-runner.
Needs to play with quicker sink-and-show on stop routes.
Allows clingy coverage too much leeway into his catch space.
Requires more work in the weight room as a blocker.
Needs to play with inside hands and better placement.znModeratorHe gets to the Rams at about 10:48 in.
znModeratorAt one key point this vid discusses how Simpson played the last 6 games of 2025 with a cracked rib. That sounds familiar. Bulger played with 2 broken ribs in 2007.
Ty has already been bulgerized.
znModeratorznModeratorAccording to PFF, Trost was the nation’s best run blocker with a grade of 91.4. He ranked 27th among all offensive linemen who played at least 542 snaps. If you narrow the field to tackles only, Trost improves to eighth at his position group. He allowed just seven pressures, one sack, and four penalties on 432 snaps in pass protection. Overall Trost ranked first in PFF offensive grade among tackles and all linemen last season.
znModeratorJonah Tuls@JonahTuls
Just got to the tape of Missouri RT Keagen Trost and I can’t believe that people aren’t talking about him more. His film is outstanding. Love his mean streak and movement skills in the run game + he went through the gauntlet of SEC rushers (Howell, Faulk, Crawford, Stewart, Rhodes, Pierre, etc.) – he gets to his landmarks well and has a very good anchor.Think he’s best for a zone blocking scheme – I didn’t see the stiffness or pad level concerns that some flagged. Needs to clean up his footwork, but there really isn’t a fatal flaw in his game. Gonna have a hard time convincing me that Trost isn’t a Day 2 player.
znModeratorWhat makes me think he CAN work out (though I didn’t say “will”).
* played in a pro style offense and has a football brain that’s like Stafford and McVay, just with less in it so far
* can run and throw on the run…which both adds something to the offense we don’t have with Stafford, and also helps a young qb move the chains when inexperience clogs things up
* has a good enough arm and decent accuracy
* is known as a fast processor
* Rams have the coaching. Ragone, Scheelhaase, Kingsbury, and that Mc-whatzhizzname guy.
Do I LIKE him? Not yet. I need to see him in games.
But until then I will remain cautiously optimistic.
znModeratorMe: according to Atkins, there was an offer to trade down from 13, but the Rams didn’t like it. I underline the passage where he says that.
***
How the Rams made the bold business decision to draft QB Ty Simpson
Nate Atkins
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The story of the Los Angeles Rams’ 2026 draft class will run through Ty Simpson.
The choice to spend the No. 13 pick on a quarterback, with Matthew Stafford coming off his first MVP season, was a splash that created a ripple. The discourse inside and outside the Rams’ draft headquarters at Hollywood Park took on a life of its own in the phone calls, news conferences and days afterward.
A pick of this type, this year, held an underlying tension that was impossible to avoid.
Coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead felt two forces pulling them at once: an urge to push this team over the top for another Super Bowl it could host in SoFi Stadium in February, and staying power at the game’s most important position that defines whether they’re a contender going forward.
The competing messages, the body language and unfolding timelines left people outside the Rams’ facility, as well as some inside, wondering the same question: Who really is Ty Simpson, and why is he the quarterback the Rams felt they had to select in a Super Bowl-or-bust campaign?
How Simpson became the pick
This was always supposed to be the year the Rams drafted the heir to Stafford’s throne.
It’s why they traded out of the first round last year with the Atlanta Falcons to add an extra 2026 first-rounder. A Rams franchise that expects to be in the playoffs each year needed to forge a path to a pick in the top 20.
As this year’s quarterback class whittled in size and quality with Texas’ Arch Manning, Oregon’s Dante Moore and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers returning to school, the concept of picking late in most drafts still drove the decision to take Simpson at No. 13.
The Rams took the second quarterback in this class behind Fernando Mendoza, who went No. 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders. Had they waited, they likely would have been left looking at the fifth or sixth quarterback available in the 2027 draft.
They weren’t sure where Simpson would go if they didn’t draft him. But they believed the Arizona Cardinals, who owned pick No. 34 in the second round, had heavy interest, a team source told The Athletic. They could either lock in Simpson as their future or risk facing him twice a year within the NFC West.
“Like I’ve mentioned here, the sea is going to shape the 13th pick,” Snead said shortly after the selection. “He had to fall.”
The risk of Simpson going before No. 13 was low, given league expectations and a profile that featured just 15 college starts and average measurables.
But the quote also showed how the Rams handled being on the clock. The available options looked much as expected, as the first 12 picks featured 11 players they projected to be gone before their selection, with the lone exception being Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, who went to the Miami Dolphins one pick earlier.
The trade offers that came the Rams’ way at No. 13 were “soft,” a team source told The Athletic. The Dallas Cowboys traded up to take Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. The Detroit Lions had interest in moving up, a team source said, but the return didn’t excite in a draft that thinned out considerably by Day 3 due to so many college players returning for name, image and likeness compensation.
With a deep roster, the Rams weren’t looking to add late picks, as showcased by their later decision to turn three selections into one to move up 10 spots in the sixth round for Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels. And in the end, they came out with a five-player draft class.
“We’re fortunate that our roster’s in a place where we felt like we didn’t have a ton of glaring needs,” assistant general manager John McKay said. “We were able to take guys that we really felt confident in being contributors right away, but also be starters three, four years or two years down the line.”
The Rams did consider players at potential impact positions. They looked into USC’s Makai Lemon, who won the Biletnikoff Award as college football’s top wide receiver. They examined Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq, who posted the fastest 40 time of any tight end since at least 2003.
Had the Rams not taken Simpson, they would have gone with an offensive skill player, according to a team source. But it was difficult to see either rookie providing an immediate impact, given the Rams’ crowded tight end room and the limited volume remaining for a third receiver to play behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.
It was a risk, given that what they need is impact in big moments. In the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks, the Rams had a third-and-goal where rookie Terrance Ferguson couldn’t get open and seventh-round rookie Konata Mumpfield couldn’t reel in the pass, and the Rams lost 31-27 to end their season.
The draft did feature a wide receiver the league saw as a true No. 1 option in Ohio State’s Carnell Tate. But the first big surprise of the event came when the Tennessee Titans drafted him No. 4 overall. The Cleveland Browns at No. 6 were looking to trade back, and they did so with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Without a player obtainable who screamed Year 1 impact, the Rams fell more in love with the idea of long-term fits.
One they took a liking to was Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane, who went one pick later to the Baltimore Ravens. But like Simpson, he would have been a backup this season with Kevin Dotson and Steve Avila playing out contract years.
The Rams were prepared enough to draft and stash Simpson that they planned to do so even if Jimmy Garoppolo re-signed as their backup, a team source said. They were building out a quarterback room for a rookie to learn in. The Rams wanted to keep that interest quiet, so they held a secret meeting with McVay and Simpson, which ran “hours and hours” on football, Simpson told ESPN Radio on Monday.
“We tried to keep this under wraps as long as we could,” Simpson said on ESPN Radio. “It was something where I knew they were interested, but they wanted to make it private and didn’t want people to know that they were interested. So, I had some secret meetings with Coach McVay, and I just was trying to be on script and do what everybody told me and not to tell anybody.”
Snead confirmed on “The Pat McAfee Show” Tuesday that he was also part of the meeting.
“I was in that meeting with him and Sean, for sure,” Snead said. “They talked football at a high level.”
Los Angeles viewed this year’s first round as a two-player haul. The first was Trent McDuffie, the All-Pro cornerback from the Chiefs whom they landed by trading the No. 29 overall pick, and then signed Jaylen Watson to complete their secondary.
Had the Rams sent out the No. 13 pick to the Chiefs for McDuffie and spent No. 29 on Simpson, it’s possible that the vision could have spoken more for itself.
When they didn’t, McVay and Snead held an 11-minute news conference without an opening statement, their usual humor or many details about Simpson the player. The vibe was one of “just trust us,” except they couldn’t find the trust to speak freely that night.
A deeper look at the process behind some of the more interesting moves and trends of this year’s NFL Draft.
They feared how a jubilant news conference would play with Stafford, who has been actively engaged in contract discussions with the team. Snead said two days before the draft to expect no drama with Stafford’s deal, and holding a muted presser about his backup was part of carrying that hope through.It was a curious calculation, though, about a reigning MVP who should have no reason to fear a quarterback with 15 college starts coming to take his job. As the Rams weighed protecting the emotions and confidence of their quarterbacks, they sided with a 38-year-old in his 18th season over a 23-year-old rookie.
It all produced a tone that struggled to fit the biggest moment in their new quarterback’s football life. As Simpson broke into tears on the phone and said, “Let’s go make history, coach,” McVay struggled to match the energy. It was a rare slip for one of the sport’s most energetic forces.
When Simpson arrived at the draft headquarters for his own news conference and held up a freshly designed Rams jersey with his name on it, neither his coach nor his general manager was in attendance. By the time he arrived in Los Angeles the next day, he had only heard from one of his new teammates, captain and safety Quentin Lake.
Rams players have been expecting an all-in push for a Super Bowl, too. If they looked to the news conference for a reason for drafting Simpson in Round 1, the answers were difficult to find.
Snead described Simpson as “somebody who can execute a passing offense and has mobility.” McVay’s first comment on his new quarterback was to say he’ll compete with Stetson Bennett to be their No. 2.
Rams had alignment, despite the optics
McVay said he could feel the tension mid-news conference, and by the time he returned to his phone, he had scores of texts from friends asking about his mood.
“I couldn’t be more excited about being able to add him, but also understanding how much I love Matthew Stafford, how respectful you want to always be, and to the way things can be interpreted,” McVay said Friday night after Rounds 2 and 3.
Then he patted Snead on the back.
“The one thing that would never be doubted is we couldn’t be any more lockstep in every decision that we make,” McVay said. “This is my buddy right here.”
Snead was never going to draft a quarterback to develop who McVay wasn’t into. It would waste the infrastructure that justified a sit-and-wait approach, and McVay has long had broadcasting options for whenever Stafford is finished playing if he wasn’t on board.
But this was a new space for them all, having never drafted a passer to develop behind an incumbent.
It’s a maneuver with precedent: the Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes behind Alex Smith in 2017; the Green Bay Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers behind Brett Favre in 2005 and then Jordan Love behind Rodgers in 2020; and the San Francisco 49ers drafted Trey Lance behind Garoppolo in 2021. But in three of those situations, the team wound up trading the incumbent in order to make the transition.
The Rams are promising the opposite.
“Whenever that time comes for him to get an opportunity to be Matthew’s successor will be on Matthew’s terms,” McVay said.
Simpson does bring traits that fit the Rams’ vision. He was college football’s top passer on play action last season, according to Pro Football Focus, and will now join a team that led the NFL in play-action passes to produce the league’s No. 1 scoring offense. His mobility can add a flavor to their play-action rollouts.
Other parts of the fit are not as clean. For one, they have no idea when he’ll get his chance, since Stafford has long held a year-by-year control over how long he’ll play. For another, Simpson is 6-foot-1, 211 pounds without a trademark playmaking trait. Just five years ago, the Rams traded Jared Goff and two first-round picks in order to chase the rare physical and playmaking traits of Stafford.
How Simpson can unlock more aggressive moves
Simpson arrives on a four-year rookie contract that averages $6.1 million per season, or $42 million less than Stafford made under the cap last year. A franchise currently struggling to retain all of its successful draft picks is seeking greater financial flexibility, even if it comes with a trade-off.
The Rams can now be more aggressive in trade talks with their 2027 draft picks, a factor that helped drive the decision to take a quarterback now rather than wait a year, a team source told The Athletic. The Rams see established NFL players as having a greater impact than rookies, which illustrates their trade for McDuffie.
That aggressiveness is not expected to target Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown despite earlier trade talks, a team source told The Athletic.
But others could be on the radar come October. Just last season, the New York Jets traded All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts at the deadline for two first-round picks.
The Rams needed secondary help, but they were protecting their prime 2026 and 2027 selections to find a future at quarterback.
Time will tell if Simpson can deliver on his draft stock. Some answers will likely come before he has to play, as the Rams know that anything short of a Super Bowl appearance this season will be seen as a disappointment.
They were willing to take that gamble.
“When you find somebody that you think fits that system and has the buy-in from everybody in the building that we found,” Rams director of scouting and analytics Nicole Blake said, “I don’t think it really matters when you take them.
“You just take them.”
znModerator@speed_kills@speedk1lls
In the last 3 season since Kyren became a starter there aren’t 4 RBs who have rushed for more years and I’m pretty sure not two that have scored more TDSznModeratorWyatt Miller@wymill07
Some personal news: My internship with the Rams is ending today. This wasn’t just a job to me, it marked the first step toward building the career I’ve always wanted. I have so many people to thankTo @StuJRams, @MarissaBDaly and @joryhirsh: Thank you for giving me this opportunity and supporting my unique reporting style. I’ve done work I’m incredibly proud of and improved my craft significantly during my time with the Rams. That wouldn’t have been possible without you 3.
To the Rams beat, especially @JourdanRodrigue, @LATimesklein, @AdamGrosbard, @sarahbarshop, @gregbeacham, &
@NateAtkins_: You welcomed a 22-year-old with open arms. I’ve learned so much from each of you and am grateful to have worked with such a supportive group.znModerator💻 Kyle Shanahan
You won't find a better behind-the-curtain explanation of how teams think about the #NFLDraft than from the @49ers head coach — this was awesome:#NFL #FTTB pic.twitter.com/sZJkpZBWDu
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) April 30, 2026
znModeratorznModeratorEste hombre llamado Timothy Brown, estaba comprando una botella de vino después del trabajo en Nueva York, cuando 2 policías racistas yankis le apalizaron salvajemente, le rajaron la pierna y necesitó 36 puntos de sutura.
Los policías buscaban a un sospechoso negro y Timothy fue… pic.twitter.com/cX5MqhvZRm
— Daniel Mayakovski (@DaniMayakovski) April 30, 2026
znModeratorJimEverett@Jimeverett
Man, everybody’s flipping bad draft grades at the Rams taking Ty Simpson at 13… but I’m here zagging hard.
Played 12 years in this league & this move feels smart as hell. Stafford dropped a MVP season, now you grab a young gun with legit arm talent with McVay smarts to sit behind him & learn? That’s how teams keep the window open long-term without forcing drama. And Simpson has that dog in him.Then next year when others teams are drafting 1st rd QBs, better players drop to pick 32. Next level chess.
znModeratorDo you feel super-blessed ?
No, just saying we’ll lose some things but gain a couple of new things too.
znModeratorIts gonna be tough to adjust to ‘any’ QB after watching Stafford and his no-look-darts and ridiculous-tight-window throws. Ah well.
If Simpson pans out, he will add a couple of dimensions Stafford doesn’t have. Simpson can actually move. He can run with the ball, and he can bail on a crowded pocket and throw on the move.
In case you didn’t know this, 😎 Stafford has a redhot strong arm. Simpson is more like Warner in terms of arms strength. He’s “good enough.”
But as I said already, he’s more mobile than any good starting qb I’ve seen with the Rams. That adds a dimension.
So, yes, it gets down to alternate dimensions (see, everything is physics).
Though the truth is, I don’t yet feel an emotional bond to a “Simpson Rams.” I need to see him win some games, which is of course a while off.
znModeratorznModeratorfrom One thing to know about each of the Rams’ 18 undrafted rookies
Get to know the Rams’ 18 undrafted rookies this year with one interesting fact about each playerCameron DaSilva
A handful of UDFAs have a real chance to secure a spot on the roster this year and will be worth keeping an eye on. Get to know all 18 of them with one interesting stat or fact about each one.
Vanderbilt OT Bryce Henderson
Was highest-graded run-blocking lineman in FCS in 2024According to PFF, Henderson had a 94.1 run-blocking grade in 2024 at South Dakota, which was the highest of any offensive lineman in the FCS.
Syracuse TE Dan Villari
Played TE, QB and RB at SyracuseVillari was primarily a tight end at Syracuse, but he also took snaps at quarterback. He rushed 84 times for 410 yards and four touchdowns, completed 23 of 33 passes for 177 yards with one touchdown and two picks, and also caught 66 passes for 671 yards and three touchdowns in four years.
Louisville OLB Wesley Bailey
He has an RAS of 9.83Bailey is a terrific athlete at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, running a 4.69 in the 40 with an outstanding 10-yard split of 1.53 seconds. He’s one of the most athletic edge rushers in this class.
Arkansas TE Rohan Jones
Earned highest receiving grade of any FBS TE last seasonAccording to Pro Football Focus, Jones’ receiving grade of 92.7 was the best of any tight end in the FBS last season.
Alabama LB Nikhai Hill-Green
Allowed 2nd-lowest completion rate (55%) among qualified LBs last seasonAmong all linebackers with at least 188 coverage snaps last season, Hill-Green ranked second with a completion rate of only 55% allowed. He gave up just 11 catches on 20 targets for 110 yards, per PFF.
Texas QB Matthew Caldwell
Threw game-winning touchdown pass vs. Mississippi State last seasonWhile Arch Manning was in the medical tent, Caldwell came in and threw the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime to beat the Bulldogs.
Tennessee DL Jaxson Moi
Models his game after Aaron DonaldIn his bio at Tennessee, Moi says he models his game after Donald, the Rams’ legendary defensive tackle. Moi is slightly undersized like Donald, coming in at 6-2 and 292 pounds. Donald was around 6-1, 280 during his career.
Air Force DT Payton Zdroik
90.4 defensive grade led all D-linemen in FBS last seasonNo interior defensive lineman earned a higher grade last season than Zdroik, who PFF gave a 90.4 overall score for 2025. His 92.2 pass-rush grade was also No. 1 at the position.
Wake Forest DB Nick Andersen
12th-best coverage grade among all safeties last seasonPFF gave Andersen an 88.3 coverage grade in 2025, which was the 12th-best among all safeties. His overall defensive grade of 87.3 was the eighth-best among FBS safeties.
Fresno State CB Al’zillion Hamilton
Allowed a 52.2 passer rating in coverage last yearHamilton was great in coverage, allowing a passer rating of only 52.2 – which ranked 34th among qualified cornerbacks in the FBS. He gave up just 23 catches on 47 targets for 265 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions.
Wisconsin OLB Darryl Peterson
Tied for 16th-most sacks among 2026 draft-eligible edge rushersPro Football Focus credited Peterson with eight sacks last season, which was tied for 16th among all draft-eligible edge rushers. His 82.3 pass-rush grade was 28th at the position.
Missouri CB Drey Norwood
Only allowed a completion rate of 50% in coverageNorwood was targeted 34 times last season, allowing just 17 receptions for a completion rate of 50%.
Wisconsin CB Nyzier Fourqurean
Missed 2025 season due to ineligibility ruling from NCAAFourqurean was forced to sit out the 2025 season after the NCAA ruled he didn’t have an extra year of eligibility. He attempted to get an added year of eligibility at Wisconsin but was overruled and could not play. He played 12 games for the Badgers in 2024.
Minnesota DL Jalen Logan-Redding
Was a 5-time Academic All-Big Ten selectionLogan-Redding was a standout in the classroom at Minnesota, earning five straight Academic All-Big Ten selections from 2021-2025. According to LinkedIn, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing Education and a Master’s in Human Resource Development.
North Carolina OL Austin Blaske
Allowed just 1 sack in his college careerBlaske played 843 pass-blocking snaps in his career at North Carolina and Georgia, and he allowed just one total sack across five seasons, which came against Clemson last year.
North Carolina C Chad Lindberg
Played every position on the offensive lineLindberg is as versatile as they come. He played all five positions on the O-line in his career.
Houston RB Dean Connors
Led his team in rushing 3 years in a rowConnors was productive in college, leading his team in rushing three years in a row. He led Rice in 2023 and 2024 with 771 yards and 780 yards, respectively, before transferring to Houston in 2025 and leading the Cougars with 977 yards on the ground. He totaled 22 rushing touchdowns and nine touchdown receptions in his career.
Houston OLB Eddie Walls
Had top-30 pass-rush grade in 2024 at FIUWalls was a force during the 2024 season while at FIU, earning an 88.7 pass-rush grade, which ranked 27th among all edge rushers in the FBS. He was credited with five sacks and 40 total pressures that year.
znModerator2. Al’Zillion Hamilton, CB, Fresno State
Last season, Hamilton earned Second-team All-Mountain West as he tied for second in the conference with four interceptions. He lacks some size and explosiveness, but is active on the ball. Hamilton allowed just 23 receptions on 44 targets and a passer rating of 55.6 when targeted, which ranked inside the top 25 in college football.7. Nyzier Fourqurean, CB, Wisconsin
After the 2025 season, Fourqurean was meant to go back to school, but the NCAA stripped him of his eligibility and it was too late to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s 6’1 with good length and plays very physical.9. Drey Norwood, CB, Missouri
Norwood lacks agility and is slightly undersized. He also lacks long speed. Over four years with Missouri, Norwood recorded 93 total tackles, 14 pass deflections, and three interceptions. Norwood was the 24th ranked cornerback via PFF last season.CB Drey Norwood – Mizzou 6’ 187 lb.
Originally signed with Texas A&M and spent a redshirt season there. Transferred to Missouri and saw action in 51 games with 32 starts. He posted 92 tackles, 3.5 for loss, one sack, three interceptions, and 12 passes defended.
With an RAS score of 5.67, Norwood’s athletic testing is average, maybe a shade under. IT matches his on-field game, none of the numbers would be considered poor, just not enough to catch much interest. He did however show good upper body strength (19 bench reps). His forty time was 4.51 with a !0-yard split of 1.60 and a 34 1/2” vertical are right at parameters. But in short area agility, he fell short with a 4.10 shuttle and 7.10 3cone.
Lean frame. Played primarily outside (both field and boundary), but did have some reps in the slot. Lot of bail coverage, both man and zone. Good amount of Cover3 like the Rams use. Norwood promptly gets to his areas and quickly balances. In zone, he appears to read/react to quarterback and pass off or re-direct when two receivers enter his area. He gives up a little too much ground and doesn’t have the quickest trigger downhill to catch point or tackle. In press/man he ’s patient and does a good job of mirroring releases, stays attached and uses his hands without being real gabby. Missouri often left him out on an island and in the four games I watched (Auburn, Alabama, Texas A&M, Oklahoma), he wasn’t exploited. Not a particularly aggressive in defending the run, he’s physical on quick outside screens, but not a good tackler and not the type to stick his nose into oncoming traffic inside.
The sum of his play is better than its individual parts, not one trait stands out, but there are no glaring weaknesses. In what little film I saw, teams appeared to stay away from his side, a good sign. Although I couldn’t find film of special teams work, he got on the field a lot during early career before a starting job, so I must conclude he got in some coverage/return reps. Although a three-year SEC starter, Norwood appears to lack the requisite physicality demanded by the pro game.
CB Al’Zillion Hamilton – Fresno State 5’11” 185 lb.
Hamilton was a three-year starter for Fresno State, he entered the transfer portal twice, but eventually decided to stay with the Bulldogs. Played in 55 games with 36 starts, logging 125 tackles, six for loss, one sack, eight interceptions, and 37 passes broken up.
Although he looks to be a fluid athlete on film, he did not test particularly well at his Pro Day. RAS scores him at 4.80. Good arm length on a lean-looking frame with room for much-needed muscle (four bench reps). His speed over distance (4.46) and 10-yard quickness getting there (1.59) are within pro parameters. As are his agility and change of direction (6.99 3cone). HIs flexibility, burst, and balance (4.26 shuttle), and leg strength/explosiveness (33” vertical and 9’ 10” broad) underscores a need for play strength.
Fiesty, cocky play style with plus ball hawking traits. Played slot/nickel early in his career, so there’s an upside for versatility, but was primarily an outside defender, both field and boundary. Sticky in man coverage, does a good job mirroring release and staying on receivers hip. Appears loose enough to turn hips on breaks and down the sideline. Tracks the ball well and has the hand/eye coordination and physicality to go up and get the ball at catch point. Willing to stick his nose in the action when it comes at him, not a go-getter in pursuit. Tackles low and wraps, not an ankle biter. Could not film of special tams work.
Hamilton clearly has the instincts, technique, and cover skills, now his job will be to make them translate to bigger, faster pro wideouts. His relative lack of size, strength, and athleticism are the question marks. A film scout, who’s work I respect thinks Hamilton has the game for NFL. His aggressive style and low missed tackle percentages hint at a possible special teams role, even though he doesn’t have deep experience.
CB Nyzier Fourqurean – Wisconsin 6’1” 190 lb.
Did not play a down in 2025, lost a court battle for an extra season in late summer. Began his career with two seasons at D2 Grand Valley State and was a First-Team All-American. Started 17 of 24 games with the Badgers. Making 90 tackles, 5.5 for loss, two sacks, one interception, and eight passes defended.
Fourqurean has the frame of an NFL corner, with solid length (nearly 32” arms) and big hands (10 1/4”). RAS gives him a 8.41 score. While his forty time and 10-yard split are just adequate (4.64/1.58), his leg strength, and lower explosiveness (37” vertical and 10’ 1” broad) are of pro grade. As are his flexibility, balance, burst (4.10 shuttle) and agility/change of direction (6.84 3cone). He also checks the box for upper body strength (16 bench reps).
Physical, aggressive play style. Strong tackler, gets his shoulder into contact and wraps up well. Does a good job of getting under control before striking. Lined up both in the slot and outside (boundary). Looks to have the chops and attitude to play safety as well. Fairly sticky in man coverage, particularly from press. Loose enough to turn and run down the sideline and takes good angles on crosser’s. In the four games I watched, his pedestrian long speed was not exploited, although it needs to be noted. It’s a mixed bag in zone, he often allows too big of a cushion and his trigger back to the ball is a hair slow. He shows good spatial awareness, reads/reacts to routes pretty well and will lay the wood, allows too much pitch and catch. Willing in run fits near the line, he turns things inside and can get off blockers to get in on the action. Couldn’t find him on special teams, but his play style hints he can be of value there.
Fits the Rams backup mold, assignment-based, tough, and showed he can move up in competition successfully. With his tackling skills, Fourqurean could be of value on special teams and I could imagine him in defensive packages against two and three tight end formations.
…
After recently watching all three prospects film, I like Fourqurean.
By far he’s the best tackler and has the hustle and physical nature needed to impress coaches early. That physicality combines with the requisite size, length, and strength. Although his long speed is lacking, his overall athleticism is very good and plays faster than he tested. His speed/physicality profile makes him a fit for the mid and underneath areas. Certainly has enough speed to get downfield to cover on punts and kickoffs.
Hamilton looks to be the best natural coverage player and fits the Rams mold of ballhawk. He’s certainly a willing, ornery run defender and plays bigger than measured, but he looks leaner on film and his strength will be a question mark against physically superior pro competition.
Norwood has the “SEC starter” pedigree, but lacks the aggressive nature. He has a decent floor, but I find it hard to project a great deal of room for improvement, Sure, he can tighten up some fair to middling coverage skills, but will it be enough to make up for a lack of physicality and tackling ability.
znModeratorHe does the Rams at about 10:40 in.
I mean, you can't break it down better than Schrags did here. Worth listening to.https://t.co/9WN5SH4c5v
— Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP) April 29, 2026
znModeratorSigmund Bloom@SigmundBloom
Rams gave up 3 of their 4 remaining picks to get him in the 6ththey did not have a 4th or 5th round pick
im guessing they had him rated higher than a 6th round pick
Nate Atkins@NateAtkins_
Significantly higher.***
One of the cooler moments from the Rams’ draft. CJ Daniels felt he hit the jackpot here. Hard to find a better landing spot for a WR in the sixth round. pic.twitter.com/i6moYE3eAC
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) April 29, 2026
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znModerator18. Matthew Caldwell, QB, Texas
Caldwell backed up Archie Manning last year.from https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/2026-nfl-draft-profile-texas-185800133.html
As a prospect, Caldwell has good size — he’s 6’4 and listed above 210 pounds. He also possesses sneaky athleticism, posting a 4.62 40 and a 34-inch vertical.
znModeratorLB Nikhai Hill-Green – Alabama | LA may have found its off-ball pass-defending linebacker. This solid prospect made it a point to play in a wide range of defensive schemes, improving along the way. His pre-draft interview gives off great football-passion vibes
Alabama linebacker and 2026 NFL Draft prospect Nikhai Hill-Green put Dane Brugler’s The Beast to the test to see if the stats were right…
Spoiler alert: Dane did his research ✅@AlabamaFTBL | @dpbrugler pic.twitter.com/DJu0zHIsRW
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) April 22, 2026
znModerator1 Ty simpson
2 Reuben Bain, Edge, Miami
3 M.Lemon, WR, USC
4 Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
5 KC Concecion, WR, Texas AM
6 Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
7 Omar Cooper, wR, IndianaNo way they would have gotten Omar Cooper in the 7th round.
znModerator2. Al’Zillion Hamilton, CB, Fresno State
Last season, Hamilton earned Second-team All-Mountain West as he tied for second in the conference with four interceptions. He lacks some size and explosiveness, but is active on the ball. Hamilton allowed just 23 receptions on 44 targets and a passer rating of 55.6 when targeted, which ranked inside the top 25 in college football.from https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-hq/prospects/alzillion-hamilton
Al’zillion Hamilton is a potential late-round or PFA prospect who was productive at the Group of Six level. A former three-star recruit who played all five seasons at Fresno State, Hamilton first entered the full-time starting lineup in 2023, after flashing promise as a redshirt freshman in 2022. Across three years as a starter with the Bulldogs, Hamilton amassed eight interceptions, 26 pass breakups, and six tackles for loss.
In 2025, Hamilton snagged a career-high four INTs, while earning a PFSN CB Impact grade of 82.9. Per TruMedia, he also earned a forced incompletion percentage of 14.9%, and only had a missed tackle percentage of 4.5%. With Hamilton, there are clear physical limitations that may cap his ceiling long-term.
His Relative Athletic Score of just 4.78 pulls in non-elite vertical speed, average explosiveness, and below-average size at around 5’11”, 186 pounds, with just 31″ arms. In particular, the speed deficiency shows up on film, as Hamilton is susceptible to being stacked on the vertical plane. Having said all this, there’s also a visible functional floor with Hamilton.
While he’s not particularly fast or explosive at his size, he is sufficiently fluid, agile, and fleet-footed in coverage. He has a good mirror-motor and willing physicality in press-man, and he can also use a variety of techniques in off-man and zone to maintain spatial discipline and hip leverage with targets in his range. He’s a proven playmaker at the catch point with good eye discipline and proactivity, and in run support, he’s fairly angle sound, willing to engage, and reliable as a tackle convertor.
Additionally, as an experienced member of Fresno State’s defense, Hamilton displayed the ability to play on the boundary or in the slot. Against NFL athletes, Hamilton’s margin for error will be lower, but he presents as a technically-sound, role-diverse, and instinctive cover man with two-phase playmaking value and a physicality that can help him stick around as quality depth.
znModeratorRanking the Rams’ 2026 Undrafted Free Agents and Their Chances to Make the Roster
Blaine Grisak
https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/onsi/rams-2026-undrafted-free-agent-rankings
That group will have a difficult time making the roster, but players like Omar Speights, Alaric Jackson, and Jaylen McCollough have carved out roles as former undrafted free agents. Some of these players may make the practice squad while one or two sneak onto the final 53. Let’s rank the undrafted free agents and how likely they are to make the roster.
1. Dean Connors, RB, Houston
If Connors works out, it’s possible that he could be the Rex Burkhead in the offense as the Rams look to recreate the mid-2010s New England Patriots. Connors dropped in the draft due to his lack of elusiveness, history of fumbles, and size concerns. Said The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. “Connors is at his best in the screen game or when he finds an outside track to show off his short-area quickness and open-field acceleration.” Connors could compete with Jarquez Hunter for a roster spot.2. Al’Zillion Hamilton, CB, Fresno State
Last season, Hamilton earned Second-team All-Mountain West as he tied for second in the conference with four interceptions. He lacks some size and explosiveness, but is active on the ball. Hamilton allowed just 23 receptions on 44 targets and a passer rating of 55.6 when targeted, which ranked inside the top 25 in college football.3. Wesley Bailey, EDGE, Louisville
The top RAS comparison for Bailey is Brian Burns. While Bailey isn’t Burns, he is a versatile pass rusher with limited bend and can struggle against the run. It will be hard to make it at edge rusher, but Bailey’s versatility should keep him on the practice squad.4. Austin Blaske, OL, UNC
Blaske has experience as a center and left tackle, proving versatility. He allowed five pressures all season and excels in the run game. Blaske lacks some strength, but brings a lot of upside. It will be tough for him to make the roster, but he’ll be a good developmental option on the practice squad. He ranked inside the top 15 in pass protection via PFF in 2024.5. DB Nick Anderson, Wake Forest
It’s possible that Anderson ends up as a special teams contributor at some point. At Wake Forest, Anderson finished his career with 27 pass breakups, which was the most in program history. Last season, he led the team with 106 total tackles, seven pass breakups, and had a blocked kick.6. Nikhai Hill-Green, LB, Alabama
After transferring to Alabama from Colorado, Hill-Green’s numbers dipped. Hill-Green talked about his journey in an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated. “I had a lot of great experiences at every program,” said Hill-Green. “I played with some great players. I was coached by some great coaches. I ultimately feel like the journey was worth the destination. I maximized my opportunity.”7. Nyzier Fourqurean, CB, Wisconsin
After the 2025 season, Fourqurean was meant to go back to school, but the NCAA stripped him of his eligibility and it was too late to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s 6’1 with good length and plays very physical.8. Chad Lindberg, OL, UNC
Lindberg also brings valuable versatility with center, left guard, and left tackle experience. With that said, he can get caught reaching in pass protection. He has good size, but is a developmental project.9. Drey Norwood, CB, Missouri
Norwood lacks agility and is slightly undersized. He also lacks long speed. Over four years with Missouri, Norwood recorded 93 total tackles, 14 pass deflections, and three interceptions. Norwood was the 24th ranked cornerback via PFF last season.10. Darryl Peterson, EDGE, Wisconsin
Peterson led Wisconsin in sacks and tackles for loss last year. However, he lacks explosiveness. He’s a bit of a Swiss army knife on the defensive line and has done a little bit of everything. Peterson said in an interview with Sports Illustrated, “I played some three-tech, as well as playing along the edge. I think showing that versatility really elevated my game to another level.”11. Eddie Walls, EDGE, Houston
Walls had seven sacks last year at Houston where he was named All-Big 12 second team. His 30 stops via PFF ranked 36th nationally and third in the Big 12. Walls is among the project pass rushers that the Rams brought in.12. Jaxson Moi, DL, Tennessee
The Rams will like Moi’s intangibles and that will probably earn him a spot on the practice squad. He’s a strong, experienced interior defensive lineman and developed into a leader on the defense after transferring from Stanford.13. Payton Zdroik, DL, Air Force
What if I told you that Zdroik’s top RAS comparison was Aaron Donald? Zdroik is a very good athlete, but the Rams are very deep on the defensive line which makes it tough. At best, he’ll fight for a spot on the practice squad.14. Dan Villari, TE, Syracuse
It’s going to be difficult for a tight end to make the roster, but Villari is a fun player. He got a chance last season and took advantage of it as one of the few positives of the Syracuse offense. However, what makes him intriguing is his past experience as a quarterback. In 2023 with Syracuse, Villari took over at quarterback and ran the wildcat. He rushed for 326 yards on 55 carries.15. Jalen Logan-Redding, DL, Minnesota
Logan-Redding is just 285 pounds, but was an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2024. He’s a technique-first player, but will have a long way to go to make the roster.16. Rohan Jones, TE, Arkansas
Unfortunately, it’s just going to be very difficult for a tight end to make the roster as the Rams have to keep five as it is. Jones was just the fourth Arkansas tight end to register 500+ yards in a season. After transferring from Montana State, Jones showed he could play with tougher competition.17. Bryce Henderson, OT, Vanderbilt
Henderson jumped from South Dakota at the FCS level to Vanderbilt last season and struggled. His 21.5 pass-blocking grade via PFF was the second-worst in college football last season. It was the opposite from his time in South Dakota. He was the second-best OT behind Spencer Fano via PFF in 2024.18. Matthew Caldwell, QB, Texas
Caldwell backed up Archie Manning last year. He will likely just be a camp arm with a name that’s not as cool as Dresser Winn.znModeratorSnead is going to force another QB down McVay’s throat, but it’s all hush-hush right now because everyone is sworn to secrecy.
Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
The Rams asked Ty Simpson to hide their interest in him before the draft.Me: why were the Rams so ashamed of their interest in Simpson?
znModerator"The things [the Rams] did defensively, I think are the things that are going to put them over the hump." @LRiddickESPN shares his thoughts on the Los Angeles Rams draft class, and what it could mean for their Super Bowl aspirations 🏆 pic.twitter.com/n6wBW3XOYr
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 28, 2026
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