Mel Kiper not a fan of Rams 2026 NFL draft class

The Los Angeles Rams shocked the NFL world when they passed on USC receiver Makai Lemon to grab Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL draft.

Rams fans voiced their irate opinions over the pick on social media, ripping general manager Les Snead for not taking advantage of Matthew Stafford’s final few seasons and chance to make a run at another Super Bowl championship.

L.A.’s pick of Ohio State tight end Max Klare in the second round was another head-scratcher. Many considered Klare a reach where the Rams picked him, especially since there were higher-rated WRs still on the board including Antonio Williams, Malachi Fields, Zachariah Branch, Ja’Kobi Lane, Chris Brazzell II, and Chris Bell.

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper also wasn’t a fan of what the Rams did in the draft, giving them a C+ grade — one of the worst among the league’s 32 teams.

“This still makes little sense to me,” Kiper wrote. “The Rams were four points from reaching the Super Bowl in February, losing to the Seahawks 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game. They won 12 games last season, and the offense looked unstoppable (outside of Seattle, at least).

“They brought back league MVP Matthew Stafford for at least one more season, and then they added cornerbacks Trent McDuffie (trade) and Jaylen Watson (free agency) to immediately fix their biggest issue. It was a clear all-in effort to go win another Super Bowl before life after Stafford set in.”

Kiper’s main gripe with the Rams’ draft class is that they ignored many of their tip needs and drafted on future potential as opposed to finding payers who can help them win a Super Bowl in 2026.

“It was all lining up for coach Sean McVay and the Rams,” Kiper continued. “… Taking Simpson here did not line up with the team’s Super Bowl window and current trajectory. It did nothing to make the team better today.”

It’s possible Klare could establish himself as a reliable weapon for Stafford next season, and sixth-round receiver C.J. Daniels could contribute in a depth role, but the Rams did little to improve on a roster that came within a few plays of reaching the Super Bowl last season.