Who Rams Chose Not To Draft, Including Carson Beck

The Los Angeles Rams became a national storyline thanks to the team’s decision to draft a quarterback over many other players. Of course, while that pick was about one day bringing the Matthew Stafford era to an end, it also meant skipping over other players.

The Rams chose five players, but skipped many more. The team had its reasons, which means it was well aware of the choices it was making. As such, fans have reason to believe; however, choosing one player still cost the team others.

Here’s a look at every pick the Rams made and some of the top players the team could have drafted at that time, but declined.

Round 1, Pick 13: QB Ty Simpson

Ty Simpson was the ultimate choice, but the Rams had several at the time. Amid the wide receiver problems with Davante Adams’ increasing age and Puka Nacua’s off-field questions, a wide receiver logically could have been taken in the first round. The Eagles instead took Makai Lemon, while Omar Cooper Jr. went off the board before the Rams would get another shot.

• Skipped: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., WR Makai Lemon, WR Omar Cooper Jr., OL Monroe Freeling

Round 2, Pick 61: TE Max Klare

Had the Rams not gone with Ty Simpson, the team could have picked either Carson Beck or Drew Allar to slide in as Matthew Stafford’s eventual successor. Beck played in the national championship earlier this year, and Allar showed promise in 2024. Zachariah Branch was also available before being selected by the Atlanta Falcons.

• Skipped: QB Carson Beck, QB Drew Allar, WR Zachariah Branch, DT Domonique Orange

Round 3, Pick 93: OL Keagen Trost

The Rams needed an offensive lineman at some point, but to get Keagen Trost, the team was forced to skip over one of the most hyped cornerbacks out of college in the form of Jermod McCoy. Elijah Sarratt, who led the FBS in touchdown receptions, was also available.

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• Skipped: CB Jermod McCoy, WR Elijah Sarratt, Edge Dani Dennis-Sutton

Round 6, Pick 197: WR CJ Daniels

The Rams eventually did get a wide receiver, but decided to skip over multiple prospects to do so. One feel-good pick could have been running back Eli Heidenreich out of Navy, who was an instant fan favorite at the NFL draft.

Red Murdock also could have helped the defense, as he set a career record for forced fumbles in a college career and also led the FBS in the category in 2024. Murdock also earned nearly 300 tackles in 2024 and 2025.

• Skipped: RB Eli Heidenreich, LB Red Murdock, OG Alex Harkey

Round 7, Pick 232: DT Tim Keenan III

In the flyer round, the Rams declined to draft two quarterbacks: Diego Pavia and Garrett Nussmeier. Pavia finished second in Heisman voting (but was none too pleased about losing it to Fernando Mendoza), while Nussmeier eventually joined the Chiefs. Pavia was signed as a UDFA one season after he led the SEC in completion percentage, touchdown passes, and yards per attempt.

• Skipped: QB Diego Pavia, QB Garrett Nussmeier