The Los Angeles Rams have selected former Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Keagen Trost with the 93rd overall pick of the 2026 draft.
He could ultimately replace Warren McClendon at right tackle.
LA reached the NFC Championship Game this past season, falling short to their NFC West rivals and the eventual Super Bowl champs, the Seattle Seahawks. And yet, the Rams have not shown their typical aggressiveness to acquire win-now talent in the draft.
Rams Continue Planning for Future With Keagen Trost
GettyKeagen Trost #79 of the Missouri Tigers in action against the Texas A&M Aggies.
Trost was the Rams’ second pick of Day 2, joining second-round selection (61st overall) and tight end Max Klare. They join Day 1 pick and 13th overall selection, quarterback Ty Simpson.
“Rams needed some depth behind Alaric Jackson, Warren McClendon and David Quessenberry and take a tackle with both LT and RT experience (primarily RT),” LA Daily News’ Adam Grosbard posted on X after the pick was made.
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz questioned the Rams’ decision, but also sees the vision.
“Trost had impressive workouts at the combine, but he’s already 25 years old,” Schatz wrote in his post-draft analysis. “He could compete with Warren McClendon Jr. for the Rams’ right tackle spot next season. Even if Trost doesn’t immediately win the job, McClendon’s rookie contract ends after 2026.”
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Trost as his 12th-best guard. That is notable with Rams starters Kevin Dotson and Steve Avila also in the final years of their respective contracts.
“Trost will need some mechanical tweaks for a move inside, but that shouldn’t be a major issue — he is a technique-focused blocker with steady feet and physical hands,” Brugler wrote pre-draft. “His ceiling isn’t sky high, but the position flex only boosts his usefulness.
Brugler projected Trost to come off the board at some point during the fifth round.
The Rams selected him two rounds early, highlighting both the value they must see in Trost and the risk they are undertaking with the versatile O-lineman.
Warren McClendon Under Microscope Heading Into Contract Season
GettyWarren McClendon Jr. #71 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers.
McClendon stepped in for Super Bowl champion Rob Havenstein, who retired this offseason, amid injuries last season.
McLendon started 10 games for the Rams last season.
He played in all 17 regular-season contests. He logged five starts in 13 games during the 2024 season, and the conversation around him stands out amid the Rams’ decision to add “depth” and “versatility” in Trost.
“Did Warren McClendon show enough in 13 starts or is RT now a priority this offseason?” Rams On SI’s Blaine Grisak posted on X in February.
“Ideally, I think they roll with McClendon and then draft a tackle in the 2nd/3rd round.”
That is exactly what the plan appears to be for LA, unless Trost lives up to the loftier projection from Schatz and challenges McClendon for starting duties next season. That could make McClendon a trade candidate.
At any rate, the likelihood of the Rams finding prospects who will make a major impact this season has dwindled considerably.
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Rams Choose Potential Replacement for Underrated Starter in Keagen Trost