Rams Find Undrafted Gems: Ford, Jackson, Shelton Shine

For the past decade, Sean McVay has led the Los Angeles Rams as perpetual contenders, securing a Super Bowl and frequently contending for championships. In the 2025 season, the team advanced to the NFC Championship Game, with MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford at the helm.

The Rams' roster construction has been notably aggressive, often trading away top draft selections in exchange for established star players. Consequently, they have made only two first-round draft picks during McVay's tenure. These selections, Jared Verse and Ty Simpson, have not yet yielded their full potential, with Verse being traded for Myles Garrett and Simpson yet to play an NFL down.

A key factor enabling the Rams to assemble a complete roster without relying heavily on early draft capital is their exceptional ability to identify talent in overlooked segments of the player pool. Pro Football Focus' Daire Carragher recognized this by naming offensive linemen Alaric Jackson and Coleman Shelton, alongside defensive tackle Poona Ford, to his 2026 all-undrafted team.

Ford emerged as a standout player, continuing his strong performance with the Rams after a breakout stint with the Chargers. Both Shelton and Jackson were indispensable in ensuring Matthew Stafford's health throughout the previous season. Their effective play and communication, in concert with their offensive line teammates, were instrumental in Stafford leading the league in both passing yards and touchdowns.