Tim Keenan's draft fall ends in 7th Round by team with peculiar draft strategy

Nobody expected Alabama nose tackle Tim Keenan III to have to wait so long before hearing his name called in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was a projected day three pick due to his limitations as a player; he'll be a two-down player at best at the next level as a run-stuffer with little-to-no pass-rushing upside.

But he's an excellent run stopper, one that earned effusive praise from Georgia head coach Kirby Smart.

Keenan was expected to hear his name called sometime around the fifth round, but ultimately fell to the 7th Round. Fortunately for him, he got drafted into a situation where he's got a pretty decent shot at making the team thanks to a curious draft strategy.

The Los Angeles Rams, who took Alabama QB Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick, selected Keenan with the 232nd overall pick.

Tim Keenan III selected by the Rams in the 7th Round

And no, the curious draft strategy wasn't taking Simpson with the 13th pick despite having the league MVP in Matthew Stafford at quarterback. It was everything that the Rams did in the aftermath of taking Simpson.

In fairness, the Rams only had three additional picks prior to arriving at selecting Keenan in the 7th Round. But all three were offensive players in addition to Simpson. Meaning, Keenan, at pick 232, became the first defensive player taken by the Rams.

You don't often see that.

The Rams boast one of the league's top defenses, and bolstering the run defense by adding a player in Keenan makes a lot of sense, especially when you can grab him so late.

And for Keenan, this gives him the best possible chance of making a roster. He's going to a team where he'll be competing only against undrafted free agents in rookie camp, giving him a chance to really showcase his ability and make it impossible for the Rams to cut him.

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