The Los Angeles Rams had a relatively quiet and ultimately disappointing draft, especially when it comes to analysts. With just five players, it's hard to ultimately judge the overall work, but the choice to take Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson kicked off what led to some very confusing choices following.

Multiple outlets have hit the Rams with a grade "C" or lower based on their draft, and it's hard not to understand why. Draft expert Mel Kiper gave them a "C+," mostly due to skipping out on a wide receiver and tackle in the earlier rounds, where it may have mattered more.

The Athletic has the Rams as No. 30 out of 32 teams in terms of the draft class. Receiver CJ Daniels was the only pass catcher selected, and he may not be the kind of prospect that can earn significant playing time next to Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.

Yahoo Sports gave the Rams a "D+" and pointed to the confusing nature of the Simpson pick, which will be heavily discussed and criticized for weeks and months.

To be fair, grading a team's draft is purely subjective, and the Rams also receiver some kinder grading from other outlets. In my own opinion, Los Angeles should be given a "C."

But why all the negative criticism? Let's take a look.

Taking Simpson at No. 13 will either be the smartest decision that Les Snead and Sean McVay have ever made, or it will go down as one of the most boneheaded draft selections for the team in recent memory. The issue is we will presumably not be able to see the fruit of that choice until two to three seasons down the line.

McVay's disgruntled look after speaking about the Simpson pick may have said it, despite his having to publicly address why he appeared and sounded upset. The Rams head coach also said multiple times over that this is still "Matthew Stafford's team."

The deeper reason for having to confirm that may have been due to Stafford potentially being blindsided by the pick, or rather, he may not have been excited about not getting a weapon that would help him now.

Stafford is in the twilight years of his career, but reports indicated the team was close to an extension that would keep him under center beyond 2026. There is a lot of belief that is the case, which makes picking a first-round quarterback that much more confusing.

Simpson may not be in line to start in 2026 or 2027, but that does not mean Stafford will not be threatened by his arrival. Even after winning an MVP, the situation is similar in nature to when Aaron Rodgers was drafted and Jordan Love.

At some point, Stafford will be replaced but it should be on his terms.

Simpson is a raw prospect that has one season of starting, which is the biggest negative that has been honed in on. The Alabama product did have a good season, but being drafted at No. 13 was the shock.

Had the Rams traded out of No. 13 and acquired more draft capital, taking Simpson later in the first round, it would have been easier to swallow. 

The choice to not trade back and acquire more picks, and then use two seventh round picks to trade up to take Miami receiver CJ Daniels made this even more confusing.

There is a deep need at receiver for the Rams, even if it does not look that way. Davante Adams is also in the twilight years of his career, and his recent injuries means the team should be investing in some insurance. 

Granted, Xavier Smith and Konata Mumpfield are on the team, but neither has made their mark. That is where bringing in a receiver comes into play. A youthful counterpart can push other players in the same position to play better, or outright replace them.

The Rams passed on a sure thing by not taking USC's Makai Lemon, who went to the rival Philadelphia Eagles. Granted, saying a college player is a "sure thing" comes with some warranted criticism. There are plenty of later-round players who explode and become household names, i.e., Puka Nacua.

Still, capitalizing on the win-now aspect of Stafford's waning playing career and championship window should have been the top priority, not finding his successor.

Daniels was taken in the sixth round and the Rams also chose instead to draft Ohio State tight end Max Klare in the second round. The tight end room is already plenty busy with Terrance Ferguson, Colby Parkinson, and Tyler Higbee. 

The Rams love 13-personnel, but they have plenty to work with. Not addressing the receiver position in the first may have been forgiven had they targeted a pass catcher in the second.

Snead has always been a great evaluator but reaching on Klare and waiting until the sixth round to take a pass catcher is just confusing. The Rams may very well still be targeting a free agent pass catcher or a trade for A.J. Brown, but they will cost far more.