7 Things the Rams Must Do in the 2026 NFL Draft

After months of meticulous scouting, film study, and pro-day evaluations, the Los Angeles Rams are finally ready to embark on the three-day journey that is the NFL draft. They’ve got seven picks at their disposal and a championship-caliber roster, which puts them in a great position to either reload for another Super Bowl run or build for the future. Les Snead and Sean McVay don’t need any advice when it comes to finding quality prospects and navigating the draft, but we’re going to offer it anyway. Here are seven things we believe the Rams must do in the draft.

1. Draft a Wide Receiver in the First Three Rounds

There’s no denying the fact that the Rams are quite good at finding wide receivers outside the first round. Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Van Jefferson. Heck, even Josh Reynolds was a good find. But the later it gets in the draft, the harder it is to come away with quality receivers. The 2026 class is deep, but the Rams cannot afford to gamble on a sixth-round flyer when their depth chart behind Nacua and Kupp is thin.

Why this matters: Kupp is entering the twilight of his career, and while Nacua is a star, the Rams need a true No. 3 who can step in immediately. In McVay’s offense, a reliable third receiver is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Look for the Rams to target a big-bodied, physical receiver who can win on contested catches and block on the perimeter. A player like a 6’3” speedster from the SEC or Big Ten would fit perfectly in the second round. If they wait until Round 4 or later, they risk missing out on a starter.

Expert Analysis: “The Rams have a history of hitting on receivers late, but the 2026 class has a clear drop-off after the top 50 picks,” says NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. “If they want a guy who can contribute as a rookie, they need to pull the trigger by Day 2.”

2. Address the Offensive Line Depth—Especially at Tackle

The Rams’ offensive line was a strength in 2025, but age and injury are creeping in. Left tackle Alaric Jackson is solid, but the right tackle spot remains a question mark. Rob Havenstein is a warrior, but he’s on the wrong side of 30, and the Rams don’t have a young tackle waiting in the wings. This draft is loaded with versatile offensive linemen who can play multiple positions.

What the Rams must do: Use one of their mid-round picks (Rounds 4-5) on a developmental tackle who can sit behind Havenstein for a year. The Rams don’t need a starter immediately, but they need a player who can step in if injuries strike. A guard-tackle hybrid from a Power Five program would be ideal. Snead loves players with positional flexibility, and this draft offers plenty of them.

• Target: A tackle with 35-inch arms and a strong anchor.
• Avoid: Small-school projects who need two years to develop.
• Prediction: The Rams draft an offensive lineman in Round 3 or 4.

3. Find a Future Star at Inside Linebacker

The Rams’ defense was elite in 2025, but the inside linebacker room is thin. Ernest Jones is a stud, but who plays next to him? The team signed a veteran stopgap in free agency, but that’s not a long-term solution. The 2026 linebacker class is deep, and the Rams must find a sideline-to-sideline playmaker who can cover tight ends and running backs.

This is a must-do because McVay’s defense relies on speed at the second level. A linebacker who can run a 4.5 40-yard dash and diagnose plays quickly would transform the unit. Look for the Rams to target a player like a 6’2”, 235-pound prospect from a top program like Georgia or Alabama in the second or third round. If they wait, they’ll be stuck with a special-teamer, not a starter.

Bold Prediction: The Rams will trade up in Round 3 to grab a linebacker who falls due to a minor injury concern. Snead loves value, and this is a year where the linebacker class has more talent than draft capital.

4. Add a Dynamic Returner and Depth at Cornerback

The Rams’ special teams were mediocre in 2025, and their punt return unit ranked near the bottom of the league. They cannot afford to leave points on the field. The draft offers a chance to fix this with a dual-threat cornerback-returner. Think of a player like a 5’10” speedster who can play nickel corner and return punts.

Why this is critical: The Rams already have Jalen Ramsey (if he’s still on the roster) and Cobie Durant, but they need a third corner who can push for playing time. A player who can also handle returns adds immense value. In the fifth or sixth round, the Rams can find a gem who becomes a core special-teamer and a rotational defensive back.

Key Stat: The Rams’ average starting field position in 2025 was the 26-yard line. A dynamic returner could improve that by 5-7 yards per game, which translates to roughly 3 extra points per contest.

5. Don’t Overlook the Defensive Line Rotation

Aaron Donald is retired, and while Kobie Turner and Byron Young are stars, the Rams need more interior pass rush. The 2026 draft is loaded with defensive tackles who can push the pocket. The Rams must draft one in the first two rounds to keep their defensive line fresh.

This isn’t just about depth—it’s about survival. The NFC West has strong offensive lines, and the Rams need to generate pressure without blitzing. A 300-pound penetrator who can line up next to Turner would make life miserable for quarterbacks. Look for the Rams to target a player with a quick first step and violent hands. If they wait until Day 3, they’ll be left with run-stuffers who can’t rush the passer.

• Ideal fit: A three-technique defensive tackle with 10+ sacks in college.
• Reach: A nose tackle who only eats blocks.
• Prediction: The Rams take a defensive tackle in Round 1 or 2.

6. Trust the Process—But Don’t Be Afraid to Trade Down

Les Snead is famous for his “F them picks” mentality, but the 2026 draft is different. The Rams have seven selections, but they don’t have a glaring need at a premium position like quarterback. This is the perfect year to trade down and accumulate more picks in 2027. Snead and McVay have shown they can find starters in the middle rounds, so adding extra capital is smart.

Why this works: The Rams are in win-now mode, but they also need to plan for the future. By trading down from their second-round pick, they could land an extra third and fourth-rounder. That gives them more shots at finding a diamond in the rough. The 2027 draft is expected to be weaker at certain positions, so stockpiling picks now is a savvy move.

Expert Analysis: “The Rams are one of the best teams in the league at drafting, but even they can’t hit on every pick,” says ESPN’s Louis Riddick. “By trading down, they increase their odds of finding multiple contributors. It’s a no-brainer.”

7. Draft a Developmental Quarterback on Day 3

Matthew Stafford is still playing at a high level, but he’s 38 years old. The Rams cannot afford to ignore the quarterback position. They need a young, athletic signal-caller who can sit behind Stafford for a year or two and learn McVay’s system. This isn’t about replacing Stafford—it’s about securing the future.

The 2026 quarterback class has a few intriguing prospects who will fall to Day 3 due to size or system concerns. A player like a 6’4” quarterback from a Group of Five school with a strong arm and mobility would be perfect. The Rams can develop him without pressure, and if he hits, they have a trade asset or a long-term starter. If he misses, it’s a sixth-round pick—no big loss.

Bold Prediction: The Rams select a quarterback in the sixth round who ends up being a surprise contributor in 2027 after Stafford’s contract is restructured.

Conclusion: The Rams Are Built to Win Now and Later

The Los Angeles Rams enter the 2026 NFL draft with a unique blend of championship experience and roster flexibility. Les Snead and Sean McVay have proven they can find stars in the later rounds, but this year, they must be strategic. By addressing wide receiver early, bolstering the offensive line, adding a dynamic linebacker, and finding a returner, the Rams can keep their Super Bowl window wide open.

Don’t overlook the need for a defensive tackle and a developmental quarterback. These moves may not make headlines on draft day, but they will pay dividends in January and February. The Rams have seven picks, and if they execute this plan, they’ll emerge from the draft as a stronger, deeper team ready to compete for another Lombardi Trophy.

Final Word: Trust the process, but don’t get cute. The Rams are too good to miss on this draft. If they follow these seven steps, they’ll be the talk of the NFC once again.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.