OFFICIAL 2026 NFL Draft Stuff

[methomas50]

Cornerback Latrell McCutchin Sr. sat on his combine marks, which were much better than expected, then looked outstanding in position drills. A terrific cornerback, teams are looking at McCutchin as much for his special-teams ability on coverage units. In fact, the Minnesota Vikings sent their special teams coordinator to the workout. The Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos, and Tennessee Titans have shown strong interest in McCutchin.

Pro Day Key Takeaways: Linebackers Shine at TCU, Seydou Traore Makes His Case After Combine Snub and More

Find out which prospects improved their NFL Draft stock at TCU and Mississippi State. Read the takeaways from the latest NFL Pro Days.

www.essentiallysports.com

 

[Ram65]

Idk personally I think I'd be very surprised if we took a S, ILB, RB, DT, Edge, or backup OL at 13. Mildly surprised if we took a no.3 CB, TE, or backup QB. Fully expecting a WR.

I could be wrong and have been before but personally that's the way I think we've constructed the roster to this point in the offseason leaving a spot open for a premium pick at WR with a surplus of them expected to go right around the area of 13.

Some mocks have OL as pick #13. A swing OT that can play OG wouldn't surprise me. The OL depth is lacking. Grooming someone for next year is a need too.

 

[Fire Ants]

Louis is extremely active and mobile, great range and tackling in space. I like that the Rams are showing interest in him.

Also he dominated in Senior Bowl week. Him and that TCU safety were the top defensive standouts.

Ditto - I was interested in Kyle Louis...glad to see he's on the Rams' radar.

 

[jjab360]

Some mocks have OL as pick #13. A swing OT that can play OG wouldn't surprise me. The OL depth is lacking. Grooming someone for next year is a need too.

I get it and there's some OL I really like for instance Fano and Ioane. My problem is that best case scenario even if they pan out I don't see a clear upgrade on the guys we already have starting at those positions.

Mid to late rounds is where you spend draft picks on OL depth not a premium pick like 13 imo.

 

[Memphis Ram]

I get it and there's some OL I really like for instance Fano and Ioane. My problem is that best case scenario even if they pan out I don't see a clear upgrade on the guys we already have starting at those positions.

Mid to late rounds is where you spend draft picks on OL depth not a premium pick like 13 imo.

Of course the 2026 NFL Draft isn't just about the 2026 NFL season and the entire starting OL with the exception of Jackson are entering the final year of their contracts so there's that.

 

[jjab360]

Of course the 2026 NFL Draft isn't just about the 2026 NFL season and the entire starting OL with the exception of Jackson are entering the final year of their contracts so there's that.

It's a factor but I don't think it makes sense to spend a premium pick at 13 on depth when your starting OL (at least OG and OT) are all in their prime and building on continuity. Especially when you expect to immediately contend for a Super Bowl and have a cap wizard like Demoff. It makes much more sense to spend that pick on somebody who can contribute immediately and in the future, not just the latter. If there was a game changer available like Penei Sewell who completely changes your identity then maybe but an OL like that isn't falling to 13.

 

[Memphis Ram]

It's a factor but I don't think it makes sense to spend a premium pick at 13 on depth when your starting OL (at least OG and OT) are all in their prime and building on continuity. Especially when you expect to immediately contend for a Super Bowl and have a cap wizard like Demoff. It makes much more sense to spend that pick on somebody who can contribute immediately and in the future, not just the latter. If there was a game changer available like Penei Sewell who completely changes your identity then maybe but an OL like that isn't falling to 13.

Makes more sense to me not to bank on any rookie contributing too much. I wouldn't scoff at someone like Freeling given Jackson's prior blood clot issues and the team's lack of a good alternative if he goes down.

 

[jjab360]

Makes more sense to me not to bank on any rookie contributing too much. I wouldn't scoff at someone like Freeling given Jackson's prior blood clot issues and the team's lack of a good alternative if he goes down.

And if AJ doesn't go down and McClendon continues to play well? You're pretty much forcing yourself into a no sum game where you're either forced to let McClendon go to replace proven talent with unproven talent or you re-sign McClendon and Freeling is a waste of a pick. Unnecessarily putting yourself in a Vikings Sam Darnold-JJ Mccarthy-esque situation. Just doesn't make sense to me, backup swing OTs are where you spend mid round picks not the top half of the first round.

 

[PhillyRam]

I get it and there's some OL I really like for instance Fano and Ioane. My problem is that best case scenario even if they pan out I don't see a clear upgrade on the guys we already have starting at those positions.

Mid to late rounds is where you spend draft picks on OL depth not a premium pick like 13 imo.

You could argue, adding Ioane or Fano, helps your future cap situation since you can let one of Avilla, Dotson, or McClendon walk next year, saving one big contract. Also likley garnering a solid comp pick in return for 28'. And those guys would likley be an upgrade as well, especially Ioane.

Every move has a short term impact as well as a long term impact.

 

[Mojo Ram]

Tice said he only had 7 too.

Guys on Athletic pod speculating that this year could be as bad as 2013. Look at this graveyard of players:

2013 NFL Draft Listing | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Checkout the 2013 NFL Draft Results including drafted players and trade timelines and their career stats on Pro-Football-Reference.com

www.pro-football-reference.com

Four TE’s drafted before Kelce at the top of rd 3

 

[Memphis Ram]

And if AJ doesn't go down and McClendon continues to play well? You're pretty much forcing yourself into a no sum game where you're either forced to let McClendon go to replace proven talent with unproven talent or you re-sign McClendon and Freeling is a waste of a pick. Unnecessarily putting yourself in a Vikings Sam Darnold-JJ Mccarthy-esque situation. Just doesn't make sense to me, backup swing OTs are where you spend mid round picks not the top half of the first round.

Here's how I figure it.

Key 2027 Free Agents
Puka Nacua
Kevin Dotson
Steve Avlia
Byron Young
Walter McClendon Jr
Kobie Turner
Davante Adams
Matthew Stafford

Sure the salary cap is going up, but chances are they are not re-signing all these guys.

If capable, Freeling could be a backup swing OT in 2026 (which is nothing to poo poo about with an immobile Stafford at QB), but should be starting in 2027. And on a rookie deal at about 1/3 or 1/4th of what McClendon or Jackson (entering the final year of his deal) would be making or will command. That would help tremendously in retaining one or more of the previously listed names.

If McClendon plays well and leaves via free agency they could possibly get a decent comp pick. If they re-sign McClendon (which shouldn't happen before the draft) then you have an asset in Jackson that can be dealt for a 2027 draft selection they are probably going to need to move up for a QB.

BTW, regarding the backup swing OTs that can be had for mid round picks. This isn't a deep OT draft class and as always most of the highly considered ones will go early. Next, unless they stike gold like they did with Jackson (though he was undrafted), chances are probably even less that a rookie mid round OT will be ready to contribute (see McClendon). Finally, to date, the only mid round pick the Rams have is at the bottom of round three. After that they don't select again until near the bottom of round six.

It's a risk either way because the kid would be just a rookie himself, but if the Rams scouting department likes Freeling then I can't help but to trust them and hope he pans out. I just wouldn't scoff at the Rams using that selection for a player playing a premium position which would be ideal. And especially in this draft class.

Or maybe they can bring Joe Noteboom back. From what I understand he wasn't very good in Baltimore last year, but maybe he misses LA. I think he's still a free agent. Who knows?

 

[ReekofRams]

Here's how I figure it.

Key 2027 Free Agents
Puka Nacua
Kevin Dotson
Steve Avlia
Byron Young
Walter McClendon Jr
Kobie Turner
Davante Adams
Matthew Stafford

Sure the salary cap is going up, but chances are they are not re-signing all these guys.

If capable, Freeling could be a backup swing OT in 2026 (which is nothing to poo poo about with an immobile Stafford at QB), but should be starting in 2027. And on a rookie deal at about 1/3 or 1/4th of what McClendon or Jackson (entering the final year of his deal) would be making or will command. That would help tremendously in retaining one or more of the previously listed names.

If McClendon plays well and leaves via free agency they could possibly get a decent comp pick. If they re-sign McClendon (which shouldn't happen before the draft) then you have an asset in Jackson that can be dealt for a 2027 draft selection they are probably going to need to move up for a QB.

BTW, regarding the backup swing OTs that can be had for mid round picks. This isn't a deep OT draft class and as always most of the highly considered ones will go early. Next, unless they stike gold like they did with Jackson (though he was undrafted), chances are probably even less that a rookie mid round OT will be ready to contribute (see McClendon). Finally, to date, the only mid round pick the Rams have is at the bottom of round three. After that they don't select again until near the bottom of round six.

It's a risk either way because the kid would be just a rookie himself, but if the Rams scouting department likes Freeling then I can't help but to trust them and hope he pans out. I just wouldn't scoff at the Rams using that selection for a player playing a premium position which would be ideal. And especially in this draft class.

Or maybe they can bring Joe Noteboom back. From what I understand he wasn't very good in Baltimore last year, but maybe he misses LA. I think he's still a free agent. Who knows?

It would be a misuse of 13th pick to draft someone who won’t be starting. Between the last two rounds of the draft and UDFAs plus the regular free agency we’ll find enough to provide depth on the Oline.
Remember we are all in according to Snead, so no we won’t be using the 13th pick on depth or a backup.

 

[Memphis Ram]

It would be a misuse of 13th pick to draft someone who won’t be starting. Between the last two rounds of the draft and UDFAs plus the regular free agency we’ll find enough to provide depth on the Oline.
Remember we are all in according to Snead, so no we won’t be using the 13th pick on depth or a backup.

I'll just change the year and go back to my yearly mantras of the 2026 NFL Draft isn't just about the 2026 NFL Season. And team needs don't influence player availability. Finally, most rookies don't typically offer much immediately. Especially on loaded rosters.

This isn't the 2016 Rams. The 2026 Rams are already loaded. Even the rookie draft class of the 2021 NFL Championship Rams only got about 6 or 7 starts from Ernest Jones and maybe 1 from Skowronek. That's it.

And if they really want to be All-In they need to trade the 13th pick for a veteran.

 

[Ram65]

I get it and there's some OL I really like for instance Fano and Ioane. My problem is that best case scenario even if they pan out I don't see a clear upgrade on the guys we already have starting at those positions.

Mid to late rounds is where you spend draft picks on OL depth not a premium pick like 13 imo.

Here's how I figure it.

Key 2027 Free Agents
Puka Nacua
Kevin Dotson
Steve Avlia
Byron Young
Walter McClendon Jr
Kobie Turner
Davante Adams
Matthew Stafford

Sure the salary cap is going up, but chances are they are not re-signing all these guys.

If capable, Freeling could be a backup swing OT in 2026 (which is nothing to poo poo about with an immobile Stafford at QB), but should be starting in 2027. And on a rookie deal at about 1/3 or 1/4th of what McClendon or Jackson (entering the final year of his deal) would be making or will command. That would help tremendously in retaining one or more of the previously listed names.

If McClendon plays well and leaves via free agency they could possibly get a decent comp pick. If they re-sign McClendon (which shouldn't happen before the draft) then you have an asset in Jackson that can be dealt for a 2027 draft selection they are probably going to need to move up for a QB.

BTW, regarding the backup swing OTs that can be had for mid round picks. This isn't a deep OT draft class and as always most of the highly considered ones will go early. Next, unless they stike gold like they did with Jackson (though he was undrafted), chances are probably even less that a rookie mid round OT will be ready to contribute (see McClendon). Finally, to date, the only mid round pick the Rams have is at the bottom of round three. After that they don't select again until near the bottom of round six.

It's a risk either way because the kid would be just a rookie himself, but if the Rams scouting department likes Freeling then I can't help but to trust them and hope he pans out. I just wouldn't scoff at the Rams using that selection for a player playing a premium position which would be ideal. And especially in this draft class.

Or maybe they can bring Joe Noteboom back. From what I understand he wasn't very good in Baltimore last year, but maybe he misses LA. I think he's still a free agent. Who knows?

Answered by Memphis. I'll add that many expect Stafford to retire after this year. Having solid OL protection could make it a harder decision. The Rams have found very good WRs in later rounds, too.

 

[Allen2McVay]

It would be a misuse of 13th pick to draft someone who won’t be starting.

OK, and agree that it’s desirable for the player selected to have a favorable impact on 2026 but what positions are open for an immediate starting role?

Many of us are anticipating WR but that guy would likely be the 3rd WR behind Nacua and Adams. Third WR on the Rams is a semi-starter.

Other than WR?
Off-ball-LB to replace Speights? OK but other than Reese and Styles (both of whom will almost certainly be gone) what LB would warrant being drafted 13th overall?

Sadiq is a possibility but does he start with Parkinson, Ferguson and Higbee on the roster?

What’s left?

I think WR is the likely pick but it’s rarely a good idea to force a position with a high draft choice. What if Tate, Tyson and Lemon are all off-the-board?
Do the Rams force Cooper or Concepcion at #13?

A stud OL provides much needed short-term depth; and with three starters scheduled to be free agents, would have a starting role by 2027.

 

[OldSchool]

Rams 2026 pre-draft meetings tracker: Every prospect LA has met with

Leading up to the draft, we're tracking every prospect meeting and visit for the Los Angeles Rams, following which players they're interested in.

theramswire.usatoday.com

 

[jjab360]

Here's how I figure it.

Key 2027 Free Agents
Puka Nacua
Kevin Dotson
Steve Avlia
Byron Young
Walter McClendon Jr
Kobie Turner
Davante Adams
Matthew Stafford

Sure the salary cap is going up, but chances are they are not re-signing all these guys.

If capable, Freeling could be a backup swing OT in 2026 (which is nothing to poo poo about with an immobile Stafford at QB), but should be starting in 2027. And on a rookie deal at about 1/3 or 1/4th of what McClendon or Jackson (entering the final year of his deal) would be making or will command. That would help tremendously in retaining one or more of the previously listed names.

If McClendon plays well and leaves via free agency they could possibly get a decent comp pick. If they re-sign McClendon (which shouldn't happen before the draft) then you have an asset in Jackson that can be dealt for a 2027 draft selection they are probably going to need to move up for a QB.

BTW, regarding the backup swing OTs that can be had for mid round picks. This isn't a deep OT draft class and as always most of the highly considered ones will go early. Next, unless they stike gold like they did with Jackson (though he was undrafted), chances are probably even less that a rookie mid round OT will be ready to contribute (see McClendon). Finally, to date, the only mid round pick the Rams have is at the bottom of round three. After that they don't select again until near the bottom of round six.

It's a risk either way because the kid would be just a rookie himself, but if the Rams scouting department likes Freeling then I can't help but to trust them and hope he pans out. I just wouldn't scoff at the Rams using that selection for a player playing a premium position which would be ideal. And especially in this draft class.

Or maybe they can bring Joe Noteboom back. From what I understand he wasn't very good in Baltimore last year, but maybe he misses LA. I think he's still a free agent. Who knows?

If we're narrowing down this hypothetical to just Freeling, I guess it would have to come down to your evaluation of him.

I'll admit I haven't really watched OL prospects much this year because that hasn't been the direction I see us going. If the Rams have Freeling in the game changer with zero questions bucket I guess it would make sense, but then why would that player fall to 13? If they have him in the reliable starter bucket, I don't think it makes sense because you already have two young players of that caliber with McClendon and AJ.

Also I understand that McClendon is an upcoming free agent but why are you forcing yourself to let a reliable 24 year old player walk when we have the cap space to re-sign him? Or the other example trading Alaric away, but why? Where's the roster improvement in those scenarios? And what if Freeling doesn't pan out? You have a premium pick that you almost never have and you spend it on... replacing an established good young player with a potentially good young player?

If we were talking about any position other than OL or QB, it makes some sense because that player can work themselves into the rotation as a backup. OL is kind of like QB in that if an injury doesn't happen they're just riding the bench. Hence the Darnold-McCarthy example because that's the situation you're proposing forcing us into, and they didn't even do that on purpose Darnold just outplayed expectations.

I mean seriously is there any precedent at all for a team with two young, reliable starting OTs drafting an OT in the top half of the first round?

 

[Ramstien]

I'll just sit back and trust Snead on this one.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Looking at our up upcoming selections… I am wondering if we shouldn’t just make picks with our top 3.

3 picks in the top 90 sounds real good for a roster that is already a SB contender. Get 3 really good players.

But I will be shocked if we don’t trade down to get something in the 4th.

 

[Allen2McVay]

...

I'll admit I haven't really watched OL prospects much this year because that hasn't been the direction I see us going. If the Rams have Freeling in the game changer with zero questions bucket I guess it would make sense, but then why would that player fall to 13? If they have him in the reliable starter bucket, I don't think it makes sense because you already have two young players of that caliber with McClendon and AJ.

Also I understand that McClendon is an upcoming free agent but why are you forcing yourself to let a reliable 24 year old player walk when we have the cap space to re-sign him? Or the other example trading Alaric away, but why? Where's the roster improvement in those scenarios?

If we were talking about any position other than OL or QB, it makes some sense because that player can work themselves into the rotation as a backup.

I mean seriously is there any precedent at all for a team with two young, reliable starting OTs drafting an OT in the top half of the first round?

All excellent and legitimate points. However, there are a few legit counter-points.

With so many quality young starters up for free agency in 2027, the cap space may not be there to retain more than half from that list ... which by-the way, does not include Parkinson.

I would love for ALL those players to be back in 2027 but some tough decision may need to be made.

Specifically, on the O-Line where four starters are on expiring contracts ... (I thought it was three but Shelton is also on an expiring contract) ... and the 5th starter (Jackson) has blood clots.

The O-Line is So Incredibly Vital ... and was a Huge Part of the 2025 success (the OL enjoyed good health) ... maintaining as many of the starting group AND having quality depth is Extremely Important.

On side note. I would love for the Rams to extend both Dotson and Parkinson in the coming months.
Those two represent a $28M cap hit in 2026. They could be extended (and retained beyond '26) AND have their 2026 cap number significantly reduced.

By comparison the other top-5 pending Rams free agents (Nacua, Turner, Young, Avila and McClendon) represent a combined 2026 cap hit of a mere $22M.