OFFICIAL 2026 NFL Draft Stuff

[Memphis Ram]

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?

I remember years ago the Browns had Tony Jones and Orlando Brown when they drafted Jonathan Ogden. Ogden played some left guard as a rookie and then they dealt Jones the following season. But Freeling isn't nearly as good a Ogden and those Ravens weren't nearly as loaded as the Rams.

Perhaps a better question would be is there much precedent where a prohibitive Super Bowl favorite with a loaded roster had such a high draft selection?

Anyway, if McClendon continues to play well (without Havenstein coaching him up), he may be getting more than Jackson with his next deal. Of course this means Jackson is going to want even more. And what of all the other free agents I listed previously while this is happening?

Again, the draft class has a say in this, too. Ideally, you'd like to select someone playing a position of one of those players that might be difficult to retain. But going back to team needs not influencing player availability, this draft class doesn't appear to have that highly rated pass rusher or interior defensive lineman or quarterback worthy of the selection that will be on the board.

There may be decent guards available, but do you want to spend a top 13 selection on a guard when you typically can find a stud later? Are the highest rated WRs in this draft class #1 types that typically get drafted this high? No. Most of what I've read suggests these are #2 types. And quite frankly, if given the choice, I'd take last year's Emeka Egbuka over what many list as the top guy in this class in his former teammate Carnell Tate.

Again, I just wouldn't scoff at an OT selection as it's a premium position. And premium positions on rookie deals is great for roster management. And I'd understand it knowing that this draft class is not just about this season. And especially until I see the team obtain a legitimate backup to Jackson. Jackson stay healthy? Great. Jackson goes down and chances are so does the season.

I would just hate for this team to go the same route as the 1999 Super Bowl Championship team did thinking that they were set for years and targeted toys that might contribute some immediately in their following draft class.

 

[Fire Ants]

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.

I don't understand this.
Aside from Love, exactly which offensive player in this draft will make a difference on the Rams? None of the WRs are going to take targets away from Puka, Adams, and the TEs.

So who exactly will this "difference maker" be?
Sure, there will probably be a defensive player that could make a difference, but I'm not sure that's what you're advocating for.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

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?

Ok, that Noteboom part is a fuck no? Did you take So Rams meds before you typed that part? I'm concerned hahaha

 

[jjab360]

I remember years ago the Browns had Tony Jones and Orlando Brown when they drafted Jonathan Ogden. Ogden played some left guard as a rookie and then they dealt Jones the following season. But Freeling isn't nearly as good a Ogden and those Ravens weren't nearly as loaded as the Rams.

Perhaps a better question would be is there much precedent where a prohibitive Super Bowl favorite with a loaded roster had such a high draft selection?

Anyway, if McClendon continues to play well (without Havenstein coaching him up), he may be getting more than Jackson with his next deal. Of course this means Jackson is going to want even more. And what of all the other free agents I listed previously while this is happening?

Again, the draft class has a say in this, too. Ideally, you'd like to select someone playing a position of one of those players that might be difficult to retain. But going back to team needs not influencing player availability, this draft class doesn't appear to have that highly rated pass rusher or interior defensive lineman or quarterback worthy of the selection that will be on the board.

There may be decent guards available, but do you want to spend a top 13 selection on a guard when you typically can find a stud later? Are the highest rated WRs in this draft class #1 types that typically get drafted this high? No. Most of what I've read suggests these are #2 types. And quite frankly, if given the choice, I'd take last year's Emeka Egbuka over what many list as the top guy in this class in his former teammate Carnell Tate.

Again, I just wouldn't scoff at an OT selection as it's a premium position. And premium positions on rookie deals is great for roster management. And I'd understand it knowing that this draft class is not just about this season. And especially until I see the team obtain a legitimate backup to Jackson. Jackson stay healthy? Great. Jackson goes down and chances are so does the season.

I would just hate for this team to go the same route as the 1999 Super Bowl Championship team did thinking that they were set for years and targeted toys that might contribute some immediately in their following draft class.

I get everything you're saying and I'm all for building inside out, drafting BPA, and anticipating future needs.

I just think that when you apply those mottos to this particular situation it makes far more sense to take the WR similarly rated to the OT as an immediate no.3 WR who will fill the no.2 WR position in 2027. Davante's departure is far more certain as an impending free agent and aging player, McClendon is a strong option to be re-signed as a rising talent.

And yes, draft players not needs and the guys available are not traditional no.1 WRs but we already have Puka (TMZ BS notwithstanding) and I like a lot of the options at WR projected around the 13th pick as impact players in both the short and long term future. I don't know if I'd call it scoffing but I don't think what I'm suggesting is short sighted, I'd call what you're suggesting an impractical attempt at looking towards the future. I'm not necessarily looking at the current OT contract situation as we'll pass that bridge when it comes but I do think we should attack depth at that position using a reasonable amount of resources i.e. not the top half of the first round unless like you said there's an Ogden type talent available.

 

[jjab360]

I don't understand this.
Aside from Love, exactly which offensive player in this draft will make a difference on the Rams? None of the WRs are going to take targets away from Puka, Adams, and the TEs.

So who exactly will this "difference maker" be?
Sure, there will probably be a defensive player that could make a difference, but I'm not sure that's what you're advocating for.

Tate, Tyson, Cooper, Concepcion, Lemon, Boston. Pick whichever flavor fits this offense the best, they all have something to offer and Adams is likely on his way out after next year.

Whittington, Xavier Smith, and Mumpfield combined for over 1,000 snaps last year there's plenty of PT available.

 

[WestCoastRam]

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

It would be awesome if we can get a dedicated thread for prospect meetings with the Rams.

Maybe one where mods could update the top of the thread with new guys whenever we get new info, not sure the site has optionality for that.

 

[Merlin]

I get everything you're saying and I'm all for building inside out, drafting BPA, and anticipating future needs.

I just think that when you apply those mottos to this particular situation it makes far more sense to take the WR similarly rated to the OT as an immediate no.3 WR who will fill the no.2 WR position in 2027. Davante's departure is far more certain as an impending free agent and aging player, McClendon is a strong option to be re-signed as a rising talent.

And yes, draft players not needs and the guys available are not traditional no.1 WRs but we already have Puka (TMZ BS notwithstanding) and I like a lot of the options at WR projected around the 13th pick as impact players in both the short and long term future. I don't know if I'd call it scoffing but I don't think what I'm suggesting is short sighted, I'd call what you're suggesting an impractical attempt at looking towards the future. I'm not necessarily looking at the current OT contract situation as we'll pass that bridge when it comes but I do think we should attack depth at that position using a reasonable amount of resources i.e. not the top half of the first round unless like you said there's an Ogden type talent available.

Agreed.

This OG class is quite strong, and this is a good year to add one to help that post-2026 transition. The OT class is not very good at the top, and we could add a project but why not just sign McClendon and then go young on the interior. Also we don't have to take a Guard at the top, but there will be options early and later on to address it. Ioane may be on the board, and he is probably the best lineman in this draft, but then we could also be looking at Fano and Mauigoa to serve as a swing option this year then move to OG if necessary after the season.

And you are correct I think that the WR position is going to lose Adams, not to mention he's already contact shy as hell on inbreaking routes. So a receiving game weapon is a big need.

That weapon doesn't need to be an X but I think that's the best bang for the buck, in terms of making this offense as strong as possible, if they can hit on that. Then you have Puka owning that slot at an elite level, Adams with an easy release in that Z role, and your young X can cut his teeth vs low end depth chart options from opposing corner rooms.

If they don't like the X options or it doesn't line up for them, then a slot type can work it's just not as efficient. That is where I favor Stowers over options like Lemon or even Cooper, because he's 6'4" and brings real seam threat to the offense with his speed. Though I'd be fine with any of the three.

I'd like to see them go defense at the top as well. Defense offers more options. But then they're gonna need to watch all the best WR options go off that board before 61. Which is what they usually do. But if they go defense early, and then go get an X project like Lane I would be perfectly happy with that.

 

[Memphis Ram]

I get everything you're saying and I'm all for building inside out, drafting BPA, and anticipating future needs.

I just think that when you apply those mottos to this particular situation it makes far more sense to take the WR similarly rated to the OT as an immediate no.3 WR who will fill the no.2 WR position in 2027. Davante's departure is far more certain as an impending free agent and aging player, McClendon is a strong option to be re-signed as a rising talent.

And yes, draft players not needs and the guys available are not traditional no.1 WRs but we already have Puka (TMZ BS notwithstanding) and I like a lot of the options at WR projected around the 13th pick as impact players in both the short and long term future. I don't know if I'd call it scoffing but I don't think what I'm suggesting is short sighted, I'd call what you're suggesting an impractical attempt at looking towards the future. I'm not necessarily looking at the current OT contract situation as we'll pass that bridge when it comes but I do think we should attack depth at that position using a reasonable amount of resources i.e. not the top half of the first round unless like you said there's an Ogden type talent available.

I get what you are saying though I'm still not sure we are on the same page with the potential re-signing of as many of the upcoming free agents I listed previously and how a cheaper alternative at a premium position like OT can facilitate such.

I even want the Rams to draft Omar Cooper Jr. even if they have to do it at #13.

But, I also understand that while this draft class may lack what we'll call traditional #1 WRs, it is loaded with complimentary pieces at the position that could be had later perhaps even into day three if the team decided to use the #13 overall selection on a player playing a more premium position such as LT. And the same can't be said the other way around.