Actual team needs

[Merlin]

This class is loaded with some nice Center options. So given that future Hall of Famer Shelton is a FA after the season, on top of which the Rams may have a young QB starting in the near future, it makes a ton of sense to get all unrealistic and draft the position.

Also since 4x OL are FA after this season, it makes sense to draft another piece for the future. I favor signing McClendon and drafting at least one of the Guard spots, but their approach will be telling.

ILB is also a nice group of options. Will it line up for them? I suspect a ton of teams have Rodriguez circled on their boards.

I would not blame them if they were to turn this into a line heavy draft up top. But I am hoping for a good wideout at the top for that elusive X role.

 

[fearsomefour]

I concur, I also have a feeling per @OldSchool communicating about QB, IMO, just have a feeling the Rams will draft Drew Allar from Penn State with the 93rd pick. For some reason IMO, just think the Rams have always liked him for better or worse.

Not a bad spot for his talent.
Also, good he can sit for.....two years??
hopefully.

 

[Merlin]

I just can't imagine McVay targeting Allar. He is so uninstinctive.

The QBs in this class post-Mendoza are all longshots, granted. But I think some of them are better longshots than others as potential QB1s. Also some have pretty high floors as QB2, where I think they have a good chance to settle into that role.

Rams are going to need a QB2 next year. It at least represents a nice cost savings for them, so if they take one of these guys for that role then cross their fingers that maybe he works his ass off and becomes more than that, to me that makes sense.

Problem is they're not going to want to invest too high a pick on these guys because all of them have so many questions surrounding them. So I think round 4+ is the wheelhouse for picking the one you want, where you go up to that round 4 range if you want a specific QB before they start going off the board. And that assumes some team overdrafts the fuck out of Simpson.

So I've settled on two targets at the QB position for round 5 where we select, or round 4 if they slide down early and add a pick in that range where they have a long wait ahead. If they prioritize upside and the lottery ticket then I'd take Payton. If they prefer QB2 with a chance to QB1 then I'd take Klubnik. Both are very mobile and can add that to our scout team. Both are elusive in the pocket and capable of instinctively turning a seam up front into a gainer. Both have enough arm for McVay's system. We don't get to interact with them but both seem to me like young men who are going to do the work.

Back to Allar I will give him cred again that I disliked his coaching. So there is room to say maybe he didn't have that offensive mind helping him unlock some of those instincts he didn't show. I don't dislike him or anything it just surprises me you guys think he's a McVay fit.

 

[TheTackle]

Upgrade at center.

There is a deep group of Centers, all with plenty of experience, so this could be the year we draft a good one

 

[dang]

True.
I only bring it up because Dolac is a fan favorite on here and the FA signing is getting paid a lot more money.

I like Dolac. Hope he shines this year and moves up the ladder.

 

[majrleaged]

True.
I only bring it up because Dolac is a fan favorite on here and the FA signing is getting paid a lot more money.

I'd say, if you were a LB other than landman, you would be fighting for a spot and Dolac was a standout in ST.

 

[CanadianFan]

Is there a world where Bennett is the backup qb behind Stafford?

 

[Allen2McVay]

The Rams are a top-tier offensive team, with a strong passing game led by their MVP QB.

Anything that disrupts the passing game, hurts the offense, which hurts the Team's strength.

Primary Needs (as I see them) ...

3rd WR ... Adams is 33 and Nacua plays like a FB (fights for the extra yard when it's not needed)

3rd OT ... in case Jackson or McClendon are injured

Competent veteran back-up QB to Stafford.

If ANY of these five players go down, it compromises the strength of the Rams; and that has a ripple-effect.

... Even if you clowns don't agree with me, you HAVE to appreciate the Visual Aid effort.

Least concerned about back-up-QB ... expect Garoppolo to return but think there are some options in case.

Do not see many quality options at WR or OT among the current remaining free agents, so the Rams' current draft picks at #13 and #61 appear to be the best viable options to me.

Of the two positions (WR and OT), I would prefer a high-quality player at WR because that individual may NEED to step into a major role should Adams or Nacua go down (by-the-way, I do not expect the Rams to get 34 regular season games from those two guys).

So, a trade for a significant player ... like A.J. Brown or Brian Thomas ... is intriguing for me.
Unfortunately, it is also costly for the Rams in draft capital; and, in the case of Brown, salary cap allocation.

Also like a number of the potential draft options at WR.

Regarding OT, a solid veteran back-up would suffice (again, in case of injury) but there are few options.
The Eagles' Fred Johnson might be sufficient. He's a free agent, a veteran, affordable and has played RT and LT. Johnson is, at best, an average starter but that could be enough for 2026. The Draft is also an option.

Finally, while the Rams can certainly up-grade at a few positions, the only other need that I see is at CB.
Forbes is the 3rd CB right now, with Wallace probably the 4th CB. After that, it's practice squad players.

Depth is Hugely Important at Cornerback. Consider the '25 CBs. Durant, Forbes, Williams and Witherspoon. Three of them had injuries last season. McCreary was added; and he was also injured ... as was Wallace ... and, even Lake, if you want to consider him a quasi-CB because of his STAR-role that often had him in the slot.

That would mean Six-of-the-Seven players the Rams used as CBs in 2025 missed time with injuries. Yikes!

 

[IkeBruciest]

I suspect based on zero evidence that McVay/Snead think this is a weak draft class. Teams get too excited about shiny new toys with potential during an upcoming draft and will be willing to trade their old toys that ain't so shiny anymore. McVay/Snead may be looking to take advantage. I could see us trading some picks for some veterans to fill our needs - may or may not be Richardson or AJ Brown, but it wouldn't shock me to see this happen. Personally would love Garrett Wilson.

 

[DzRams]

The Rams are a top-tier offensive team, with a strong passing game led by their MVP QB.

Anything that disrupts the passing game, hurts the offense, which hurts the Team's strength.

Primary Needs (as I see them) ...

3rd WR ... Adams is 33 and Nacua plays like a FB (fights for the extra yard when it's not needed)

3rd OT ... in case Jackson or McClendon are injured

Competent veteran back-up QB to Stafford.

If ANY of these five players go down, it compromises the strength of the Rams; and that has a ripple-effect.
View attachment 74971
... Even if you clowns don't agree with me, you HAVE to appreciate the Visual Aid effort.

Least concerned about back-up-QB ... expect Garoppolo to return but think there are some options in case.

Do not see many quality options at WR or OT among the current remaining free agents, so the current draft picks at #13 and #61 appear to be the best viable options to me.

Of the two positions (WR and OT), I would prefer a high-quality player at WR because that individual may NEED to step into a major role should Adams or Nacua go down (by-the-way, I do not expect the Rams to get 34 regular season games from those two guys).

So, a trade for a significant player ... like A.J. Brown or Brian Thomas ... is intriguing for me.
Unfortunately, it is also costly for the Rams in draft capital; and, in the case of Brown, salary cap allocation.

Also like a number of the potential draft options at WR.

Regarding OT, a solid veteran back-up would suffice (again, in case of injury) but there are few options.
The Eagles' Fred Johnson might be sufficient. He's a free agent, a veteran, affordable and has played RT and LT. Johnson is, at best, an average starter but that could be enough for 2026. The Draft is also an option.

Finally, while the Rams can certainly up-grade at a few positions, the only other need that I see is at CB.
Forbes is the 3rd CB right now, with Wallace probably the 4th CB. After that, it's practice squad players.

Depth is Hugely Important at Cornerback. Consider the '25 CBs. Durant, Forbes, Williams and Witherspoon. Three of them had injuries last season. McCreary was added; and he had an injury ... as did Wallace ... and, even Lake, if you want to consider him a quasi-CB because of his STAR-role that often had him in the slot.

That would mean Six-of-the-Seven players the Rams used as CBs in 2025 missed time with injuries. Yikes!

So you're not thinking Quessenberry was brought back to back-up OT?

 

[Allen2McVay]

So you're not thinking Quessenberry was brought back to back-up OT?

I think he was re-signed to be a back-up OL, including OT.
And, I was glad he was re-signed because the only back-up tackle on the roster, at that time, was A.J. Arcuri.

However, I don't view Quessenberry as a quality 3rd OT. Last year, when Jackson went down the Rams went with Humphries over Quessenberry at LT; and Humphries did not play well. Never-the-less, the Rams viewed Humphries as the better option.

I am happy Quessenberry is around. Veteran depth that can play four OL positions. Nice guy to have around. Acceptable as a 4th OT (if things really go bad with injuries). I would just prefer a better 3rd OT option.

By-the-way, I also like Whittington and Mumpfield ... good depth ... different strengths ... potential to develop. Just don't like either as the 3rd WR option should (really when) Nacua or Adams miss time.

 

[Merlin]

OL is gonna be crazy because you have the dudes at the top who have good feet, but who ended up measuring short in their arm lengths. So now Freeling is going to shoot way up, probably to the top 10. And the Rams are probably are going to be looking at a ton of OG options with Ioane (who is the best iOL in this draft) who is a fit for their power run scheme, as well as Fano and potentially Mauigoa, both of whom have short arms and are probably going to be guards at the NFL level.

Also as it pertains to the Rams, if they were to take Fano for example he could serve for a year in that swing OT role and then is in play to slide into OG when Avila leaves in FA. Same goes for Mauigoa.

Ioane would compete with Avila year one and replace him next year. But since he can't fill that swing role I don't know they want to go that route.

Proctor is a massive bastid. Doesn't have the feet but he's so damn big. He could serve as swing role this season then move to RT if they elect to not sign McClendon. Miller could do the same. So a lot of this of course comes down to which of those x4 OL who are set to hit FA they want to keep around. They're not going to want to pay everyone, so I think Center is a slam dunk to draft but there's probably one more they're gonna let walk and my bet is on Avila.

 

[WestCoastRam]

As far as center goes, will we be able to grab a guy in the draft who has more upside than Dedich. If Limmer can't turn it around (it's really been surprisingly downhill for him since the playoffs in 24) I expect Dedich might get a serious crack at center.

I'm more interested in back OT and future guard in this draft.

 

[WestCoastRam]

I think he was re-signed to be a back-up OL, including OT.
And, I was glad he was re-signed because the only back-up tackle on the roster, at that time, was A.J. Arcuri.

However, I don't view Quessenberry as a quality 3rd OT. Last year, when Jackson went down the Rams went with Humphries over Quessenberry at LT; and Humphries did not play well. Never-the-less, the Rams viewed Humphries as the better option.

I am happy Quessenberry is around. Veteran depth that can play four OL positions. Nice guy to have around. Acceptable as a 4th OT (if things really go bad with injuries). I would just prefer a better 3rd OT option.

By-the-way, I also like Whittington and Mumpfield ... good depth ... different strengths ... potential to develop. Just don't like either as the 3rd WR option should (really when) Nacua or Adams miss time.

Whittington is a fine 4th WR but I think he's tapped out on development. Watching Mumpfield through the offseason will be fun, can he put on weight and maintain agility/speed and refine his blocking and route running (which was sneaky good already). He could very well fill that 3rd receiver roll but it would be a leap for him. I think there's a small chance it could happen. Can't depend on it though.

 

[duanevalle22]

Needs

Stud WR
LB that's a beast in coverage
Center

A sports psychologist on retainer if Meevis goes mental likes last seasons kickers.

 

[LA_Rams_#29]

Not so sure DL is a longshot.
Turner, Fiske, Davis, and Johnson all have expiring contracts after this season and next.

The Rams simply cannot re-sign everyone and it would be foolish to think they will be able to pick and choose who will stay and who they can let walk—unless they get deals done BEFORE they hit FA.

Edit:
As I posted in another thread, I would not be surprised if the Rams drafted a DL at #13 should the 1rst round fall that way.

I agree.

Desjuan played on the edge more this season, and I think we need to give Davis and Hamilton some competition as well. Fiske has had a couple of injuries too. One could argue that having another body to compete for a rotation spot would be a good move...

 

[DzRams]

OL is gonna be crazy because you have the dudes at the top who have good feet, but who ended up measuring short in their arm lengths. So now Freeling is going to shoot way up, probably to the top 10. And the Rams are probably are going to be looking at a ton of OG options with Ioane (who is the best iOL in this draft) who is a fit for their power run scheme, as well as Fano and potentially Mauigoa, both of whom have short arms and are probably going to be guards at the NFL level.

Also as it pertains to the Rams, if they were to take Fano for example he could serve for a year in that swing OT role and then is in play to slide into OG when Avila leaves in FA. Same goes for Mauigoa.

Ioane would compete with Avila year one and replace him next year. But since he can't fill that swing role I don't know they want to go that route.

Proctor is a massive bastid. Doesn't have the feet but he's so damn big. He could serve as swing role this season then move to RT if they elect to not sign McClendon. Miller could do the same. So a lot of this of course comes down to which of those x4 OL who are set to hit FA they want to keep around. They're not going to want to pay everyone, so I think Center is a slam dunk to draft but there's probably one more they're gonna let walk and my bet is on Avila.

Good breakdown. The more I think through this the higher OL goes as a priority. And this is the right framework too because, as we know, the Rams draft a year ahead.

The draft will be more about 2027 needs than 2026 impact, although it would be great to get someone with a huge year 1 impact.

 

[DzRams]

As far as center goes, will we be able to grab a guy in the draft who has more upside than Dedich. If Limmer can't turn it around (it's really been surprisingly downhill for him since the playoffs in 24) I expect Dedich might get a serious crack at center.

I'm more interested in back OT and future guard in this draft.

Does Dedich have a high upside or something? This class is pretty deep at center. I don't imagine it will be difficult to find someone with more upside than Dedich. But I could see them opting to focus on guard or OT if they feel they already have a future center in Dedich.

 

[Pupped]

It's difficult to know with some spots what the "need" really is.
We assumed, last season, that they needed to draft an OT high. They didn't.. and it worked out great because McClendon developed.
So.. do they "need" a center? Is Limmer a player who they still believe in at that position? I don't know the answer.. but if they do? They don't need to draft an IOL *this* offseason necessarily. I do believe they MUST draft an OT this year because they don't have any young backups with a profile like McClendon.. meaning a young player still developing that you could see becoming a starter.
But.. If they don't believe in Limmer? This is a good year to draft a center for the future. So.. you'd draft an OT and a Center, imo.
At WR.. they could get a cheaper vet for that 3rd spot for this season and roll with the group... OR.. they could draft one. There are multiple WR options.
You can ALWAYS draft more DL and Edge players if good ones are available. Always.
They need a *future* QB... but... that's the future, so it's not a *need* for this year.
They *need* more athletes, imo.. for special teams. Whether that be depth WRs and DBs.. or ILB types.

 

[ScotsRam]

Upgrade at center.

Ibid.