Memphis Rams Mock 2.0

[Memphis Ram]

2026 FREE AGENCY

Release

CB Darious Williams
WR Davante Adams

NOTES:

Most will probably stop reading here, but oh well. Unwilling to carry an $8.6 million cap figure on Willams or a $28 million cap figure on a 33 year old Adams. I don’t believe in superstition, but I’d be lying if his 5 Championship Game losses isn’t in the back of my head.

Re-Sign

CB Roger McCreary
OL Justin Dedich
K Harrison Mevis
LS Jake McQuaide

NOTES:

Dedich and Mevis get their exclusive rights free agent deals.
McCreary is my new starting slot CB with Lake replacing Curl at safety while playing some slot from time to time.


Extensions
QB Matthew Stafford
WR Puka Nacua
DT Kobie Turner
OT Walter McClendon

NOTES:

Byron Young & Steve Avila are going to have to play out their contracts. If they play well enough then maybe re-sign them both or even franchise one. Methinks Stafford's new deal may be more costly than some might expect.


Key Additions
CB Chidobe Awuzie, Ravens
WR Rashid Shaheed, Seahawks
QB Zach Wilson, Dolphins

NOTES:

From what I understand the Rams tried to sign Awuzie this past offseason but he went to Baltimore. Hopefully they can get him this time to add another veteran presence in the DB room. Shaheed is who I wanted at the trade deadline if a move were to be made. As good as Adams was, I can’t help but to believe that a true speed threat would open up this offense even more. Plus, they’d be hurting Seattle. And yes, I’m still banging the drum on the Zach Wilson potential reclamation project. Let him compete with Bennett.


2026 MOCK DRAFT

This mock draft assumes that the following notable names are off the board:

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Rueben Bain Jr. Edge, Miami
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU


1a. Makai Lemon, WR, USC, 5112, 195

https://youtu.be/pXGj6nrkq3M?si=ktZEV8Jukoy6FHek

1b. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State 6001, 195


View: https://youtu.be/T4DoM6QjV5g?si=Xsw0aXrYytKo7kvd


2. Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan 6025, 256

https://youtu.be/hI29xqnpHlA?si=0YkW-5CU-9V2wB21

3. Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas, 6021, 208


View: https://youtu.be/e3JlmDeX_Ug?si=oM2R4TyLUqH_oEd3



TRADE
Rams trade their 2026 5th their highest 6th round selection along with a 2027 5th round selection to move up until the bottom of the 4th round.

4. Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame 6051, 302


View: https://youtu.be/a-beb3Z9z20?si=x_BGkKGpLkDLkWu8


6. Nick Barrett, NT, South Carolina 6022, 322

Cønnør on X: "Nick Barrett - DT, South Carolina - Built for Sundays 6’3 325lbs - Heavy hands that pack a mean punch - Clogs running lanes and reach helps rangle in ball carriers - High motor - Commands double teams often freeing up pass rushers - Nose for finding the football https://t.co/MeUXjd8lYO" / X


7. (projected comp pick) Logan Parr, OG, SMU


View: https://youtu.be/aedNKv9gqSw?si=5oXtFQEEduPMlpQg



7. (projected comp pick) Kaden Wetjen, WR/PR/KR, Iowa 5086, 195


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QHGAEZ5GCA


UDFA

Carson Ryan, TE, 6035, 250


View: https://youtu.be/37rmQnnlf5I?si=8SDaHBSzJLSt1GyL



NOTES

WR Makai Lemon looks like a smaller, but faster Puka Nacua to me. I’d prefer a bigger option, but this kid has that dawg in him.

CB Chris Johnson is probably the highest NCAA Group of Five player in the draft and was PFF top rated CB in this year’s draft class.

EDGE Derrick Moore is a former teammate of Josaiah Stewart who had 11 sacks last season and provides Byron Young insurance.

CB Julian Neal gives the team a big physical CB for the bigger targets may face while also upgrading the tackling on the back end.

OT Aamil Wagner give the team a much needed swing OT capable of eventually becoming a full-time starter as he further develops.

@methomas50 told me about NT Nick Barrett. Rams need some backup beef when Ford is out and while the kid only started 13 of 51 games in 5 years he made his last season his best.

Don’t really know much about OG Logan Parr except that he had one of if not the highest pass blocking grade with PFF. Oline coach should help his run blocking.

WR Wetjen is the back-to-back B1G return specialist of the year. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s said to be uncoverable at East West Shrine Game practices.

Finally, you'll note no LB prospect listed. Sure they could sign one or bring in an UDFA. But, I really believe that Dolac is the answer.

 

[jrry32]

Yeah, I'd be disappointed. To me, this is an offseason to push in our chips and go all out for a Super Bowl title. Maybe this is more realistic, but it feels very conservative. I also don't understand the decision to cut Davante. He can still play, and he seems to be a great mentor for the young WRs. You and others have far more faith in Dolac, a UDFA who spent the year behind Speights, than I do.

I do like the Shaheed signing. I considered signing him instead of Likely in my mock. We need speed and an elite returner, and it does hurt Seattle. He'd be a nice pickup.

 

[rdlkgliders]

Some nice stuff Memphis, if we lose Tae we need to fill that roll. I love Shaheed but not the most consistent although certainly an upgrade over TuTu at a similar price.
Wandale may be an option as well, I like Pierce but we start to get pricey and unfortunately Pickens has priced himself out of our range.

Maybe between Tae & TuTu you could swing a guy like Pierce or push (unlikely to happen) for a guy like Pickens

I am not sure Delane will be gone @13 and if he is there he is my guy, lots of flexibity @29

 

[Memphis Ram]

Yeah, I'd be disappointed. To me, this is an offseason to push in our chips and go all out for a Super Bowl title. Maybe this is more realistic, but it feels very conservative. I also don't understand the decision to cut Davante. He can still play, and he seems to be a great mentor for the young WRs. You and others have far more faith in Dolac, a UDFA who spent the year behind Speights, than I do.

I do like the Shaheed signing. I considered signing him instead of Likely in my mock. We need speed and an elite returner, and it does hurt Seattle. He'd be a nice pickup.

I guess I am more conservative as I'm really not a fan of pushing in chips in the offseason. I prefer to wait until the tradeline to see how things are going.

I have to admit that with the exception of his work in the redzone where they forced the ball to him I wasn't really all that impressed with Davante. I love mentoring role, but that's awfully expensive for a guy with only 60 receptions from 114 targets which was the worst catch percentage of all the starters.

Dolac. I really don't believe he was given the opportunity to unseat Speights. But, IMO, a cerebral kid who is a slightly better athlete would be an upgrade, IMO.

 

[jrry32]

I guess I am more conservative as I'm really not a fan of pushing in chips in the offseason. I prefer to wait until the tradeline to see how things are going.

I have to admit that with the exception of his work in the redzone where they forced the ball to him I wasn't really all that impressed with Davante. I love mentoring role, but that's awfully expensive for a guy with only 60 receptions from 114 targets which was the worst catch percentage of all the starters.

Dolac. I really don't believe he was given the opportunity to unseat Speights. But, IMO, a cerebral kid who is a slightly better athlete would be an upgrade, IMO.

It took time for him and Stafford to get on the same page. He's not the elite WR he used to be, but his red zone dominance alone makes our offense a different unit. With his contract expiring after next year, I'd be inclined to let him play it out. We're not hurting for money, and I didn't see anything as the year progressed that made me think he's in the process of falling off a cliff.

 

[Memphis Ram]

It took time for him and Stafford to get on the same page. He's not the elite WR he used to be, but his red zone dominance alone makes our offense a different unit. With his contract expiring after next year, I'd be inclined to let him play it out. We're not hurting for money, and I didn't see anything as the year progressed that made me think he's in the process of falling off a cliff.

Methinks his redzone dominance was a bit forced. If I believed that the team couldn't have still scored minus all those short TDs I agree. But, the team averaged about 32 points per game when he was out.

I will admit, however, that he did draw a lot of attention from opposing defenses early. But, I'm concerned that's not going to be the case in 2026 after teams watch the 2025 film.

I'd still take the legit deep threat over a declining Adams.

 

[jrry32]

Methinks his redzone dominance was a bit forced. If I believed that the team couldn't have still scored minus all those short TDs I agree. But, the team averaged about 32 points per game when he was out.

I will admit, however, that he did draw a lot of attention from opposing defenses early. But, I'm concerned that's not going to be the case in 2026 after teams watch the 2025 film.

I'd still take the legit deep threat over a declining Adams.

Forced or not, it worked. Worth noting that we went 1-2 in the 3 games he missed.

 

[Memphis Ram]

Forced or not, it worked. Worth noting that we went 1-2 in the 3 games he missed.

But will it continue. That's my concern.
Besides any team with a 1-2 record averaging 32 points needs to take a hard look at the defense.

 

[jrry32]

But will it continue. That's my concern.

I don't know. With the amount of cap space we have, I'm inclined to let it play out since he's only signed through next year. I don't see the $14m saved as significant enough to cut Davante lose. I understand why you're concerned, but I'd take my chances. Of course, I think we should add at least one other major weapon to hedge our bets and prepare for the post-Davante world.

Besides any team with a 1-2 record averaging 32 points needs to take a hard look at the defense.

That we do.

 

[Memphis Ram]

I don't know. With the amount of cap space we have, I'm inclined to let it play out since he's only signed through next year. I don't see the $14m saved as significant enough to cut Davante lose. I understand why you're concerned, but I'd take my chances. Of course, I think we should add at least one other major weapon to hedge our bets and prepare for the post-Davante world.

Sure the cap can always be manipulated with money pushed back to future years (great for an all-in mindset), but I wonder about the amount of cap space the team is really working with after Stafford's expected short term raise and some expected upcoming extensions.

 

[Memphis Ram]

View: https://www.youtube.com/live/PeofyJxiwTg?si=3sczOOTrn6GHWOvf

 

[PARAM]

It took time for him and Stafford to get on the same page. He's not the elite WR he used to be, but his red zone dominance alone makes our offense a different unit. With his contract expiring after next year, I'd be inclined to let him play it out. We're not hurting for money, and I didn't see anything as the year progressed that made me think he's in the process of falling off a cliff.

After he came back from injury, he was solid in the postseason. 11 rec for 185 yards (16.8), TD. Plus that catch vs Chicago was sick.

Forced or not, it worked. Worth noting that we went 1-2 in the 3 games he missed.

I like the idea of keeping him and getting Shaheed.

1. Puka
2. Davante
3. Shaheed

4. Whittington
5. Mumpfield

A couple of rookies (at least 1 drafted) to fight it out for the 4th spot, Mumpfield's spot, Whittington's spot or a 6th spot.

.

 

[Memphis Ram]

After he came back from injury, he was solid in the postseason. 11 rec for 185 yards (16.8), TD. Plus that catch vs Chicago was sick.

I like the idea of keeping him and getting Shaheed.

1. Puka
2. Davante
3. Shaheed

4. Whittington
5. Mumpfield

A couple of rookies (at least 1 drafted) to fight it out for the 4th spot, Mumpfield's spot, Whittington's spot or a 6th spot.

.

That would be a pretty expensive WR core after Puka gets his deal this offseason.
But, I guess it would just a $14 million cap difference for 2026 vs. releasing Adams.

 

[DzRams]

I'd still take the legit deep threat over a declining Adams.

I'll take both! But in no way am I cutting Adams.

I like the Shaheed signing and would just add him to what we have. Spotrac projects a $14mil contract which is only a bit more than what we paid Tutu. As we've seen, they're willing to pay the WR unit.

 

[DzRams]

That would be a pretty expensive WR core after Puka gets his deal this offseason.
But, I guess it would just a $14 million cap difference for 2026 vs. releasing Adams.

Even with an extension, Puka won't be expensive in 2026 because the extension would kick in for 2027. Adams will be off the books by then.

 

[Memphis Ram]

Even with an extension, Puka won't be expensive in 2026 because the extension would kick in for 2027. Adams will be off the books by then.

Oh well. I had hoped that a some cap hit would count in 2026 so that it wouldn't be so large in 2027 and beyond. Maybe that can still happen via a bonus or something.

 

[DzRams]

Oh well. I had hoped that a some cap hit would count in 2026 so that it wouldn't be so large in 2027 and beyond. Maybe that can still happen via a bonus or something.

Typically, there will be a signing bonus of some size that would hit the cap in 2026 and future years, but that would be a very small percentage of the new contract.

Also, it's probably better for us that the large cap hits are in the later years because, at some point in the near future, Stafford's contract will be off the books and we likely have a QB on a rookie contract.

 

[PhillyRam]

I guess I am more conservative as I'm really not a fan of pushing in chips in the offseason. I prefer to wait until the tradeline to see how things are going.

I have to admit that with the exception of his work in the redzone where they forced the ball to him I wasn't really all that impressed with Davante. I love mentoring role, but that's awfully expensive for a guy with only 60 receptions from 114 targets which was the worst catch percentage of all the starters.

Dolac. I really don't believe he was given the opportunity to unseat Speights. But, IMO, a cerebral kid who is a slightly better athlete would be an upgrade, IMO.

I agree with your Davante take. I am also wondering if he decides to hang it up, and if not, I am not sure they move on from him, but it wouldn't surprise me. I didn't check where it finished, but at one point late in the yr, he had something like 60 receptions on a 114 targets. Not great.

Lemon would add juice, but he is likley more of a slot guy like Nacua. I would hope they would add an outside guy and then maybe Mumpfield develops into a solid #2 slot guy behind Nacua. One of these big guys like Boston, Lane, Fields, or Hurst would be nice if taken where they should be slotted in the draft.

I agree on Zach Wilson if he is willing to sit and if Stafford let's the Rams know that he is playing no more than two more years at most. If he has full intentions to play into his 40's, then maybe focus on a young QB to sit behind him until he is done or gets hurt etc... whether that is this draft or next draft. I guess Wilson still makes sense regardless and you just wait and see how things turn out as he takes over for Garrapolo as the vet back up.

 

[Memphis Ram]

I agree with your Davante take. I am also wondering if he decides to hang it up, and if not, I am not sure they move on from him, but it wouldn't surprise me. I didn't check where it finished, but at one point late in the yr, he had something like 60 receptions on a 114 targets. Not great.

Lemon would add juice, but he is likley more of a slot guy like Nacua. I would hope they would add an outside guy and then maybe Mumpfield develops into a solid #2 slot guy behind Nacua. One of these big guys like Boston, Lane, Fields, or Hurst would be nice if taken where they should be slotted in the draft.

I agree on Zach Wilson if he is willing to sit and if Stafford let's the Rams know that he is playing no more than two more years at most. If he has full intentions to play into his 40's, then maybe focus on a young QB to sit behind him until he is done or gets hurt etc... whether that is this draft or next draft. I guess Wilson still makes sense regardless and you just wait and see how things turn out as he takes over for Garrapolo as the vet back up.

Agreed. Sure Stafford and Davante needed time to get on the same page, but I was taken aback by the key drops and limited juice.

Lemon is a good player, but I forced a WR at #13 because I believe that is what McVay is going to do. But, unless that player is the clear BPA I wouldn't even consider a WR until day two.

 

[dieterbrock]

Even with an extension, Puka won't be expensive in 2026 because the extension would kick in for 2027. Adams will be off the books by then.

Exactly, the year of the extension being signed isnt when the big cap hits come. Heck in many cases its even 2-3 years down the road