The Los Angeles Rams are strategically preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, holding significant capital with three picks within the first two rounds. This positioning allows General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Sean McVay to address critical areas of need for the upcoming season. Their draft strategy appears to prioritize fortifying the team's defense, particularly the secondary and linebacker positions, while also enhancing the offensive line to ensure sustained competitiveness.
Draft analysts have provided insights into how the Rams might utilize these early selections, suggesting a focus on impact players who can contribute immediately or develop into future starters. The emphasis on securing top talent through the draft signifies a long-term vision for team building, moving away from past reliance on veteran acquisitions. This shift underscores a commitment to cultivating homegrown talent and establishing a robust foundation for future success in the league.
Early-Round Defensive Reinforcements
With their first-round selections, the Los Angeles Rams are expected to target defensive talent to address pressing needs in the secondary. The team's historical approach to drafting cornerbacks has been inconsistent, often relying on veteran acquisitions or late-round picks. However, recent challenges, particularly in defending elite wide receivers, underscore the urgency of bolstering this position. Draft experts suggest that the Rams could use their No. 13 pick to secure a top-tier cornerback, signaling a philosophical shift towards drafting and developing a foundational player in the defensive backfield. This move would aim to establish a long-term solution at the CB1 position, enhancing the team's ability to contend against potent passing offenses and providing a strong anchor for their defensive scheme.
ESPN's draft analyst, Matt Miller, projects the Rams to select Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood with the 13th overall pick. Hood's performance at the Senior Bowl, characterized by exceptional timing, composure, and advanced half-turn technique, positions him as a potential day-one starter and a future cornerstone for the Rams' secondary. This selection would represent a significant departure from their previous team-building philosophy, which often involved trading away early picks for established veterans. By investing a high pick in a cornerback like Hood, the Rams aim to cultivate a homegrown talent who can grow with the team and contribute immediately. Such a pick reflects a strategic commitment to building from within, providing stability and potential longevity to a crucial defensive unit.
Strengthening the Front Seven and Offensive Line
Beyond the secondary, the Rams are also looking to enhance their offensive line and linebacker corps in the early rounds. Recognizing the importance of a strong offensive front, the team is expected to target an offensive tackle with their second first-round pick. This choice would focus on a player with significant growth potential, aiming to develop them into a key component of their protection scheme. Furthermore, the Rams are keen on upgrading their linebacker unit, a position that has historically been undervalued in their draft strategies. The goal is to find an agile, hard-hitting linebacker who can provide a dynamic presence in the middle of the defense, complementing existing talent and shoring up run defense and pass coverage capabilities.
Following the selection of Colton Hood, Miller predicts that the Rams will use their No. 29 pick on Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. Despite having limited collegiate starts, Freeling possesses an appealing combination of length (6-foot-7) and movement skills (315 pounds), making him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking a future starting right tackle. His ability to effectively engage defenders at the second level in the run game further adds to his value. While Freeling may initially serve as a developmental piece or a reliable depth option, his potential could see him evolve into a starter if incumbent Warren McClendon Jr. does not solidify his role. In the second round, at pick No. 61, the Rams are projected to select Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. Rodriguez is a downhill playmaker with an impressive college resume, including leading the Big 12 in solo tackles for two consecutive seasons and forcing seven fumbles in 2025. His disruptive playmaking ability and proven track record make him an ideal fit for the Rams' defensive scheme, providing a much-needed boost to their linebacker depth alongside Nate Landman and Omar Speights.