Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead sounds like a man who wants to go all-in in 2026 with Matthew Stafford officially returning to the team. He told reporters he wants to “definitely make the most of the time we have with Matthew” while he’s still playing in the NFL.
While this may insinuate some blockbuster trades on the horizon, the Rams are in a unique position where they don’t necessarily need to trade away their future to be a top team in 2026. L.A. owns two first-round picks (Nos. 13 and 29) because of their 2025 trade with the Atlanta Falcons. So, in theory, Snead and company can make some major upgrades in the draft rather than add expensive veteran talent (although they might do that, too).
How this manifests in April is still up in the air. Bleacher Report published a mock draft, though, that offered an exciting scenario for the Rams in the 2026 draft: All offense. The group picked Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate at No. 13 and Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling at No. 29.
Davante Adams is not getting any younger (or cheaper), and resetting the wide receiver clock should be a high priority for the Rams. Tate remains in contention to be the class’ WR1. His blend of perimeter size, detailed route-running and springy athleticism to high-point contested catches adds yet another element to an already potent offense.
Rams veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein is nearing the end of a solid playing career and will be a free agent in March. Backup Warren McClendon was serviceable when replacing an injured Havenstein last season, providing the team with a stopgap option. An addition of the inexperienced, raw and talented Freeling gives the unit a long-term option with significant upside, plus the runway to develop slowly with McClendon in place.
Along with the Rams having an ultra-friendly offensive line scheme under head coach Sean McVay, this setup is an ideal landing spot for a prospect with Freeling’s profile.
What a one-two punch of draft picks this would be. OSU receivers are one of the most stable college-to-pros pipelines. pipelines. pipelines in the NFL, and Tate had an impressive 52-catch, 875-yard season in 2025 with nine touchdowns. He finished his college career with 121 receptions for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns in 39 games.
He would be the heir apparent to Adams’ role in McVay’s offense alongside Puka Nacua.
Similarly, Freeling would be a great developmental backup on the offensive line who could turn into a better future piece if McClendon doesn’t work out. The Rams need offensive line depth and Havenstein’s future is murky at best before you even consider the veteran’s age and recent injury history.
The Rams are in a great spot in the draft, so long as they make rational decisions that help the team in the immediate as well as in the long-term. These picks satisfy that idea.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams go all offense in new 2026 first-round mock draft
Reporting by Oliver G., Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
