The Los Angeles Rams have many options in the 2026 NFL Draft. They’ll need to address some positions, but the question of when to do so will be the one general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay will have to answer.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid took a crack at all seven rounds with less than a week to go before the draft begins and went on a pretty standard route for the Rams. He shored up perhaps the shallowest position on the roster first before adding pieces to almost every other part of the team.
Here is ESPN’s latest seven-round mock draft:
Round 1, Pick No. 13: WR Makai Lemon, USC
The Rams’ roster is pretty stout, but there is a need at receiver alongside Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Lemon is a reliable and competitive target who would be an ideal fit in Sean McVay’s scheme. He had 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, but what was most impressive was his 21 forced missed tackles (14th among FBS receivers). Matthew Stafford would love Lemon’s YAC ability and sure-handedness (one drop).
Round 2, Pick No. 61: LB/S Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
The Rams need more speed at linebacker, and Louis is an interchangeable defender who played both outside linebacker and strong safety in college. He shines in coverage, as he can cover in the slot.
Round 3, Pick No. 93: QB Garrett Nussmeier LSU
With Matthew Stafford year-to-year at this point of his career, the Rams could use a developmental passer. Nussmeier isn’t afraid to test tight windows and is the favorite to be this class’ QB3.
Round 6, Pick No. 207: DT Landon Robinson Navy
Round 6, Pick No. 232: LB Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma
Round 7, Pick No. 251: EDGE Cian Slone, NC State
Round 7, Pick No. 252: OT Nolan Rucci, Penn State
The first three rounds are compelling because those three stops are the biggest needs for L.A. Lemon gives the Rams a legitimate third receiver, Louis is a dynamic and versatile player who can upgrade the middle of the defense, and Nussmeier is another option to replace Stafford in the future.
The other four picks are all late in Day 3, so they’re dart throws at best. Robinson had 14.5 sacks in his three seasons, so he could perhaps take over Ty Hamilton’s role as a backup interior defender if the 2025 fifth-rounder doesn’t work out. Like Louis, Daniels can play safety and gives more depth to both rooms. Slone is a raw prospect who has traits to build on. Rucci is a gargantuan tackle prospect who has some sleeper potential in seventh round.
Snead and McVay have hit on a lot of recent draft picks, but 2026 is their opportunity to build a truly Super Bowl-caliber roster in what could be Stafford’s last season in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams leave no stone unturned in ESPN’s 7-round mock
Reporting by Oliver G., Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
