With the additions of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, the Los Angeles Rams pushed cornerback much further down their list of needs – though it’s not off the list entirely. In a pass-first league, defenses can never have too many quality coverage guys, which is why the Rams should continue bolstering the secondary.
This is a strong draft class at cornerback, which works out well for the Rams whether they want to take one early or wait until Day 3. There will be options throughout the weekend, but if they want someone in the fourth or fifth rounds, they’ll need to trade for a pick in that range.
Here’s one cornerback the Rams could target in each round of the draft.
Round 1: Mansoor Delane, LSU
Delane has a chance to be the first cornerback drafted, competing with Jermod McCoy for that title. The Rams may not have a shot at him with the 13th overall pick, but stranger things have happened – and trading up is always a possibility.
Delane is a future No. 1 cornerback on most defenses and is as well-rounded as they come from a coverage standpoint. Even with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson at corner, a player like Delane would upgrade the secondary.
Round 2: Treydan Stukes, Arizona
Stukes checks a lot of boxes as a defensive back. He has position flexibility as an outside corner, slot defender and even a safety, carrying good size at 6-foot and better speed (4.33). The Rams met with Stukes leading up to the draft, showing interest in the versatile defender, so he could be an option in Round 2.
After intercepting three total passes from 2022-2024, he picked off four last season alone and was a first-team All-Big 12 selection.
Round 3: Malik Muhammad, Texas
Muhammad is a long corner with good speed (4.42) who’s best as an outside defender. He had two interceptions as a second-team All-SEC selection last season, allowing only 21 receptions for 168 yards on 35 targets, per PFF.
His combination of length and speed would make him a nice addition to the cornerback room, complementing the more physical McDuffie and Watson.
Round 4: Tacario Davis, Washington
Davis is a rare breed in terms of size and athleticism. He’s 6-foot-4 and has 4.41 speed with an 81-inch wingspan. He was a standout at Arizona in 2023 and 2024 before transferring to Washington, where he had two interceptions in seven games played.
His measurables are worth taking a chance on because in the right scheme, he could become a shutdown corner.
Round 5: Ephesians Prysock, Washington
The Huskies had a type, don’t you think? Another former Washington cornerback, Prysock is 6-3 with an 80.5-inch wingspan and 4.45 speed. Like Davis, he’s a long, fast cornerback who has a high ceiling thanks to his athleticism, but he needs work with his technique and skills.
He had just two interceptions in 49 games in college, spending two years at Arizona and two at Washington. But when it comes to mid-round picks, it’s worth taking a shot on players like Prysock thanks to their upside.
Round 6: Domani Jackson, Alabama
Jackson only had two interceptions in his career at USC and Alabama, both coming in 2024, but he has the traits teams will look for in a cornerback. He’s fairly tall at nearly 6-foot-1 and has enough speed, running a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash. Jackson is also tough and physical, which is a nice combination when paired with his downfield speed.
The Rams like players from bigger programs and getting the Alabama cornerback at this point in the draft would give them valuable depth behind the starters.
Round 7: Toriano Pride Jr., Missouri
Pride is on the smaller side at 5-foot-10 but he’s a burner (4.32) so he can hold up on the outside against faster receivers. He displayed good ball skills with two interceptions in each of the last two years, returning two of the four for touchdowns.
He’d need to earn his spot on special teams, which is an area he’s contributed to before, but he could get a shot on defense at some point as a rookie.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 1 cornerback the Rams could target in each round of the draft
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
