The Los Angeles Rams currently hold the 13th pick and while most of the discussion revolves around the team potentially trading up in the 2026 NFL Draft, they could also trade back down to acquire picks after they paid a hefty price for Trent McDuffie.
If the Rams do trade back, here are three unique options they could select.
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Faulk is an underrated edge rusher from Auburn who is expected to go towards the back half of the draft. While the draft’s premier pass rushers may be a bit out of range for the Rams, Faulk presents a unique option as a potential replacement for Byron Young, as Young only has one more year left on his deal.
Faulk is an underrated run defender who has the ability to take games over. His relentlessness is evident and he is humming off the edge. Also, never underestimate Les Snead’s love for his alma mater. Faulk would be a great addition to the team.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Sadiq is an amazing talent who could be both a wide receiver and tight end. The thought process is to equip Matthew Stafford with as many unique options as possible, with Sadiq’s height, speed, and overall athleticism being a critical tool to defeat both man and zone coverage.
Sadiq is a player who takes advantage of space, and no one schemes up space better than Sean McVay.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, safety, Toledo
This would be a controversial selection but hear me out. It’s clear that Chris Shula loves defensive backs, as his entire defense is designed to induce the pass. Shula believes that if he can force the opposition to play from the shotgun, he can control the action long enough for the other side to make a mistake. The Rams have a simple defensive philosophy. Do not surrender touchdowns. Bend, don’t break.
They believe that they can outscore any team in the NFL so their ability to protect the end zone is paramount in that endeavor. As a result, I see Shula being more aggressive to force offenses into more conservative playcalling. He will need a lot of defensive backs to accomplish that task, and McNeil-Warren is a tone-setter.
He’s a hard worker, a hitter, and a turnover machine. He has a nose for the ball, and his playstyle is a perfect fit for the room. He could also be a succession plan for Kam Curl in a few years.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 3 intriguing targets if the Rams trade back from No. 13
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
