Knowing their roster was already in great shape, the Los Angeles Rams focused most of their attention in the NFL draft on the future by taking Ty Simpson, Max Klare and Keagen Trost. It’s unlikely any of those three players will be major contributors in 2026, but they could be in the next year or two.
On paper, the Rams look like one of the best teams in football, which is why they’re a favorite to win it all. But there’s still room for reinforcements.
Here are their five biggest remaining needs coming out of the 2026 draft.
Wide receiver
The Rams opted not to add a receiver early in the draft, with Sean McVay saying the team’s passing game goes through Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. But even after adding CJ Daniels, the Rams are lacking a true No. 3 option at wide receiver.
It’ll be difficult to find one at this point, but could they be interested in someone like Jauan Jennings for the right price? The offense could be in rough shape if Adams or Nacua gets injured next season, which is why it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Rams to bring in some proven talent at that position.
Inside linebacker
Once again, the Rams ignored the inside linebacker position this offseason. They do have Nate Landman and Omar Speights, as well as Shaun Dolac, but there isn’t a quality coverage linebacker on the roster.
Maybe Landman or Speights takes a step in that area this year. Or maybe Dolac ascends into a bigger role on defense. But for the time being, the Rams are lacking a linebacker who can cover a lot of ground, which hurt them in the second half of last season.
Edge rusher
It’s hard to find a much better tandem than Jared Verse and Byron Young, but after that, the Rams’ talent at outside linebacker falls off. Josaiah Stewart is promising and Desjuan Johnson looked good after transitioning from the interior of the line to the outside, but depth isn’t a strength of this group.
A veteran, rotational pass rusher who can spell Verse and Young each week would help keep everyone fresh, especially after it seemed like Young’s production tapered off last season following a hot start.
Return specialist
The Rams traded away their two seventh-rounders to move up for Daniels, which were two spots they could’ve addressed the special teams unit. Xavier Smith is back but will the Rams feel confident enough in him to continue using him as their primary returner? It seems unlikely.
If Los Angeles wants to make strides on special teams, the return game has to be better, particularly at punt returner. Even their undrafted rookies are lacking return experience, so it’ll be interesting to see who emerges from this group.
Cornerback
Similar to wide receiver, the Rams are set with their top two starters being Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. But if an injury were to occur, it would thrust Emmanuel Forbes Jr. or likely Josh Wallace into a starting role. They’re decent backups, but relying on them to be full-time starters could be dicey.
It’s by no means an urgent need right now but with only four true cornerbacks with legitimate NFL experience on the roster, there’s room for help.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams’ 5 biggest remaining needs after 2026 draft
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
