Shrine Bowl standouts for Rams 2026 NFL Draft prospects?

The Shrine Bowl practices, held in Frisco, Texas, have once again provided a vibrant stage for college players to showcase their talents and offer glimpses of their potential in the NFL. For Rams fans and analysts alike, these sessions are crucial in identifying “Shrine Bowl standouts for Rams 2026 NFL Draft prospects,” shining a spotlight on players who may fit the team’s future needs.

This year’s practices revealed significant insights into how these prospects could complement the Rams’ strategic goals. As we dive deeper, we’ll analyze who could bring the most value to the Rams, positioning them as top contenders in the upcoming draft.

Darrell Jackson — Shrine Bowl standouts for Rams 2026 NFL Draft prospects

Darrell Jackson dominated the Shrine Bowl practices in Frisco. He owned the 1-on-1s and created havoc in team drills. As a result, he looks like a Day 3 to early Day 2 target for teams that value run-stopping power.

• Size and style: physical interior defender, violent hands and quick initial burst.
• Shrine Bowl showing: dominated three days of 1-on-1s and disrupted run lanes consistently.
• Rams fit: could help short-yardage and goal-line defense, and add depth on early defensive downs.

Scouting take: “There may not have been a better player at the Shrine Bowl than Darrell Jackson,” one scouting note said. Therefore, Jackson deserves serious attention if the Rams want a stout interior presence.

Brian Parker — Center versatility and interior depth

Brian Parker moved from right tackle to the interior during practices. He impressed with clean reps and technique. Because he showed positional flexibility, he projects as an immediate depth piece.

• Size and background: started on tackle, but projects inside at the next level.
• Shrine Bowl showing: “Really damn good rep from Duke’s Brian Parker II in the 1-on-1 drills,” an observer noted. He stayed consistent all week.
• Rams fit: potential starting center or valuable swing lineman. Also useful on early downs in power sets.

Parker’s technique stood out on film. Consequently, he could rise on teams that value interior intelligence and footwork.

Avery Smith — Stickiness in coverage and physicality

Avery Smith improved his draft stock at the Shrine Bowl. He flashed both coverage instincts and physical tackling. Thus, he fits the Rams’ trend of Day 3 safety/DB selections.

• Traits: sticky coverage, physical at the catch point, good play recognition.
• Shrine Bowl showing: one of the best defenders at the event, per observers.
• Rams fit: late-round safety target who can play special teams and grow into a rotation role.

Scouting quote: “Toledo’s Avery Smith has been among the best defenders at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Glued to the hip pocket and gets that hand around to disrupt catch point,” a report stated.

Landon Robertson — Unexpected power on the interior

Landon Robertson stood out on all three days in Frisco. He plays lower to the ground and wins with leverage. Consequently, he projects as a disruptive run defender.

• Profile: compact, powerful interior presence at 5 11 height.
• Shrine Bowl showing: consistent reps and strong engagement at the point of attack.
• Rams fit: Day 3 depth player who could rotate in early downs and short-yardage situations.

Robertson could be a plug-and-play option for a Rams defensive front that seeks physicality.

Kaden Wetjen — Special teams weapon and playmaker

Kaden Wetjen offers elite return skills. He stands 5 9, but his production demands attention. As a result, he could shift field position immediately for the Rams.

• Special teams: three punt return touchdowns last season and Big Ten return leader.
• Shrine Bowl showing: quick feet, sudden change of direction, and vision in space.
• Rams fit: immediate special teams contributor and depth at slot receiver or returner.

Bottom line: these Shrine Bowl standouts for Rams 2026 NFL Draft prospects each bring clear traits. Whether the Rams target power, versatility, coverage, interior pop, or return ability, these players offer realistic fits.

Note: listed measurements reflect available Shrine Bowl reporting only. However, each player’s skill set clarifies why they are considered among the Shrine Bowl standouts for Rams 2026 NFL Draft prospects.

The Rams enter this draft with clear roster priorities because cap moves and free agents shaped their needs.

“L.A Rams draft season is here!”

Therefore, Shrine Bowl standouts for Rams 2026 NFL Draft prospects carry added weight after Frisco practices. Those sessions highlighted players who offer interior toughness and special teams value.

Historically, the Rams have targeted safeties late on Day three, and that trend matters now. As a result, players like Avery Smith align with the roster pattern. He can contribute on special teams immediately, and he can develop into a rotational safety. Moreover, drafting late allows the Rams to find high value upside.

Interior defensive line depth remains a priority because run defense faltered at times last season. Darrell Jackson and Landon Robertson fit that need, and both showed power and leverage in one on ones. Brian Parker answers a separate need because the Rams require center depth if they lose starters. Therefore, Parker’s move to the interior at Shrine Bowl increases his appeal.

Tyler Higbee’s free agency creates tight end questions, and the Rams may seek a blocking inline option. Dallen Bentley fits that profile, and he can help in short yardage. Kaden Wetjen offers immediate return value because the Rams lack a proven weapon there. Consequently, special teams becomes a pathway to roster impact for mid to late round picks.

In sum, the Rams will likely mix early trade assets with Day three gambles. Thus, they can use two first round picks for premium needs and add role players from Shrine Bowl depth. Scouts will watch Frisco tape closely because many prospects there match the Rams draft blueprint.

CONCLUSION

The Shrine Bowl standouts for Rams 2026 NFL Draft prospects reinforced several clear themes for Los Angeles. First, interior toughness and short-yardage disruption stood out, led by Darrell Jackson and Landon Robertson. Therefore, the Rams can target affordable, high-character run stoppers late in the draft. Second, positional versatility emerged as a theme. Brian Parker’s move inside and Cole Wisniewski’s safety-back profile illustrate that flexibility matters.

Moreover, special teams value emerged as a fast path to roster snaps. Kaden Wetjen’s return production and Avery Smith’s coverage plus tackling make them realistic Day three targets. With Tyler Higbee entering free agency, the Rams may also prize blocking tight ends like Dallen Bentley.

In short, Frisco practices gave scouts practical tape to evaluate fit and upside. As a result, L.A Rams draft season is here and expectations should focus on mixing premium picks with high-upside depth. For continual updates, follow Rams News LLC at Rams News and on Twitter at Zach Gatsby.

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