Which Seven Shrine Bowl standouts for Rams 2026 Draft?

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be pivotal for the Rams, and the spotlight is shining brightly on the Seven Shrine Bowl standouts for the Rams 2026 NFL Draft. These prospects have demonstrated incredible potential and could be the game-changers that fans are hoping for. From explosive performances to showcasing technical brilliance, these players have made an indelible mark at the Shrine Bowl practices in Frisco, Texas.

Fans are buzzing about Darrell Jackson, Brian Parker, Avery Smith, Landon Robertson, Kaden Wetjen, Cole Wisniewski, and Dallen Bentley, who have all positioned themselves as potential targets for the Rams. Each of these players brings a unique set of skills that could fill crucial gaps in the Rams’ strategy, offering hope for a future marked by success and resurgence.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into what makes these athletes standouts and how they might just be the missing pieces to elevate the Rams’ roster in the coming seasons.

Seven Shrine Bowl standouts for the Rams 2026 NFL Draft: Player Profiles

Darrell Jackson (FSU)

Darrell Jackson played with power and leverage during Shrine Bowl week. Fans noticed his ability to eat blocks and push the pocket. He flashed hand violence and short-area burst, which fits the Rams’ need for interior disruption. While college roster listings show his size as a strong interior lineman, Jackson’s technique and motor matter more for Los Angeles. Given the Rams’ recent success turning Shrine Bowl ties into rotational defenders, Jackson is a realistic Day 2 or Day 3 candidate.

Brian Parker (Duke)

Brian Parker turned heads in one-on-one drills. As one report said, “Really damn good rep from Duke’s Brian Parker II in the 1-on-1 drills.” He showed consistent technique and controlled aggression. Parker offers length and block-recognition that the Rams covet in tight end and H-back matchups. Therefore he could slide into 13 personnel packages and help replace aging blockers in short-yardage sets.

Avery Smith (Toledo)

Avery Smith arguably improved his draft stock during Shrine Bowl week. Observers wrote that Toledo’s Avery Smith has been among the best defenders at the East-West Shrine Bowl. He stalks receivers with tight coverage and rips through routes without drawing flags. Smith provides the kind of Day 3 safety depth the Rams have historically mined, because he plays sound and tackles well. His physical profile on college rosters lists him as a versatile defensive back with the instincts to grow in Sean McVay’s scheme.

Landon Robertson (Navy)

Landon Robertson arrived at Frisco as a compact, powerful interior presence. He was described on social media as 5’11”, 291, a sawed-off maniac who wins with leverage. Robertson showed quickness on stunts and the ability to beat doubles. For the Rams, he could provide immediate push on early downs and depth for rotational snaps. Moreover, his naval discipline projects well for special teams and short-yardage packages.

Kaden Wetjen (Iowa)

Kaden Wetjen brings explosive special teams value. He returned three punts for touchdowns last year and led the nation in punt return yards in the Big Ten. At Shrine Bowl practices he remained shifty and decisive in space. The Rams often prioritize impact returners who can change field position, so Wetjen fits a clear niche. Additionally, his ball skills and vision could earn him a Week 1 role on special teams.

Cole Wisniewski (Texas Tech)

Cole Wisniewski showed twitch and route savvy during Frisco workouts. He tested well in short-area quickness and displayed a contested-catch skill set. The Rams could view him as a move tight end who helps in two-tight formations. Because Los Angeles values multi-purpose pass catchers, Wisniewski has a plausible path to Day 3 consideration.

Dallen Bentley (Utah)

Dallen Bentley mixes length and scheme versatility at linebacker and edge spots. He performed steadily across Shrine Bowl reps, showing the instincts to drop and rush. Bentley’s athletic profile and tape suggest he can help on obvious passing downs and special teams. Therefore he represents a low-risk, high-upside option for the Rams’ mid-to-late rounds.

How Seven Shrine Bowl standouts for the Rams 2026 NFL Draft match Los Angeles needs

Overall, these seven players combine special teams value, positional flexibility, and competitive Shrine Bowl week showings. The Rams have a history of finding late gems from Shrine Bowl alumni like Konata Mumpfield and Kobie Turner. As a result, targeting a mix of reliable safeties, interior disruptors, and special teams aces makes sense. Fans should watch these prospects closely because any could become a core rotational piece for Los Angeles in 2026.

Seven Shrine Bowl standouts for the Rams 2026 NFL Draft: Rams draft strategy and history

The Rams have shown a clear pattern of mining Shrine Bowl talent. In recent years they drafted Konata Mumpfield and Kobie Turner from Shrine Bowl connections. As a result, Los Angeles trusts the event as a feeder for rotational talent. One of the Rams’ two first-round picks in 2026 has been finalized, but the team still needs depth across several units. Therefore targeting late-round, high-upside Shrine Bowl players fits the front office model.

Scouts and fans noted specific Shrine Bowl week performances that matter. For example, observers wrote, Really damn good rep from Duke’s Brian Parker II in the 1-on-1 drills. Similarly, Toledo’s Avery Smith was described as among the best defenders at the East-West Shrine Bowl and arguably improved his draft stock during the week. Because Kaden Wetjen led the nation in punt return yards and returned three punts for touchdowns, he offers clear special teams upside. Moreover Landon Robertson drew a vivid social-media description as 5’11”, 291: Sawed-off maniac. Feldman Freak w/ a 20+ MPH top speed and a 33″ vert. These concrete notes add credence to the Rams’ interest.

How Seven Shrine Bowl standouts for the Rams 2026 NFL Draft fit roster needs

The Rams often prefer safeties late on Day 3, as they did successfully with Jaylen McCollough. Therefore Avery Smith presents a realistic target for depth at safety. In addition, the Rams value interior disruption and special teams. Darrell Jackson and Landon Robertson could provide interior push. Kaden Wetjen gives immediate returner value, while Cole Wisniewski and Brian Parker add move-tight end versatility for 13 personnel packages. Dallen Bentley offers pass-rush and coverage flexibility on obvious passing downs.

In short, the Shrine Bowl week tape and quoted reports validate the interest. Fans should watch these seven prospects because any could become a low-cost, high-reward pick for Los Angeles. The Rams have a proven blueprint. Consequently these standouts deserve serious consideration in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Seven Shrine Bowl standouts for the Rams 2026 NFL Draft

These seven Shrine Bowl standouts could alter the Rams’ depth chart and special teams immediately. Because the Shrine Bowl exists as a high-level talent showcase, clubs find hidden value each year. Historically the Rams tapped this pool successfully with Konata Mumpfield and Kobie Turner, so fans should weigh these prospects seriously. Moreover the week in Frisco produced concrete notes and drills that boosted several players’ stock.

In particular, players like Avery Smith fit the Rams’ late-Day 3 safety mold, while Kaden Wetjen brings clear returner upside. Darrell Jackson and Landon Robertson offer interior push, and move tight ends like Brian Parker and Cole Wisniewski add offensive versatility. Therefore Los Angeles can address multiple roster needs without gambling early picks.

For ongoing coverage and draft reaction, visit Rams News and follow @ZachGatsby on Twitter/X. Finally, join the conversation, set your mock drafts, and get ready. The draft will test which of these standouts become Rams contributors.

Frequently Asked Questions: Seven Shrine Bowl standouts for the Rams 2026 NFL Draft