Rams draft: Day 2 of the NFL Combine—what’s next?

Rams draft: Day 2 of the NFL Combine — What the Rams should hunt for at cornerback, safety and tight end

Rams draft: Day 2 of the NFL Combine sets the stage for Los Angeles to refine its secondary and tight end board. In this article we break down why cornerbacks, safeties, and tight ends matter to the Rams this cycle. Fans will get a scout driven, fan-focused analysis of each position. We preview likely targets and explain how each player fits Los Angeles schemes because the team needs versatile defenders and dynamic pass catchers.

Expect player profiles, measurable takeaways, and mock-draft scenarios. First we examine cornerbacks who can start early. Then we move to safeties who provide range and leadership. Finally we assess tight ends who can block and create mismatches. Read on for concise scouting notes, draft range estimates, and what Day 2 performances could mean for the Rams’ board.

Rams draft: Day 2 of the NFL Combine Cornerbacks to target

Los Angeles needs cornerbacks who can press, cover, and tackle in space. Therefore Day 2 workouts matter for the Rams’ secondary board. Below we profile two prospects who could climb draft boards with strong combine showings.

Mansoor Delane

• Key facts and measurables: started 40 of 44 college games; 191 tackles; four forced fumbles; eight interceptions; 62 passes defended. He measures 6’1″ and 185 pounds and scouts call him loose, fluid, and athletic.
• Why he fits the Rams: Delane plays with physicality in run fits and also mirrors receivers in zone coverage. As a result he can compete for early snaps in a defense that uses multiple coverages. He offers immediate starter upside because he blends ball skills with tackling.
• Draft outlook: Delane earned unanimous All American honors in 2025 and grades as a Round 1, Top 10 prospect. However he may not last to pick 13, so the Rams must weigh trade up options or plan alternatives.

Keith Abney

• Key facts and measurables: 98 tackles, six interceptions, and 48 passes defended across three seasons at Arizona State. He shows strong instincts and aggressive press technique.
• Why he fits the Rams: Abney projects as a Day 2 or early Day 3 addition with starter potential. He pairs well with veteran leadership and could form a young, physical perimeter. Also he fits a board that values wingspan and ball production.

For more on Los Angeles overall draft planning, see the team strategy piece at Rams Draft Strategy and our mock drafts focused on the cornerback position at Rams 2026 Mock Draft Cornerback.

Rams draft: Day 2 of the NFL Combine Safeties to target

The Rams need safeties who provide range, run support, and single high coverage ability. Therefore Day 2 testing can confirm athletic ceiling. Below we profile two top options who match Los Angeles needs.

Zakee Wheatley

• Key facts and measurables: 223 tackles, 18 passes broken up, and six interceptions. Wheatley lists at 6’3″ and 200 pounds. He earned Senior Bowl honors and was voted Top Safety for the week.
• Why he fits the Rams: Wheatley plays as a versatile single high safety who can rotate down into the box. As one fan wrote, “My guy at safey this year is #PSU SAF Zakee Wheatley. I love his versatility as a single Hi who can rotate down to play in the box.” This versatility helps schemes that mix coverages and use hybrid safety roles.

Bud Clark

• Key facts and measurables: 214 tackles, 15 interceptions, and 35 passes broken up. Clark measures 6’1″ and 185 pounds with 32″ arms. Scouts call him a high floor, versatile safety.
• Why he fits the Rams: Clark brings instincts and consistent production. Therefore he projects as a plug and play piece for sub packages, nickels, and as an in game communicator. He also helps bridge veteran playmakers and younger cornerbacks.

A common fan refrain captures the need at the position. One reader shouted, “A free safety…My kingdom for a true free safety!” This sentiment explains why the Rams will obsess over Day 2 safety testing.

For context on college standouts and Shrine Bowl performers who could influence the Rams’ board, check this link.

Quick reference table: Day 2 prospects for the Rams

Rams draft: Day 2 of the NFL Combine Tight ends to target

The Rams enter the combine with multiple tight end options and a clear need for depth. Therefore Day 2 testing will help separate blockers from receivers. Fans should focus on two prospects who match Los Angeles needs. Joe Royer brings pro size and pass catching polish. Marlin Klein offers high end upside as a developmental Y tight end.

Joe Royer

• College: Cincinnati
• Height and weight: 6’5″ 250 lb
• Key stats: 79 receptions 937 yards 7 touchdowns
• Strengths
  • Quick transitions after the catch that create yards after contact
  • Versatile alignment in line slot and H back roles
  • Large catch radius and proven red zone ability
• Rams fit
  • Creates mismatches against linebackers and slower safeties
  • Works in multiple tight end sets and two tight end personnel packages
  • Adds a potential WR2 gadget for motion and pick plays

Royer’s route tree and after catch vision suit modern passing attacks. As a result he can win as a pass first Y or an H back who moves pre snap. Therefore the Rams get both blocking and receiving traits in short yardage and passing downs.

Marlin Klein

• College: Michigan
• Height and weight: 6’6″ 250 lb
• Key stats: 38 catches 364 yards 1 touchdown
• Strengths
  • High end athleticism for his size with smooth catching ability
  • Effective run blocking with room to add lower body strength
  • Natural seam runner who can stretch the intermediate field
• Rams fit
  • Developmental TE with upside for a TE3 role and special packages
  • Big target for red zone fades and contested catches
  • Can grow into in line and split roles with coaching and strength work

Klein projects as a developmental piece who can become a reliable mismatch weapon. However, he needs targeted weight room work to sustain blocks at the next level. If he improves his lower body power he could move from TE3 to a starting role over time.

Coach and fan context

“We need a tight end who can block and stretch the field,” wrote one fan in a team forum. Therefore the Rams will favor prospects who protect the quarterback and create matchup problems. The current room includes Colby Parkinson Terrance Ferguson and Davis Allen, so the team may seek complementary traits rather than an immediate starter. Day 2 drills that highlight blocking power short shuttle and route precision will influence where teams place these players on draft boards.

Conclusion

Rams draft: Day 2 of the NFL Combine narrows the list of realistic fits for Los Angeles. Cornerbacks like Mansoor Delane and Keith Abney offer press coverage and tackling ability. Safeties such as Zakee Wheatley and Bud Clark bring range and dependable instincts. Tight ends Joe Royer and Marlin Klein provide receiving upside and TE depth for two tight end sets.

In short, Day 2 testing will separate physical traits from tape production. Therefore teams that value versatility and immediate role players should move quickly. For Rams fans, the priorities are clear because the roster needs perimeter help and flexible weaponry in 2026.

Rams News LLC will keep tracking how combine results reshape draft boards. For more coverage visit ramsnews.com and follow updates on Twitter/X at @ZachGatsby. Stay tuned for scouting notes, mocks, and Day 2 reaction pieces.

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