What is the Los Angeles Rams offseason draft strategy?
Los Angeles Rams offseason draft strategy: How the 2026 picks shape the plan
Los Angeles Rams offseason draft strategy will decide if the franchise stays all in for 2026. Fans want clarity because they expect big moves at tackle and corner, plus special teams help. Therefore the seven picks matter far beyond rookie deals.
With picks at 13, 61, and 93, the Rams can address holes and add depth. Moreover, selecting the right early round targets could accelerate a 2027 timeline. However, each choice carries risk because injuries like Jordyn Tyson’s hamstring matter.
The front office plans for depth in 2026 and larger roles in 2027. As a result, fans should expect a mix of floor and ceiling prospects. Because Bubba Ventrone joins as special teams coordinator, special teams aces gain value.
This article breaks down positional fits, early targets, and trade possibilities for each pick. We keep analysis analytical and speculative to match fan curiosity and caution. Read on for a position by position breakdown and quick takeaways.
Los Angeles Rams offseason draft strategy: Positional needs and fits
The Rams enter the 2026 offseason with seven picks ready to plug holes and add cost controlled talent. Because the team has clear weaknesses at offensive tackle and corner, early picks carry outsized importance. Moreover special teams now have renewed value after hiring Bubba Ventrone. Below we map each pick to positional need and roster fit.
Round 1 — 13th overall: primary tackle target or premium corner
– Why it matters: The 13th pick buys a near starter. Therefore the Rams can address a starting offensive tackle need immediately. Alternatively the front office can take a premium corner if one falls.
– Fit examples: A tackle with starter traits solves a long term issue. Conversely Carnell Tate or Makai Lemon could slide in as boundary weapons if the team values pass game upside.
– Evidence: Rams have two holes at offensive tackle and corner. The 13th pick is a swing selection that influences the 2026 depth chart and 2027 starters.
Round 2 — 61st overall: developmental corner or receiver depth
– Why it matters: Round two is ideal for upside depth. The pick can target a corner with press ability or a receiver with special teams upside.
– Fit examples: Keyon Sadiq projects as a slot or boundary receiver. However his fit raises questions about roster crowding with Terrance Ferguson and existing tight ends.
– Inbound link: For more on how Ferguson factors into receiver decisions see Terrance Ferguson Year 2.
Round 3 — 93rd overall: swing tackle, cornerback depth, or special teams ace
– Why it matters: The Rams can add a developmental tackle or a special teams contributor. Because Bubba Ventrone is now coordinator, draft value for special teamers grows.
– Fit examples: A tackle here could become a reliable backup in 2026 and a starter in 2027. A core special teamer can contribute immediately on kick and punt coverage.
Rounds 6 and 7 — 207th, 232nd, 251st, 252nd overall: depth, late upside, and special teams
– Why it matters: Late rounds build roster depth. Therefore the Rams should emphasize football IQ and special teams ability in these picks.
– Fit examples: Returners and coverage aces are often found late. Joe Cardona locks long snapper, and Grant Stuard boosts specialist roles; the draftees should complement them.
– Evidence: The team signed Joe Cardona and added Grant Stuard. Harrison Mevis remains under an exclusive rights tender, reducing need at kicker.
Player specific notes and injury context
– Jordyn Tyson: Tyson missed time with hamstring issues in his final college season. Therefore his medicals require scrutiny before drafting. Teams often weigh hamstring history heavily because it affects early availability.
– Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon: Both offer different archetypes. Tate brings contested catch ability; Lemon brings boundary speed. Because the Rams plan depth in 2026, either could start as a rotational pass catcher.
– Keyon Sadiq: Sadiq adds slot versatility but his path depends on roster moves. If the Rams keep Terrance Ferguson and veterans like Colby Parkinson, Sadiq may be a 2027 breakout candidate.
How picks align with the 2026 and 2027 timeline
– Short term: The Rams expect most draftees to provide depth in 2026. Therefore priority goes to players who can contribute on special teams and as rotational pieces.
– Medium term: The plan envisions larger roles in 2027 for high ceiling picks. As a result the front office will mix floor and upside prospects.
Trade and draft strategy considerations
– Blockbuster potential: The team could flip picks for an immediate starter, such as a deal for a proven tackle or corner. A move like trading for Jeremiyah Love would be a blockbuster.
– Draft board coordination: The Rams should solicit Bubba Ventrone’s special teams feedback. Because he just joined, his evaluations should shape late round targets.
Sources and further reading
– Rams mock draft debate and fan reaction here.
– Receiver and roster context around Terrance Ferguson here.
– Rams backup QB and roster planning insights here.
External references
– NFL draft central for prospect overviews here.
– Pro Football Focus for advanced player grades here.
Los Angeles Rams offseason draft strategy: Picks comparison table
| Round | Overall pick | Player (if known) | Position | Strategic fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | TBD (targets: Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, premium OT) | Offensive tackle / Wide receiver / Cornerback | Address starting tackle or take a premium corner. Boundary receiver option with upside. |
| 2 | 61 | TBD (target: Keyon Sadiq) | Wide receiver / Slot | Developmental slot WR or special teams contributor; depth for 2026, potential starter by 2027. |
| 3 | 93 | TBD (target: Jordyn Tyson) | Wide receiver | Medical risk: hamstring history; potential rotational receiver and special teams value if healthy. |
| 6 | 207 | TBD | Special teams / Depth | Late-round special teams aces and developmental depth for OL/CB. |
| 6 | 232 | TBD | Special teams / Depth | Priority on coverage, return skills, and football IQ. |
| 7 | 251 | TBD | Special teams / Depth | Cost-controlled depth with upside for practice squad or rotational roles. |
| 7 | 252 | TBD | Special teams / Depth | Low-risk pick emphasizing special teams and developmental traits. |
Special teams and the Rams’ offseason draft strategy
Special teams now matter more for the Rams than in recent years. The front office signed Joe Cardona at long snapper and added Grant Stuard as a specialist. Because those moves lock two specialist roles, draft emphasis should shift to coverage aces and return talent.
Bubba Ventrone brings a proven track record as a special teams leader. Therefore the Rams should solicit his board before finalizing late round choices. Ventrone values tackling, awareness, and versatility. As a result late rounds should favor players who can contribute on kickoff and punt units immediately.
Key considerations for draft targets
- Prioritize players who can play on special teams and develop at their primary position. This increases early year value and reduces roster risk.
- Seek coverage linebackers and slot corners who show tackling and block shedding. Moreover those players often become core special teams pieces.
- Target return specialists with ball security and vision because they can swing field position in close games.
How the Cardona and Stuard signings affect draft math
- With Joe Cardona signed the team does not need to spend a pick on long snapper. Therefore a late pick can focus on a core coverage player instead.
- Grant Stuard fills a specific role on kick lanes and returns. As a result the Rams can use mid to late picks on developmental offensive tackle or corner depth.
The blockbuster trade move scenario
A blockbuster trade move for a top tier receiver like Jeremiyah Love would match an all in window plan. However trading for a proven playmaker costs draft capital. Therefore the team must weigh immediate upgrade versus long term depth. If the Rams pursue Love they should balance picks and cap space to avoid hollowing depth.
Draft plan in one line
Focus early picks on tackle and corner, and use rounds six and seven to load special teams. Because Ventrone just arrived, his input should shape all late round choices.
External resources
The Rams’ seven picks align with a cautious, yet optimistic plan. They address clear needs at offensive tackle and corner, and they add special teams value. Therefore the draft board mixes immediate options and high upside prospects.
Fans should feel both excitement and restraint. Because most draftees will provide depth in 2026, patience matters. However select early picks could step into larger roles by 2027. An all-in window could include a blockbuster trade move for a proven playmaker like Jeremiyah Love.
For ongoing coverage visit Rams News LLC. Follow updates and conversation on X or follow @ZachGatsby for quick takes.
Stay tuned as the Rams balance caution and ambition through the draft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do the Rams’ seven draft picks actually mean for the team?
The seven picks provide both immediate depth and future upside. Pick values range from 13th overall through late rounds. Therefore the front office can address starters while adding special teams talent. As a result the roster gains cost controlled options for 2026 and beyond.
Which positions are the highest priorities in this Los Angeles Rams offseason draft strategy?
Offensive tackle and cornerback are the clear top priorities. Moreover special teams now carry increased value after recent signings. Because the Rams need pass protection and perimeter help, early picks should focus there.
Could the Rams flip picks for a proven player in a blockbuster trade move?
Yes, a blockbuster trade move remains possible. However trading picks for a player like Jeremiyah Love would cost draft capital. Therefore the team must balance immediate impact against long term depth. In short, a trade could accelerate an all-in window, but it raises roster risk.
How will Bubba Ventrone and recent specialist signings shape draft choices?
Ventrone will influence late round priorities heavily. With Joe Cardona signed and Grant Stuard added, the Rams can target coverage aces and return specialists. Consequently rounds six and seven should prioritize players who contribute on special teams first.
When should fans expect drafted players to make meaningful contributions?
Most draftees will provide depth in 2026. However several high ceiling picks could become starters by 2027. Therefore expect a mix: immediate special teams contributors and developmental starters later.