What Rams Day 2 mock draft targets linebacker?
Rams Day 2 mock draft targets linebacker and offensive tackle
Rams Day 2 mock draft targets linebacker and offensive tackle will shape Los Angeles’ immediate depth chart. Because the team traded Trent McDuffie, the front office lost three 2026 picks. As a result, Day 2 becomes crucial to patch linebacker and tackle holes. Therefore, this mock draft focuses on strategic roster fixes rather than flashy picks.
The Rams still hold second and third round selections to bolster inside linebacker depth. They need help behind Nate Landman and Omar Speights because depth is thin. Moreover, tackle depth matters with Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr. listed as projected starters. Markel Bell and Jake Golday emerge as logical Day 2 targets in this analysis. We evaluate fit, scheme value, and immediate upside to guide smart roster building. This introduction sets the analytical tone for detailed, pick-by-pick reasoning ahead. Expect concrete tradeoffs and immediate roles.
Rams Day 2 mock draft targets linebacker and offensive tackle: Inside Linebacker Focus
Depth at inside linebacker represents a clear roster risk for the Rams. Because Nate Landman and Omar Speights are the projected starters, backups matter now. Currently, depth behind them reads as bare. Therefore, Day 2 picks must add a player who can contribute on early downs and on special teams.
Cincinnati’s Jake Golday fits that role for several reasons. PFF analysts Trevor Sikkema and David Wasserman both leaned toward Golday on the second-round clock. Moreover, Wasserman noted, “Golday, I think, makes more sense because Golday attacks the line of scrimmage a bit more, so you could factor him into the blitz packages.” Sikkema preferred Golday over Kyle Louis and Treydan Stukes as well, which underlines his immediate upside.
Key metrics and fit:
- Total tackles 105 as a redshirt senior
- Tackles for loss 6 and sacks 3.5
- Height and weight 6-foot-4, 240 pounds
- PFF run-defense grade 90.6, ranking 17th of 809
- PFF coverage grade roughly 70th of 809
- Short-area agility listed as average
These numbers tell a simple story. Golday defends the run at a high level, while his coverage grades show competence in space. As a result, he can step in on early downs. Additionally, his size and aggressiveness make him a useful blitzer in subpackages.
From a roster standpoint, Golday would plug a thin spot behind Landman and Speights. Shaun Dolac represents the current depth, and Troy Reeder remains a free agent. Consequently, adding Golday at 61 would reduce risk and create rotation options. He also offers special teams value during his rookie year, which matters for short-term roster flexibility.
In short, the strategic case for Golday is clear. He matches scheme needs, provides run-stopping ability, and brings blitz value. Therefore, selecting him on Day 2 would be a practical roster fix for the Rams.
Comparison: Rams Day 2 draft targets — Golday vs Bell
| Player Name | Position | Draft Pick Number | Physical Stats | Key Performance Metrics | Potential Impact for Rams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Golday | Inside Linebacker | 61st overall (Round 2) | 6-foot-4, 240 pounds | 105 total tackles; 6 tackles for loss; 3.5 sacks; PFF run-defense grade 90.6 (17th of 809); PFF coverage grade ~70th of 809; average short-area agility | Immediate run defender and rotation inside linebacker; fits blitz packages; special teams contributor; reduces bare depth behind Nate Landman and Omar Speights |
| Markel Bell | Offensive Tackle | 93rd overall (Round 3) | 6-foot-9, 345 pounds | Allowed zero sacks and one QB hit on season; pass-blocking grade top 17 at position (97th percentile); run blocking concerns vs elite speed rushers | Potential early contributor at tackle or swing tackle; excellent pass protector by size and reach; coaching required to refine run-blocking against athletic rushers |
Rams Day 2 mock draft targets linebacker and offensive tackle: Offensive Tackle Analysis
Size and measurables
Markel Bell brings elite length and mass to a Rams line that values protection. He checks in at 6-foot-9 and 345 pounds, which provides natural reach against pass rushers. Because of his size, Bell can form a wide pocket for the quarterback. However, that same size creates challenges for lateral mobility in space.
Pass blocking strength
Bell allowed zero sacks and only one quarterback hit all season. Moreover, his pass-blocking grade ranked 17th among peers, placing him in the 97th percentile. As a result, he projects as an immediate help in pass protection. His reach and hand placement create leverage versus most collegiate edge rushers.
Run-blocking concerns
Despite the upside in pass protection, Bell shows limitations as a run blocker. Scouts flagged issues against elite speed rushers and quick slants. Consequently, his run-game impact could lag early in the pros. Coaching and conditioning will matter to improve his footwork and leverage.
Fit with current Rams tackle picture
- Projected starters: Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr.
- Veteran depth: David Quessenberry on a one-year deal
Bell could serve as a swing tackle, which adds value because depth behind McClendon and Jackson remains important. Moreover, his pass protection skills match the Rams’ need to keep the quarterback clean. On the other hand, the staff must scheme around his run-blocking gaps in early-down packages.
Coaching, development and timeline
The Rams coaching staff has time to refine Bell’s technique. With targeted coaching, he could improve his run-block range and pad level. Additionally, his size suggests he could anchor the right or left side with work. As a result, expect a transitional period where Bell contributes mainly in pass sets and as a backup in running situations.
Strategic takeaway
- Immediate upside: high-level pass protection and rare size
- Short-term risk: run-blocking against faster defenders
- Long-term outlook: starter potential with coaching and athletic refinement
In short, selecting Bell at 93 would address tackle depth and protect the quarterback. Therefore, he fits a pragmatic Day 2 strategy for the Rams, provided the team commits to a development plan.
CONCLUSION
The Rams Day 2 mock draft targets linebacker and offensive tackle reflect urgent roster needs. Because the team traded Trent McDuffie and lost future picks, Day 2 choices must prioritize depth. Therefore, adding an inside linebacker and a tackle on Day 2 is pragmatic and strategic.
Jake Golday would shore up a thin inside linebacker room behind Nate Landman and Omar Speights. His run-defense grade and 105 tackles show immediate tilt toward early-down play. Moreover, Golday offers special teams value while the Rams develop him into a rotational defender.
Markel Bell provides a rare combination of size and pass protection skill. He allowed zero sacks last season and grades in the 97th percentile for pass blocking. However, his run-blocking against elite speed rushers needs coaching. As a result, Bell projects as a swing tackle who can protect the quarterback early.
In summary, these Day 2 targets would reduce roster risk and improve matchup flexibility. Rams News LLC recommends watching these picks closely. For more coverage visit Rams News and follow updates on Twitter at Zach Gatsby.
Rams’ Day 2 Priorities in the Mock Draft
The focus is adding inside linebacker and offensive tackle depth. Because they traded Trent McDuffie, Day 2 picks must patch roster holes. Therefore, the mocks target Jake Golday and Markel Bell to address linebacker depth and tackle depth.
Why Does Los Angeles Need Inside Linebacker Help?
Nate Landman and Omar Speights are the projected starters. But depth behind them reads as bare. Shaun Dolac is the current backup and Troy Reeder is a free agent. As a result, the Rams need a rotational inside linebacker and special teams contributor.
Who is Jake Golday and What Does He Offer?
Golday is a Cincinnati inside linebacker. He totaled 105 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks as a redshirt senior. His PFF run-defense grade sits at 90.6, ranking 17th of 809. Moreover, his size at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds suits early-down work. PFF analysts Trevor Sikkema and David Wasserman favored Golday on the second-round clock. They cited his ability to attack the line and fit blitz packages.
What About Markel Bell at Tackle?
Bell stands 6-foot-9 and 345 pounds. He allowed zero sacks and one QB hit all season. His pass-blocking grade ranks in the 97th percentile. However, scouts flagged run-blocking issues against elite speed rushers. Consequently, he projects as a swing tackle who protects the quarterback early while coaching refines his run technique.
How Quickly Would These Day 2 Additions Impact the Rams?
Both could help early. Golday offers special teams value and rotation snaps from year one. Bell can contribute in pass sets and as a backup on running downs. With coaching, they could become longer term starters. Therefore, these picks increase short-term depth and long-term roster stability.