Will Rams draft 2026 NFL Combine Day 2 rise?

Rams draft 2026 NFL Combine Day 2 prospects and quarterback talks

Day 2 at the NFL Combine often reshuffles draft boards. This piece explains why that matters for the Los Angeles Rams. Rams draft 2026 NFL Combine Day 2 prospects and quarterback talks will drive our focus. Because strong measurables and sharp drills can vault a player up boards, we will track movers.

Our analysis promises expert insight from scouts and front office thinking. We will weigh tape, testing, and medical context for cornerbacks, safeties, and tight ends. Additionally, quarterback talks will get special attention because the position can alter draft strategy. Therefore expect clear takeaways about who could rise before Les Snead picks.

Expect names like Mansoor Delane and Zakee Wheatley to be in focus after their drills. If a safety tests faster or shows elite range, his stock can jump significantly. Likewise, tight ends showing reliable hands and route polish can become immediate fits. Read on for expert notes and likely board shifts heading into pick number 13.

Key Day 2 names and fit: Rams draft 2026 NFL Combine Day 2 prospects and quarterback talks

Mansoor Delane stands out as a true Day 2 mover. He started 40 of 44 college games and logged 191 tackles. Additionally, he forced four fumbles and intercepted eight passes. Scouts value his 62 passes defended and his unanimous All‑American status in 2025. Delane graded as a Round 1, Top 10 prospect. Therefore he projects as a potential immediate upgrade at free safety or nickel corner for the Rams. He offers range in coverage and reliable run support.

Keith Abney brings cornerback traits the Rams covet. Over three seasons at Arizona State he totaled 98 tackles and six interceptions. He also broke up or defended 48 passes. Abney projects as a Round 2 pick, and he profiles as a press‑man corner or boundary slot option. If he tests well at the Combine, his stock could rise because teams prioritize fluid hips and quick change of direction.

Zakee Wheatley and Bud Clark form the safety tier to watch. Wheatley totaled 223 tackles, six interceptions, and 18 passes broken up. He earned Senior Bowl recognition and Top Safety of the week honors. Clark posted 214 tackles, 15 interceptions, and 35 passes broken up. He boasts long arms at 32 inches and sharp coverage instincts. As a result both project from late Round 2 to early Round 4. For the Rams these players could fill single‑high roles or rotate into the box on early downs.

Tight ends Joe Royer and Marlin Klein offer differing profiles. Royer stands 6’5″ and 250 pounds with 79 catches for 937 yards and seven touchdowns. He grades near late Round 4 and brings contested catch ability and red zone value. Klein measures 6’6″ and 250 pounds with 38 catches for 364 yards. He projects as a late Round 5 pick but could win a roster spot through blocking and length. Both tight ends fit systems valuing move blockers and seam threats, which aligns with Los Angeles’ need for versatile pass catchers.

What experts say matters. One voice exclaimed, “A free safety…My kingdom for a true free safety!” Another insisted, “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.” Therefore Day 2 results will influence who slips into the Rams’ range at pick 13.

Quick look at combine implications

• Measurables can vault Day 2 prospects because NFL teams value speed and length.
• For cornerbacks, short shuttle times and three‑cone drills matter.
• For safeties, range and catch‑point instincts prove decisive.
• For tight ends, reliable hands and route polish matter as much as blocking.

Overall, strong Day 2 drills could shift draft boards. Consequently Les Snead may alter pick strategy if a safety or tight end flashes elite traits.

Rams draft 2026 NFL Combine Day 2 prospects and quarterback talks: Quick comparison

Below is a quick reference table comparing key measurables, college highlights, draft grades, and potential impact for Los Angeles Rams targets.

Quarterback focus: Rams draft 2026 NFL Combine Day 2 prospects and quarterback talks

Ty Simpson emerged as the headline mover among quarterbacks after the Combine. Before testing, scouts slotted him late Round 1 or early Round 2. However after Day 2 measurements and on‑field drills, his combine stock climbed. Consequently some teams now view him as a top 10 prospect with a higher ceiling. This matters because the Rams pick at 13 and only 12 players go before Les Snead decides.

Simpson showed cleaner footwork and quicker release on throws than many expected. Moreover his tape pairs with those tests to reduce development questions. Dan Orlovsky summed it up, “When timing and processing match athleticism, you see a real starter.” Therefore Simpson projects as a rookie quarterback who could start sooner rather than later in the right scheme. For Los Angeles, that raises a strategic choice between immediate need and best player available.

Other QB names stayed in the mix but reacted differently to Combine results. Fernando Mendoza presented refined pocket footwork and short‑area accuracy. Carson Beck displayed arm strength and a higher ceiling on downfield shots. Drew Allar reinforced his prototypical size and throw mechanics, though some scouts still want quicker hip‑turns. As a result teams now parse each profile by scheme fit and timeline.

Louis Riddick weighed the risk versus reward. He said, “Combine bursts help, but decision‑making on third down wins drafts.” Therefore teams will pair Simpson’s testing with situational film. Likewise they will match Mendoza, Beck, and Allar to offensive systems that hide weaknesses. For instance a timing‑based offense could speed a Mendoza transition, while a vertical system might maximize Beck’s arm.

What this means for Rams draft strategy is clear. If Simpson stays on the board near 13, Los Angeles must decide fast. They may trade down, target a Day 2 secondary, or draft a rookie quarterback. However because combine stock moves often prove short lived, the front office will weigh medicals and interviews too. In short, Day 2 changed the QB conversation, and it could alter the Rams’ board before pick 13.

Conclusion

Day 2 at the Combine clearly reshaped evaluations for Los Angeles. Because measurables and on field drills revealed traits teams value, several Day 2 prospects saw real movement. Mansoor Delane now profiles as a potential immediate impact safety. Likewise Keith Abney, Zakee Wheatley and Bud Clark rose on coverage and tackling merits. Joe Royer and Marlin Klein remain relevant tight end fits.

Ty Simpson’s stock leap matters most. As a result teams must reweigh quarterback timing against positional need at pick thirteen. However the front office will pair combine gains with interviews and medicals before deciding. Therefore Les Snead could trade, target a Day 2 secondary, or draft a rookie quarterback.

Follow Rams News LLC for ongoing coverage. Visit ramsnews.com and follow us on Twitter/X at @ZachGatsby for updates, analysis and the latest rumblings. We will track every shift and report how it changes the Rams draft board.

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