Who should Rams draft Day 2 NFL Combine targets?
Rams draft Day 2 NFL Combine is the hinge moment for the Rams’ secondary rebuild. Because the roster lacks depth, Day 2 prospects can change the defense’s outlook. Fans should watch cornerbacks and safeties closely, since the team needs playmakers for camp and preseason. The scouting staff also must evaluate tight ends who offer receiving upside and inline blocking ability. As a result, athleticism, ball skills, and positional versatility rise to the top of the checklist.
I will break down targetable cornerbacks, safeties, and tight ends that fit the Rams’ scheme. Moreover, this analysis will weigh draft capital against roster urgency. The tone stays fan-focused and analytical, because readers want usable draft intel. Expect a mix of high-floor veterans and high-upside sleepers to surface. Therefore, Day 2 could supply both starters and rotational depth for 2026. However, the Rams must balance immediate needs with long-term value at pick thirteen. In short, this piece maps who the Rams should target and why.
Rams draft Day 2 NFL Combine cornerbacks and safeties
The Rams enter Day 2 with a clear secondary need. The roster lists only four cornerbacks under contract: Darious Williams, Emmanuel Forbes, Cam Lampkin, and Alex Johnson. Because Williams appears headed out and depth is thin, the team must add Day 2 talent for camp and preseason. The front office values positionally interchangeable defensive backs, so Day 2 prospects with versatility will rise on the board. For more context, see the Day 2 Combine preview at Rams Day 2 NFL Combine.
Mansoor Delane projects as a physical corner who played extensively. He stands 6’1″ and 185 pounds and started 40 of 44 college games. He recorded 191 tackles, four forced fumbles, eight interceptions, and 62 passes defended. Therefore, Delane brings proven ball skills and durability. His size and contested-catch ability fit the Rams’ boundary and slot mix.
Keith Abney offers a similar profile at 6’0″ and 190 pounds. Over three seasons at Arizona State he totaled 98 tackles, six interceptions, and 48 passes defended. Abney flashes tight coverage technique and competitive toughness, however he may slide into Day 2 value depending on testing.
At safety, Zakee Wheatley checks the box for single-High versatility. Listed at 6’3″ and 200 pounds, he posted 223 tackles, 18 passes defended, and six interceptions. Wheatley earned Senior Bowl recognition, which elevates his draft standing and film review prospects. See Senior Bowl background at Senior Bowl.
Bud Clark grades as a high-floor safety option. At 6’1″ and 185 pounds he amassed 214 tackles, 15 interceptions, and 35 passes defended in 61 career games with 44 starts. Clark’s tape shows consistent range and reliable tackling, making him a realistic Day 2 target for rotational snaps and eventual starter upside.
If the Rams want immediate contributors, Day 2 affords multiple fits. For a broader Rams draft strategy view, consult Rams Draft 2026 NFL Combine and the Day 1 review at Rams Day 1 NFL Combine.
Rams draft Day 2 NFL Combine tight ends to target
The Rams should prioritize versatile tight ends on Day 2 because their offense values size and flexibility. Joe Royer and Marlin Klein both fit prototype frames, yet they bring different strengths. Therefore, examining their college production and game roles shows clear fits for Los Angeles.
Joe Royer stands 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 250 pounds. In 25 career starts he caught 79 passes for 937 yards and seven touchdowns. Royer wins contested catches and stretches the seam, while also showing reliable hands in traffic. Moreover, he can line up outside or in the slot, which helps create matchups against linebackers. Because he adds a vertical threat, he projects as a situational starter and valuable two tight end package piece.
Marlin Klein measures 6 feet 6 inches and 250 pounds and brings plus blocking chops. Across 36 games with 11 starts he totaled 38 catches for 364 yards and a touchdown. Klein excels as an inline blocker and can finish blocks on the edge, which the Rams need for heavy personnel sets. However, he also flashes receiving upside on seam routes and play action, so he functions well as a complementary weapon.
How the Rams might use them
- Two tight end formations: Royer stretches coverage, while Klein secures the point of attack. This balance creates run and pass threats on the same play.
- Three tight end packages: the Rams could deploy all three tight ends for blocking and mismatches in short-yardage. As a result, the offense gains personnel versatility.
- Red zone usage: both possess size for jump balls, yet Royer gives more separation for fades. Therefore, Royer grades higher as a seam pass target.
In short, Royer projects as the receiving alpha among the two, while Klein offers blocking and positional flexibility. As the Rams evaluate Day 2 prospects, they should weigh immediate role clarity against upside and depth at tight end.
Comparison: Rams draft Day 2 NFL Combine prospects
The table below compares top Day 2 targets by size, output, and traits. Therefore, it helps evaluate fit for Los Angeles in camp and preseason.
| Prospect | Position | Height | Weight | College production | Projected draft round | Standout attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mansoor Delane | Cornerback | 6’1″ | 185 lb | 191 tackles; 8 INT; 4 FF; 62 PD (40 starts) | Round 1 (Top 10) | Durable starter; ball hawk; contested-catch ability |
| Keith Abney | Cornerback | 6’0″ | 190 lb | 98 tackles; 6 INT; 48 PD (3 seasons) | Day 2 value (mid rounds) | Tight coverage; competitive toughness |
| Zakee Wheatley | Safety | 6’3″ | 200 lb | 223 tackles; 6 INT; 18 PD; Senior Bowl invite | Late Round 2 / Early Round 3 | Single-Hi versatility; range; physicality |
| Bud Clark | Safety | 6’1″ | 185 lb | 214 tackles; 15 INT; 35 PD; 61 games, 44 starts | Late Round 3 / Early Round 4 | High-floor safety; consistent tackler; versatile |
| Joe Royer | Tight end | 6’5″ | 250 lb | 79 rec; 937 yards; 7 TDs (25 starts) | Late Round 4 | Seam threat; contested catches; flex usage |
| Marlin Klein | Tight end | 6’6″ | 250 lb | 38 rec; 364 yards; 1 TD (36 games, 11 starts) | Late Round 5 | Inline blocker; size; play-action threat |
The Rams draft Day 2 NFL Combine presents clear, actionable needs. Because the secondary lacks depth, Los Angeles should prioritize cornerbacks and safeties on Day 2. Mansoor Delane and Keith Abney offer immediate boundary and slot potential. Meanwhile, Zakee Wheatley and Bud Clark provide single-High range and dependable tackling. Therefore, Day 2 could supply both starters and rotation pieces.
Tight end depth also matters for this offense. Joe Royer brings seam speed and contested catch ability, while Marlin Klein supplies inline blocking and size. As a result, the Rams can use two and three tight end packages more effectively. However, the front office must balance upside with roster urgency at pick thirteen.
In short, bolstering the secondary and adding versatile tight ends should rank high on the Rams’ Day 2 board. For ongoing Rams analysis and draft coverage, trust Rams News LLC. Visit Rams News LLC and follow updates on Twitter at @ZachGatsby for timely takes and evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Rams’ primary needs at the Rams draft Day 2 NFL Combine?
The Rams need cornerbacks, safeties, and tight end depth. Because their secondary lacks proven depth, Day 2 is critical. Adding playmakers will help camp and preseason. Tight end depth matters too, especially if no WR2 emerges.
Which cornerbacks and safeties should Los Angeles prioritize?
Targeting Mansoor Delane makes sense because of his size and ball skills. Keith Abney offers tight coverage and competitive toughness. At safety, Zakee Wheatley provides single-High range and physicality. Bud Clark gives a high floor and reliable tackling.
How would Joe Royer and Marlin Klein fit into the Rams offense?
Joe Royer projects as a seam and red zone target. He stretches defenses and wins contested catches. Marlin Klein brings inline blocking and size for heavy sets. Therefore, both enable two and three tight end packages.
What draft rounds should fans expect for these prospects?
Mansoor Delane sits higher than typical Day 2 names. Wheatley fits late second to early third. Bud Clark grades late third to early fourth. Joe Royer looks like a late fourth pick. Marlin Klein projects in late fourth or fifth.
Will Day 2 selections start right away or provide depth?
Some Day 2 picks can start immediately, especially at safety and corner. However, others will provide rotation and special teams value. The Rams should balance immediate need with long term upside. Expect special teams impact from many Day 2 picks.