Los Angeles Rams 2026 NFL Draft Preview

The Los Angeles Rams suffered a 31-27 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Conference Championship game. So far, under the direction of GM Les Sneed, the Rams have shown an ability to make the aggressive moves to be in contention year over year. 

Sneed’s aggression netted the team a Super Bowl in 2021 after trading for quarterback Matthew Stafford. This year, he’s made a similar move, landing star cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Entering the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, the Rams will have seven picks, with only three of them in the first three rounds. Last offseason, Sneed traded with the Falcons and acquired Atlanta’s 2026 first-round pick, which landed at the 13th spot.

Rams Draft Picks:

• Round 1: Pick 13 – from Falcons
• Round 2: Pick 61
• Round 3: Pick 93
• Round 6: Pick 207 – from Texans
• Round 7: Pick 232 – from Ravens
• Round 7: Pick 251 
• Round 7: Pick 252

Rams Positions of Need:

The Rams have a balanced team and don’t have any glaring weaknesses, but some fresh talent at a few key spots could set them up well for a potential post-Stafford/post-Davante era down the line.

• WR
• ILB
• LT
• DL (Depth)
• S (Depth)

Rams Offseason Moves:

Key Additions:

CB Trent McDuffie (Via Trade)

CB Jaylen Watson 

Resigned: 

TE Tyler Higbee

S Kam Curl 

K Harrison Mevis

Key Departures: WR Tutu Atwell – Miami Dolphins

Key Draft Targets for Rams:

Makai Lemon – WR – USC

Despite the combination of wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, adding Makai Lemon would invite another dimension to the Rams’ offense. As the clock ticks down on Stafford’s career, Lemon would round out a skill position core of running back Kyren Williams, Adams, Nucua, and tight end Tyler Higbee. 

In his last season with the Trojans, Lemon finished as a Blitnikoff Award Winner and caught 79 passes for 1156 yards and 11 touchdowns. One thing to watch with the Rams is if they’ll stick at the No. 13 pick or trade back to acquire more draft capital. But if they keep the pick, Lemon would supercharge their Super Bowl aspirations.

Kyle Louis – LB – Pitt

At the outside linebacker position, the Rams boast a tandem of Jared Verse and Byron Young, but the inside linebackers need reinforcements. Enter Kyle Louis, a First-Team All-American who could bring instant playmaking. 

In his last two seasons, Louis finished with 179 tackles, six pass deflections, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and six interceptions; four of those interceptions and seven of the sacks came in 2024-25. Under defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Louis could be used to his ultimate potential and learn from one of the best up-and-coming head coaching candidates. Mock drafts have Louis hovering as a third-round selection, meaning the Rams would find him at a good price with their late-third-round pick.