One of the most interesting questions inside league scouting circles is this: how many true first-round graded players are there are in this class—and who are they? But in the case for the Rams, with little needs on their depth chart, are they only considering a few players in the first round?
Across league consensus, the 2026 draft is viewed as a “thin but high-upside top tier” class, with most teams reportedly assigning somewhere between 10–18 first-round grades depending on scheme fit and evaluation
philosophy. ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller has publicly noted that his board contained only about a dozen true first-round grades this cycle, reinforcing the idea that elite talent is concentrated rather than spread out. In my opinion, there are only 13 prospects the Rams are considering with their first rounder.
1.
Odds: < 1%
2.
Odds: 2%
3.
Odds: 5%
4.
Odds: < 1%
5.
Odds: 7%
6.
Odds: 3%
7.
Odds: 20%
8.
Odds: 17%
9.
Odds: 4%
10.
Odds: 4%
11.
Odds: 12%
12.
Odds: 8%
13.
Odds: 12%
14.
Odds: 5%
There you have, the Rams first round big board contains: 4 wide receivers, 1 tight end, 3 offensive linemen, 1 edge rushers, 2 linebackers, and 2 cornerbacks. Noticeable omissions were Jordyn Tyson, Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu, Rueben Bain, and Caleb Downs. *Francisco Mendoza was not included on this board because it is as close as a guarantee that he goes No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.*
The Rams made it known well before the draft that you can never have enough playmakers on offense and guys that can rush the passer. Hence the Rams board is front loaded with such player types. Mansoor Delane and Chris Johnson made into onto their big board as the Rams have conducted a thorough search of cornerbacks this draft season.
By no means is this a listing of the Rams order preference of players. Los Angeles could very well take a player that is lower on the board simply because they like the fit and there may been more prospects available at another position (more depth) that convinces them to pass on player higher on the board. Regardless, LA Rams fans should be in for an exciting night come Thursday!
