Yesterday, I wrote about how the Rams DO value first round picks. They have acquired 24 former first round players in the 15 years with Les Snead constructing the team as the general manager. So with the Rams having a history of being considered aggressive buyers and or willing to make blockbuster deals, it’s fair to start assuming it will happen again soon.
So with the 2026 first round now in the books and fans already dreaming about future roster construction, which newly drafted players feel like
the most natural future Rams someday?
1. Mansoor Delane, CB, Chiefs
If there is one name that jumps off the page, it might be Mansoor Delane.
Kansas City aggressively moved up for Delane during the first round, signaling just how highly they viewed his ceiling.
But cornerback movement across the league happens faster than almost any position. The Chiefs have a track record of trading away defensive backs or letting them walk. Marcus Peters, L’Jarius Sneed, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson were never retained by Kansas City.
2. Sonny Styles, ILB, Commanders
Styles landing in Washington created immediate intrigue because true first-round off-ball linebackers remain rare. Analysts highlighted his unusual size-athleticism combination and flexible deployment potential.
That profile screams Rams.
Los Angeles has increasingly prioritized defenders who can wear multiple hats rather than remain locked into one assignment. Styles could eventually become the type of second-contract player that a contender targets when searching for defensive versatility.
The connection feels even stronger because the Rams have consistently valued football intelligence and position flexibility.
3. Caleb Banks, DL, Vikings
This one feels almost too obvious.
The Rams have spent years building their defense around disruptive defensive linemen who create pressure without constant blitzing.
Caleb Banks projects as the kind of interior player who could become extremely expensive to retain if he reaches expectations.
Los Angeles rarely ignores premium trench talent.
If the Rams ever decide to reload their defensive front again, Banks could become one of those “how did they get him?” acquisitions.
4. Chris Johnson, CB, Dolphins
Cornerbacks often flourish after changing environments.
Johnson’s first-round trajectory was built around athletic upside and coverage ability. Multiple projections had him consistently appearing in Round 1 conversations entering the draft process.
The Rams have shown patience with defensive back development and could view Johnson as a classic buy-high talent if Miami ever reshapes its cap structure.
5. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Jets
This might be the sleeper pick.
Wide receiver has become a revolving position in Los Angeles. Cooper projects as a player capable of winning at multiple levels while fitting timing-based concepts.
Several draft projections consistently kept him inside Round 1 consideration due to his upside and route-development potential.
If the Rams ever transition into another post-veteran receiving era, Cooper feels like a natural fit.
6. Caleb Downs, S, Cowboys
Every franchise has players that simply feel inevitable.
Downs entered the draft cycle viewed as one of the premier defensive talents available and consistently appeared near the top of projections across the industry.
The Rams historically do not shy away from acquiring elite secondary talent.
If Dallas ever reached a difficult contract decision years down the line, this would immediately become one of the most discussed Rams rumors on the internet.
