If one thing became clear for the Los Angeles Rams, it’s that they need help at the cornerback position in 2026. It’s not something that they can continue to ignore. With two first-round picks in the upcoming
draft, the Rams should be able to add a talented player or two in the secondary. The season may be over, but we immediately jump to the draft. Let’s get into our first official mock draft of the offseason.
13th Overall – CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
The Rams need to do whatever they can to get an elite talent with their first pick of the draft. If it doesn’t look like Delane or another top-level prospect will drop, the Rams need to make a move and be aggressive. This is a player who can transform the Rams’ secondary and someone that they can build around at the cornerback position. He’s a very good man corner and can anticipate route combinations. This is also someone that can move around the defense in different roles. Jermod McCoy will be an option, but with the medicals it’s a big risk. There’s no such thing as a sure-thing in the draft, but Delane is exactly what the Rams need.
29th Overall – WR Chris Bell, Louisville
The Rams can exchange one Louisville wide receiver for another. However, this one may be a better fit. Immediately in 2026, the Rams need to improve the third wide receiver spot behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Bell provides that and the immediate ability to play that “Z role” in the offense. The big concern with Bell is that he is coming off of an ACL tear and may not be available right away. However, with Adams and Nacua, there isn’t a need for Bell to be ready. The Rams can slowly work Bell in as he gets healthy and then unleash him in the second half of the season. Bell is a big-bodied wide receiver who plays physical and can stretch the field.
61st Overall – D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
There will be some concerns here because of Ponds’ size. With that said, Ponds doesn’t play like he’s 5’9. He plays much bigger than that as someone who’s competitive at the catch point and isn’t afraid of contact. The Rams have had success with cornerbacks like that such as Darious Williams. Ponds has great ball production, and playing across from Delane, this would be an immediate upgrade at the cornerback position. Those two completely change the dynamic of the Rams’ secondary.
93rd Overall – OT Drew Shelton, Penn State
While the Rams don’t necessarily need to draft a tackle in the first round, they should consider one on day two. Warren McClendon played well, but it would still be risky putting all of their eggs in that basket. At the very least, Shelton provides experienced depth as someone who can play both on the left and right side in a pinch. Shelton can also slide inside and play guard. The Rams need to upgrade their tackle depth with McClendon being promoted as a starter. Shelton is an upgrade over Humphries and someone who could potentially be developed into a starter down the line.
167th Overall – QB Drew Allar, Penn State
There’s no doubt that Drew Allar is a controversial prospect. He didn’t live up to the expectations this year before his injury. Still, there is no denying the arm talent and potential. Taking a flier on that at the end of the fifth-round is worth it. You could even throw Cade Klubnik or Cole Payton in this spot if they are available. In a best-case scenario, the Rams get a bargain on a high-level prospect that develops into a starter. At worst, Allar is a high-upside backup that learns behind Matthew Stafford and replaces Stetson Bennett. It’s a low-risk, high-reward in the fifth-round.
205th Overall – S Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech
Wisniewski played well over the weekend at the Shrine Bowl and is exactly what the Rams need. He’s an immediate upgrade over Jaylen McCollough as the dime linebacker/safety in light packages. Wisniewski is a former linebacker at North Dakota State and those instincts are evident. That experience as a linebacker makes him a plus-player in run support which is key in the Rams’ light packages. Despite his strength against the run, he still displays good range in coverage. At the very least, Wisniewski is an impact player on special teams immediately.
208th Overall – LB Kyle Louis, Pitt
It wouldn’t hurt for the Rams to upgrade at linebacker over Omar Speights. The Rams can get away with one player that has limitations in coverage like Nate Landman. They need a better partner who makes up for Landman’s deficiencies. That’s Kyle Louis who is a hybrid player who has the skillset of a safety, but plays linebacker. He’s a strong open-field tackler and may be one of the better coverage linebackers in the class.
232nd Overall – DL Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Rams continue to add to the depth of the defensive line. Onyedim is a versatile player who excels against the run and has over 1,700 career snaps. The Texas A&M defensive lineman plays with good explosiveness and his motor always runs hot.
250th Overall – TE Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M
The Rams need to continue adding to the tight end position this offseason. Tyler Higbee could be gone and both Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen will be in contract years. Boerkircher wasn’t used as a receiver, but he has some upside there. However, his specialty is as a blocker which should help the Rams move to more 13 personnel.
256th Overall – EDGE Wesley Williams, Duke
It’ll be curious to see how the Rams address the edge rusher position this offseason. They are solid at the top three with Jared Verse, Byron Young, and Josaiah Stewart. Desjuan Johnson found a role there as well at the end of the season. Williams plays the run well, but has some upside as a pass pressure with an ability to generate pressure
