The Los Angeles Rams will officially have the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after the Atlanta Falcons finished their season with an 8-9 record. When the Rams drafted 13th overall last time, they
selected Aaron Donald and they’ll hope their selection in that spot works out half as well in April. General manager Les Snead will continue to look to build up the roster, especially in the secondary. Thankfully, there are several first-round cornerback options. Let’s jump into a post-regular season mock draft.
13th Overall — WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
The Rams are going to need a wide receiver in this draft class and if Jordyn Tyson falls to the Rams at 13, it’s going to be very difficult for Sean McVay to pass that up. Tyson would give the Rams a legitimate “X” receiver and someone that could replace Davante Adams next year or in 2027. The Rams have struggled with wide receiver depth behind Puka Nacua and Adams this season. Tyson would be a great option as a WR2 next to Nacua.
24th Overall — CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Some may want the Rams to take cornerback with their first selection at 13. However, as long as they address the position in the first-round, they should be in a good spot. Hood had a fantastic season at Tennessee after transferring from Colorado. He has great ball skills with 14 passes defended and three interceptions over the last two years combined. As a bonus, he’s a physical player and a willing tackler in the run game which the Rams currently lack on the outside. This would be a great fit.
55th Overall — DL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
One of my favorite players in the 2026 NFL Draft will be Lee Hunter. The Rams look to have gotten it wrong with Ty Hamilton last offseason. They need another player in the middle of the defensive line that they can trust in the run game and someone that can potentially take over for Poona Ford after 2026. Hunter has been a key cog in the middle of a Texas Tech defensive line that has taken over games in the trenches this season and can get after the quarterback. In the college football playoff against Oregon, he set a single-game CFP record with six tackles from the nose tackle position. The Rams have heavily invested in the defensive line in recent years, but Hunter would be another good addition.
86th Overall — OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
The Rams will need to take a tackle in the draft. It’s really only a matter of when they do. Alaric Jackson is solid on the left side and Warren McClendon has shown upside as a right tackle. However, the Rams can’t go into 2026 without any insurance at either spot. Jackson has never played all 17 games in a season and McClendon is still relatively unproven. Tiernan provides a good swing tackle option that can play on the left or right side. He could also potentially slide inside at guard. Ideally, the Rams keep Jackson and McClendon, but develop Tiernan to be what Joe Noteboom was which was a versatile piece that could play four of the five positions.
164th Overall — QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson
There will be some who won’t like the Cade Klubnik pick here. However, this is the fifth round and there will be some interesting options here at quarterback. Drew Allar could be available in this spot along with Garrett Nussmeier. I also like Cole Payton. Specifically with Klubnik and Allar, they bring the pedigree and arm talent that is worth trying to develop. This isn’t committing to Klubnik as the guy after Matthew Stafford. In a best-case scenario, he develops. The worst-case scenario, he takes over for Stetson Bennett as a third-string quarterback that eventually becomes the backup.
200th Overall — LB Eric Gentry, USC
After investing in Nate Landman, the Rams likely won’t take a linebacker early. Still, they could look to take one late in the draft. Gentry is an interesting player because of how uniquely built he is. He’s 6’6, 225 pounds and is a bit of a Swiss Army knife that can play multiple roles and impact games in multiple ways. At the very least, he’s someone who can contribute on special teams.
201st Overall — TE Marlin Klein, Michigan
It’s very possible that Tyler Higbee isn’t back next year and Colby Parkinson will be on the final year of his contract. With how much the Rams utilized tight ends this season, it makes sense to continue adding to that position. Klein is more of a blocking tight end, but will bring receiving upside with his size.
230th Overall — iOL Dillon Wade, Auburn
One of the best things that the Rams can do late in the draft is continue investing in offensive line depth. Wade is experienced and versatile. He has nearly 1,000 snaps at both left tackle and left guard and has some experience at right tackle. Adding some competition for Justin Dedich in the offseason would be a good thing. The Rams drafted KT Leveston a few years ago and that didn’t work out. Wade brings three years of experience in the SEC as a leader on that offensive line.
248th Overall — WR Nyziah Hunter, Nebraska
A second wide receiver here may be a lot, but the Rams could use some depth. Tutu Atwell is likely gone and Adams isn’t a guarantee to come back given his contract. Xavier Smith is an exclusive rights free agent heading into the offseason. Hunter brings big play ability, especially after the catch where his speed really stands out.
250th Overall — S Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech
The more that the Rams can invest in the Texas Tech defense, the better. This is someone that could compete with Jaylen McCollough as the dime linebacker in sub-packages, but immediately produce on special teams which is a bonus in this area of the draft.
