Maybe the Rams should draft two CBs in Round 1

[EastBayRamsFan]

If Matt Stafford stays another year I would make zero changes to our offensive line through the draft. LT A. Jackson is cheap and solid, and Warren McClendon is cheap and playing at an elite level the past 5 games. Some things are tacit so I would tweak nothing on the offensive line.

Now we could use two of the best rookie CBs next year and drop the rest of the one we have (tongue and cheek).

Hey Chris Johnson of SDSU could be grabbed in round two (only 4.5 40 speed)-he is up for the Jim Thorp award for best defensive back in the country.

[Cornell29]

I would be for it, as long as they rams don't reach

[brasilrams]

I would take one and the other one via FA

[ocram23]

I do believe this could happen. they have to improve the roster for sure

[Bulldawg]

I would take one and the other one via FA

This! Rookie CBs usually struggle their first 1-3 years. Get one FA and 1 future franchise CB.

[NN1Badboy]

I think we take one in round one and one in round 2 or 3. We need another inside linebacker, a better C, another TE, and a swing tackle. But absolutely we could use 2 corners.

[GoldenRam]

I'm in the draft one, grab one in FA camp. IF a stopper is available, rather have that experience as opposed to all rooks

[malibu]

I'm in the draft one, grab one in FA camp. IF a stopper is available, rather have that experience as opposed to all rooks

I too like proven talent. Philly 2 years ago killed it in the draft with both of their cb selections but that was an anomaly.

[RAMFAN71]

Lets not lose sight that if any of our starting OL go down to injury, we are screwed. We def need to draft a LT/RT. also another interior guy. Stuf G or C. And I really hope Limmer can be salvaged....very unknown quantity there.

[Cornell29]

I would take one and the other one via FA

This! Rookie CBs usually struggle their first 1-3 years. Get one FA and 1 future franchise CB.

Philly kind of did it with Mitchell (1st round) and DeJean (high 2nd but was projectedto go in the 1st) and both made a immediate impact their rookie year. Mitchell is arguably a top 3 cb and DeJean isn't far behind.

If I'm the Rams I would go for 2 cbs with the 1st 3 picks, as long as they arent reaches.

[Cornell29]

Lets not lose sight that if any of our starting OL go down to injury, we are screwed. We def need to draft a LT/RT. also another interior guy. Stuf G or C. And I really hope Limmer can be salvaged....very unknown quantity there.

If you draft a LT/RT, high in the draft, wouldn't this upset many here bc he could sit the bench all of 2026 behind AJ and McClendon. The idea of using a high picks on a player who might not see the field in all of 2026, won't be well received, at least not on this board

With that said, I would be all for drafting a LT/RT in round 3 or later. Even if it means he sits the bench all year. Imo the 1st and 2nd round picks should be players that will have a good chance to start or contribute in 2026.

I'm looking at CB, and DL (run stuffing rotation piece bc right now Pooh is the only real run stuffing DL, as shown vs Carolina). Of course QB, if Stafford hints to retiring soon and a stud falls to the Rams. If there is a stud center, I'd be all for drafting one bc Shelton is average at best.

[RAMFAN71]

Lets not lose sight that if any of our starting OL go down to injury, we are screwed. We def need to draft a LT/RT. also another interior guy. Stuf G or C. And I really hope Limmer can be salvaged....very unknown quantity there.

If you draft a LT/RT, high in the draft, wouldn't this upset many here bc he could sit the bench all of 2026 behind AJ and McClendon. The idea of using a high picks on a player who might not see the field in all of 2026, won't be well received, at least bot on this board

With that said, I would be all for drafting a LT/RT in round 3 or later. Even if it means he sits the bench all year. Imo the 1st and 2nd round picks should be players that will have a good chance to start or contribute in 2026.

I'm looking at CB, and DL (run stuffing rotation piece bc right now Pooh is the only real run stuffing OL, as shown vs Carolina). Of course QB if Stafford hints to retire and a stud falls to the Rams. If there is a stud center, I'd be all for drafting one bc Shelton is average at best.

This makes sense to me. I just know we would all be losing our collective shit if AJ and/or McClendon go down because there's no viable backup (proven at least). But yes a CB/DL is a play now type position. You COULD argue to draft a stud RT and have McClendon be the backup. Either way we need to reload there. QB/WR is a position of need too. Lot depends on Stafford there obv. Would be great to get another year from him. Not sure why anyone would think he's not capable after this year....

[ocram23]

Lets not lose sight that if any of our starting OL go down to injury, we are screwed. We def need to draft a LT/RT. also another interior guy. Stuf G or C. And I really hope Limmer can be salvaged....very unknown quantity there.

thank you....just go look at the chiefs and chargers

[NorCal RF]

Lets not lose sight that if any of our starting OL go down to injury, we are screwed. We def need to draft a LT/RT. also another interior guy. Stuf G or C. And I really hope Limmer can be salvaged....very unknown quantity there.

And our starting LT has a life long blood clot issue…………..

And the starting OL has 80% being FA after the 26 season………….

[SoCalRam78]

Rams aren’t going to use a top 10 pick on a non starter. Same with other first rounder. CB is a glaring need. No game changers there. Long term - OL, WR, QB all issues on horizon. But literally can say same thing for most organizations. Everyone is in a window position wise. Rams do have a ton of financial flexibility but all their guys aren’t coming back obviously.

Why I love potentially trading down out of ATL pick. Maybe trade back in first and pick up a second ? Two firsts, two seconds and a third? Sign me up.

Lot of ways to go.

[Cornell29]

Lets not lose sight that if any of our starting OL go down to injury, we are screwed. We def need to draft a LT/RT. also another interior guy. Stuf G or C. And I really hope Limmer can be salvaged....very unknown quantity there.

And our starting LT has a life long blood clot issue…………..

And the starting OL has 80% being FA after the 26 season………….

I understand, but would it be ok if the rams use a 1st on a OL who might not play all of 2026 unless there is a injury? Things could change but AJ and McClendon been playing as good as any tackle tandem in the NFL.

I remember there being lots of people upset with the rams using high pics on players who are red shirted their rookie year. Look at Ferguson, who is playing but some are upset bc he isnt playing and contributing more as a 2nd rounder. Rams got heat for drafting Corum who didn't get alot of snaps early on his rookie season and he was a 3rd round pick. It is far from a sure thing that, if the rams draft a tackle in the 1st, they will contribute much early on or even later on in 2026.

If the rams find a gem in the 3rd, at tackle, would that be good, or do you want to use a 1st on one of the highest rated tackles?

[Cornell29]

Big test, the next two weeks, coming for McClendon. Aiden (Lions) and Lawrence (Seattle)....... Imo this will help determine if the rams go tackle 1st round or not.

If he shines the next two weeks, the Rams may have something

[Cornell29]

[NorCal RF]

And our starting LT has a life long blood clot issue…………..

And the starting OL has 80% being FA after the 26 season………….

I understand, but would it be ok if the rams use a 1st on a OL who might not play all of 2026 unless there is a injury? Things could change but AJ and McClendon been playing as good as any tackle tandem in the NFL.

I remember there being lots of people upset with the rams using high pics on players who are red shirted their rookie year. Look at Ferguson, who is playing but some are upset bc he isnt playing and contributing more as a 2nd rounder. Rams got heat for drafting Corum who didn't get alot of snaps early on his rookie season and he was a 3rd round pick. It is far from a sure thing that, if the rams draft a tackle in the 1st, they will contribute much early on or even later on in 2026.

If the rams find a gem in the 3rd, at tackle, would that be good, or do you want to use a 1st on one of the highest rated tackles?

JMO cornell absolutely yes it would be ok to draft OL in the first round next draft. You n I have been in here for years. You know me BPA when it is your pick. Follow your draft board…………….

And those giving the heat look like they are being proven wrong with Corum. I am big time confident they will be with Ferguson also. Not the first time with a Rams draft pick. And with what right now the OL may look like after the 26 season then again JMO there is great value in taking a OT in the first in this round and having them ready in case a starter gets hurt in 26 and to be ready to start in 27. IMO that is what really good organizations do. Think and look ahead.

A team can also draft starting CB’s in the 2nd n 3rd rounds also……………

[NorCal RF]

Rams aren’t going to use a top 10 pick on a non starter. Same with other first rounder. CB is a glaring need. No game changers there. Long term - OL, WR, QB all issues on horizon. But literally can say same thing for most organizations. Everyone is in a window position wise. Rams do have a ton of financial flexibility but all their guys aren’t coming back obviously.

Why I love potentially trading down out of ATL pick. Maybe trade back in first and pick up a second ? Two firsts, two seconds and a third? Sign me up.

Lot of ways to go.

“ Rams aren’t going to use a top 10 pick on a non starter. Same with other first rounder.”

And this is the problem in the NFL IMO for sometime know. There is like some unwritten rule that it is taboo for 1st rounders not to be developed in year one. I’m not saying they shouldn’t play but they have to start? Again I know why $ but I’m sorry if this player I feel can be a starter for the next so many years after he doesn't start his rookie year well I’m picking him yes in the 1st round if he is BPA on my draft board.

[Cornell29]

I understand, but would it be ok if the rams use a 1st on a OL who might not play all of 2026 unless there is a injury? Things could change but AJ and McClendon been playing as good as any tackle tandem in the NFL.

I remember there being lots of people upset with the rams using high pics on players who are red shirted their rookie year. Look at Ferguson, who is playing but some are upset bc he isnt playing and contributing more as a 2nd rounder. Rams got heat for drafting Corum who didn't get alot of snaps early on his rookie season and he was a 3rd round pick. It is far from a sure thing that, if the rams draft a tackle in the 1st, they will contribute much early on or even later on in 2026.

If the rams find a gem in the 3rd, at tackle, would that be good, or do you want to use a 1st on one of the highest rated tackles?

JMO cornell absolutely yes it would be ok to draft OL in the first round next draft. You n I have been in here for years. You know me BPA when it is your pick. Follow your draft board…………….

And those giving the heat look like they are being proven wrong with Corum. I am big time confident they will be with Ferguson also. Not the first time with a Rams draft pick. And with what right now the OL may look like after the 26 season then again JMO there is great value in taking a OT in the first in this round and having them ready in case a starter gets hurt in 26 and to be ready to start in 27. IMO that is what really good organizations do. Think and look ahead.

A team can also draft starting CB’s in the 2nd n 3rd rounds also……………

Understood
I have no issue with BPA. Yes Blake is looking like a good pick despite not making a huge impact his rookie year

[49RH8R]

Back to the OP, here's one scenario to upgrade our secondary.

Free agency will happen in March so we will know what we're up against before the draft. Shula might get a HC gig and could poach Durant, Curl and especially Lake. If that happens then Caleb Downs is priority #1. Sure, he could be gone but the ESPN mock draft from 10 hours ago shows him there at #9 for the Rams. Who knows?
https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/stor ... ield-yates

1A - Caleb Downs (see potential free agent losses)
1B - CB (see potential free agent losses)
2 - OT (top backup or eventual replacement for McClendon/AJ)
3 - OG/OC (Dotson,Avila, Shelton will be FA's in 2027)
4 - N/A
5A - OLB (we cut Hampton yesterday)
5B - OG/OC (Dotson,Avila, Shelton will be FA's in 2027)
6A - S (depth)
6B - ILB (depth)
7A - WR (maybe not if we re-sign X Smith and elevate Presley in 2026)
7B - TE (replace Higbee and his contract)

[NorCal RF]

Back to the OP, here's one scenario to upgrade our secondary.

Free agency will happen in March so we will know what we're up against before the draft. Shula might get a HC gig and could poach Durant, Curl and especially Lake. If that happens then Caleb Downs is priority #1. Sure, he could be gone but the ESPN mock draft from 10 hours ago shows him there at #9 for the Rams. Who knows?
https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/stor ... ield-yates

1A - Caleb Downs (see potential free agent losses)
1B - CB (see potential free agent losses)
2 - OT (top backup or eventual replacement for McClendon/AJ)
3 - OG/OC (Dotson,Avila, Shelton will be FA's in 2027)
4 - N/A
5A - OLB (we cut Hampton yesterday)
5B - OG/OC (Dotson,Avila, Shelton will be FA's in 2027)
6A - S (depth)
6B - ILB (depth)
7A - WR (maybe not if we re-sign X Smith and elevate Presley in 2026)
7B - TE (replace Higbee and his contract)

Downs would be a great pick @ #9……………

Your next 3 picks position wise after Downs. I assume your opinion in need? If so sorry BPA on Ram’s draft board. Your entire draft IMO should be based on draft board unless you feel there is a can’t miss QB in the 1st………………..

[49RH8R]

Back to the OP, here's one scenario to upgrade our secondary.

Free agency will happen in March so we will know what we're up against before the draft. Shula might get a HC gig and could poach Durant, Curl and especially Lake. If that happens then Caleb Downs is priority #1. Sure, he could be gone but the ESPN mock draft from 10 hours ago shows him there at #9 for the Rams. Who knows?
https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/stor ... ield-yates

1A - Caleb Downs (see potential free agent losses)
1B - CB (see potential free agent losses)
2 - OT (top backup or eventual replacement for McClendon/AJ)
3 - OG/OC (Dotson,Avila, Shelton will be FA's in 2027)
4 - N/A
5A - OLB (we cut Hampton yesterday)
5B - OG/OC (Dotson,Avila, Shelton will be FA's in 2027)
6A - S (depth)
6B - ILB (depth)
7A - WR (maybe not if we re-sign X Smith and elevate Presley in 2026)
7B - TE (replace Higbee and his contract)

Downs would be a great pick @ #9……………

Your next 3 picks position wise after Downs. I assume your opinion in need? If so sorry BPA on Ram’s draft board. Your entire draft IMO should be based on draft board unless you feel there is a can’t miss QB in the 1st………………..

Yes, just spitballing by need. For example, if there is a top OLB in round 2 and the OT's have all been picked over then by all means pick the higher rated OLB. I do think we need to come out of the draft with some bodies on the IOL and S.

[ocram23]

Back to the OP, here's one scenario to upgrade our secondary.

Free agency will happen in March so we will know what we're up against before the draft. Shula might get a HC gig and could poach Durant, Curl and especially Lake. If that happens then Caleb Downs is priority #1. Sure, he could be gone but the ESPN mock draft from 10 hours ago shows him there at #9 for the Rams. Who knows?
https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/stor ... ield-yates

1A - Caleb Downs (see potential free agent losses)
1B - CB (see potential free agent losses)
2 - OT (top backup or eventual replacement for McClendon/AJ)
3 - OG/OC (Dotson,Avila, Shelton will be FA's in 2027)
4 - N/A
5A - OLB (we cut Hampton yesterday)
5B - OG/OC (Dotson,Avila, Shelton will be FA's in 2027)
6A - S (depth)
6B - ILB (depth)
7A - WR (maybe not if we re-sign X Smith and elevate Presley in 2026)
7B - TE (replace Higbee and his contract)

Downs would be a great pick @ #9……………

Your next 3 picks position wise after Downs. I assume your opinion in need? If so sorry BPA on Ram’s draft board. Your entire draft IMO should be based on draft board unless you feel there is a can’t miss QB in the 1st………………..

agree on Downs but unless something changes he will be gone when the Rams pick. I love Reese OSU LB but I know McSnead won't draft a LB that high. I like Styles too who can be taken maybe late 1st or 2nd round. He is a stud LB from OSU as well. I also think the kid from LSU, CB, could be the pick for the Rams. Kid can play. I am also in the minority with the OT position. Rams have to address the OL in the offseason. OT and C IMO have to be addressed.
always good to talk about improving the team

[Cornell29]

Downs would be a great pick @ #9……………

Your next 3 picks position wise after Downs. I assume your opinion in need? If so sorry BPA on Ram’s draft board. Your entire draft IMO should be based on draft board unless you feel there is a can’t miss QB in the 1st………………..

Yes, just spitballing by need. For example, if there is a top OLB in round 2 and the OT's have all been picked over then by all means pick the higher rated OLB. I do think we need to come out of the draft with some bodies on the IOL and S.

Why OLB?

Young and Verse play OLB. Rams have death with Josiah Stewart who is playing well and is currently selected to be on the all rookie team.

[Cornell29]

Downs would be a great pick @ #9……………

Your next 3 picks position wise after Downs. I assume your opinion in need? If so sorry BPA on Ram’s draft board. Your entire draft IMO should be based on draft board unless you feel there is a can’t miss QB in the 1st………………..

agree on Downs but unless something changes he will be gone when the Rams pick. I love Reese OSU LB but I know McSnead won't draft a LB that high. I like Styles too who can be taken maybe late 1st or 2nd round. He is a stud LB from OSU as well. I also think the kid from LSU, CB, could be the pick for the Rams. Kid can play. I am also in the minority with the OT position. Rams have to address the OL in the offseason. OT and C IMO have to be addressed.
always good to talk about improving the team

I agree I doubt the Rams go ILB. Landman is ballin, and Rams removes the 2nd ILB off the field on passing downs to put in Joker /Q Lake.

[49RH8R]

Yes, just spitballing by need. For example, if there is a top OLB in round 2 and the OT's have all been picked over then by all means pick the higher rated OLB. I do think we need to come out of the draft with some bodies on the IOL and S.

Why OLB?

Young and Verse play OLB. Rams have death with Josiah Stewart who is playing well and is currently selected to be on the all rookie team.

It could be any position. My point was to take the higher rated player. Would you rather have the 4th ranked OLB or 8th ranked OT? I want to draft an OT but if there is better value at another position I'd go that route.

[Cornell29]

Why OLB?

Young and Verse play OLB. Rams have death with Josiah Stewart who is playing well and is currently selected to be on the all rookie team.

It could be any position. My point was to take the higher rated player. Would you rather have the 4th ranked OLB or 8th ranked OT? I want to draft an OT but if there is better value at another position I'd go that route.

I hate reaching, I'd trade down

[49RH8R]

It could be any position. My point was to take the higher rated player. Would you rather have the 4th ranked OLB or 8th ranked OT? I want to draft an OT but if there is better value at another position I'd go that route.

I hate reaching, I'd trade down

That's certainly an option too but if there is good value at a skill position like WR, edge, CB I'd have to consider it. Don't rule out TE either. Higbee has gotten old and injury prone and Davis Allen is going into a contract year. McVay has a new love of TE's.