2026 NFL Team Draft Page

2025 Draft Grade: B+

Trading out of the 27th pick always seemed like it would make the most sense for the Rams, and while Jihaad Campbell still being on the board complicated the move a bit, the plan was in place and Sean McVay and Les Snead executed it well, making the most of their six draft picks.

TE Terrance Ferguson doesn't boast as well rounded of a profile as the TEs taken before him, but he could be dangerous in this offense. Ferguson can threaten all three levels of the field as a pass catcher, and will likely be deployed as a move TE lining up in line, but also seeing snaps out of the slot while his run blocking develops. Following the sage wisdom that you can never have too many good pass rushers, LA used their RD 3 pick on EDGE Josiah Stewart who, despite his size, dominated Big 10 competition and the Senior Bowl. Adding him to a group lead by Jared Verse and Byron Young will allow everyone time to rest, well'except opposing QBs.

The Rams continued to alternate between offense and defense on Day 3, prioritizing their board over reaching for a given position. This netted them an explosive RB in Jarquez Hunter, and a versatile, but raw DT in Ty Hamilton, but the Day 3 pick most likely to make an early impact is Chris "Pooh" Paul Jr. On tape, Paul was a top-100 talent, but concerns over his size (6'1", 222lbs) and short arms (29 7/8") helped him slide deep into RD 5 and now he has the chance to earn a starting job in a thin Rams LB group. Rounding out the draft class is former Pitt WR Konata Mumpfield. Not especially big or fast Mumpfield is a smooth route runner with natural hands, adding underrated depth to the WR room.

Looking Ahead - 2026 Draft

Time will tell if the Rams reluctance to draft a CB is due to confidence in former Commanders RD 1 pick Emmanuel Forbes or belief that they will ultimately reunite with Jalen Ramsey if/when he leaves the Dolphins. For now CB looks like a priority for the 2026 draft, with not many other immediate holes apparent in the roster. QB Matt Stafford will eventually need a successor and LB is a question still pending an answer, but overall the Rams ability to draft well and supplement with trades has them in pretty solid shape for the future.

The Rams trade down from pick 27 to 46 in the 2025 Draft netted them an extra RD 1 pick for 2026. While it's far too soon to speculate on the fate of any of the 10 picks the Rams are currently slated to have in next years draft, it does offer the team a good bit of flexibility given the potential question mark at the games most important position. Officially, QB Matthew Stafford is under contract through the 2026 season and LA is in no rush to move on, with Head Coach Sean McVay saying he thinks Stafford "can play as long as he wants."

At age 37, entering his 17th NFL season Stafford is still playing at a high level, and surrounded by a solid team that continues to uncover young talent. How Stafford finishes the season, both physically and mentally will have a ripple effect on the Rams draft plans, but that extra RD 1 pick could be a perfect opportunity to add a QB of the future to sit behind Stafford without forcing the team to pass on top talent at another position.