The projection notes a memorable balance for Snead and McVay: the Rams would cash in on their recent day-three hits (Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams) and land a first-day contributor in Jared Verse, all while navigating more than $43 million in cap space to facilitate development and roster moves.
Round 1, Pick 13: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU. Delane brings press-man traits with length and footwork to disrupt routes at the line and mirror receivers in off-man and zone looks, giving L.A. a youthful anchor at corner opposite likely new targets in free agency.
Round 1, Pick 29: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama. The mock envisions the Rams staying put at 29 to groom a potential Stafford successor, with Simpson’s footwork and progression timing as appealing assets despite questions about deep-ball accuracy.
Round 2, Pick 61: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo. McNeil-Warren is described as a downhill defender with versatility that could evolve into a valuable multi-role safety, offering competition for the backend alongside Quentin Lake.
Round 3, Pick 93: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon. World is a tall, mobile tackle with strong pass-blocking credentials and a basketball background that helps his footwork, though he’ll need to refine hand placement and consistency.
Round 5, Pick 167: T.J. Hall, CB, Iowa. Hall adds another press-man option in the secondary with clean break timing and technical polish, providing depth and competition in a deep corner class.
Round 6, Pick 205: Pat Coogan, C, Indiana. Coogan, Indiana’s Rose Bowl MVP, brings experience and blitz recognition to the interior, offering the Rams a versatile center option with academic acumen and leadership.
Round 6, Pick 208: Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama. Cuevas is a vertical threat with reliable receiving traits, though he must improve blocking to fulfill a continued role in a tight-end group that could see Higbee depart.
Round 7, Pick 232: C.J. Daniels, WR, Miami. Daniels supplies speed (4.44 40) and a proven playmaking ability as a capable deep threat, fitting the Rams’ need for offensive versatility and big-play potential.
Round 7, Pick 250: Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana. Nowakowski adds blocking reliability and pro-ready versatility, potentially supporting a two-TE set while contributing on special teams.
Round 7, Pick 256: Skyler Thomas, S, Oregon State. Thomas closes the class as a safety with run-support instincts and pass-defending upside, prioritizing special-teams impact and long-term backend development.
The mock underscores a defensive emphasis for Los Angeles, while building depth across the roster and providing a pathway to long-term QB development. For Rams fans, it reflects how a comprehensive 2026 class could leverage cap space and a proven talent evaluation framework to sustain a competitive window after recent playoff disappointments.
