The Los Angeles Rams are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with something they haven’t had in a while: options. Real options. With two first-round picks in hand and a roster that’s straddling the line between playoff contention and long-term transition, Sean McVay and the Rams’ front office are embracing a more balanced approach - one that values both flexibility and foresight.
McVay: “Flexibility” Is the Keyword
Let’s start with the man at the helm. Sean McVay has never been shy about his aggressive tendencies when it comes to roster building - think blockbuster trades, star-studded additions, and a general “win now” mentality.
But this time around, the tone is a little different. The Rams are still focused on the here and now, but they’re also thinking a few steps ahead.
“That trade was made with a lot of thought,” McVay said, referring to a recent move that allowed the Rams to slide back in the draft while still landing tight end Terrence Ferguson. “We had players we really liked and felt confident we could still get after moving back.”
That move also gave them extra draft capital - and McVay made it clear that’s not just a luxury, it’s a strategic asset.
“In the bigger picture, having more draft capital gives you flexibility,” he said. “It gives you more ammo to upgrade the totality of your roster.”
This isn’t about abandoning the Rams’ aggressive identity. It’s about expanding the toolkit. Whether it’s the draft, free agency, or developing in-house talent, McVay and GM Les Snead are keeping every option on the table.
Cornerback: A Position on the Brink
One area that could see major change? Cornerback. The Rams are staring down the possibility of losing seven of the ten corners currently on the roster - including Cobie Durant, who had three picks in 2025 and was one of the more consistent playmakers in the secondary.
Even with some young talent in the pipeline, the sheer volume of potential departures makes this a priority. Expect the Rams to be active here - whether that means using one of those first-rounders on a top-tier cover man or taking multiple swings in the middle rounds to rebuild depth.
This isn’t just about replacing bodies. It’s about retooling a position group that could look completely different by the time training camp rolls around.
Quarterback: The Stafford Succession Plan
Matthew Stafford is still slinging it like a top-tier quarterback - 4,179 yards and 40 touchdowns at age 37 is nothing to scoff at. But the reality is, the clock is ticking. And the Rams know it.
With backup Jimmy Garoppolo also set to hit free agency, the quarterback room could be in flux sooner than later. That doesn’t mean the Rams are ready to move on from Stafford - far from it. But it does mean they’re in position to think about the future without having to force the issue.
Having two first-round picks gives the Rams the flexibility to draft a quarterback they believe in and let him develop behind a proven veteran. It’s not an urgent need, but it’s certainly a strategic one.
“Every year is different based on who’s under contract, who’s on rookie deals, and who’s due for extensions,” McVay noted. Translation: the Rams are keeping their options open, and quarterback is very much part of the long-term conversation.
Tight End: Time to Refresh the Room?
The tight end position is also entering a transitional phase. Veterans Tyler Higbee and Nick Vannett - both 32 - are set to hit free agency. Higbee has been a reliable piece of the offense for years, but age and injuries are starting to catch up.
In today’s NFL, tight ends are more than just safety blankets - they’re matchup nightmares, red-zone weapons, and key pieces in the modern passing game. Don’t be surprised if the Rams look to inject some youth and versatility into this room, whether through a Day 2 pick or by developing someone behind the scenes.
Terrence Ferguson, who came in via the trade-down maneuver, could be part of that solution. But given the looming departures, there’s room for more reinforcements.
Safety: Quiet Need, Big Implications
Safety isn’t grabbing headlines, but it should be on the radar. Kamren Curl and Quentin Lake - both productive in 2025 - are among three safeties set to hit free agency. That’s a lot of experience potentially walking out the door.
The Rams do have a promising young piece in Kamren Kinchens, who tallied 73 tackles and two interceptions this past season. Still, depth is thin, and the position could use an infusion of talent.
This is the kind of need that doesn’t always get addressed in Round 1, but don’t be surprised if the Rams target a versatile safety who can contribute on special teams early and grow into a bigger role down the line.
Draft Philosophy: It’s About the Player, Not Just the Pick
At the core of all this is a draft philosophy that’s evolved. For McVay and the Rams, it’s not just about where you’re picking - it’s about who you’re picking.
“At the end of the day, where you’re picking matters, but it’s really about the player,” McVay said. “Once you attach a name to that pick, that’s where the real value comes from.”
That mindset reflects a team that’s no longer operating solely in “win-now” mode. The Rams are still competitive - and Stafford’s numbers back that up - but they’re also laying the groundwork for what comes next.
With two first-round picks, a handful of roster holes, and a coaching staff that knows how to develop talent, the Rams are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with more flexibility than they’ve had in years. And they’re ready to use it.