Los Angeles Rams: 2026 NFL Draft Preview
How They Got Here
LA's collapse was swift and brutal. The 2024 season ended with a wild card loss to the Vikings, but the roster was competitive. Then 2025 happened. Stafford's back injury in Week 7 — a herniated disc that required surgery — derailed everything. The offense fell apart without him (Stetson Bennett: 11 TDs, 14 INTs, 68.2 rating). Cooper Kupp was traded to Buffalo for a 2026 second-rounder after demanding out. The defense, without Aaron Donald (retired) and newly acquired Chris Jones (who missed 4 games with a calf injury), couldn't stop anyone. Sean McVay considered retirement again but decided to return, saying he 'owes it to the guys who committed.' The Rams traded their original first-rounder for Jones, but acquired Atlanta's first (#13) in a separate deal that sent WR Puka Nacua to the Falcons for picks.
Team Needs
The Rams pick at #13 via Atlanta after trading their original pick (#9 range) to Kansas City for Chris Jones. The 3-14 season was a disaster — the worst in franchise history since the 2009 Rams went 1-15. Matthew Stafford played just 7 games before a back injury ended his season, and Stetson Bennett (yes, him) went 1-9 as the starter. But Les Snead isn't rebuilding — he traded for Chris Jones to pair with Aaron Donald's replacement in the middle. The Rams are trying to reload, not rebuild.
Draft Outlook
Les Snead is still in win-now mode — the Chris Jones trade proves it. But the Rams need young talent to supplement Jones and build for when Stafford (who will be 38 in 2026) eventually retires. Keldric Faulk (EDGE) would pair with Jones to give LA a dominant interior/edge combo. Colton Hood (CB) fills the secondary need. Anthony Hill Jr. (LB) addresses the linebacker weakness that was exposed all season. McVay wants to compete now, so expect a player who can contribute immediately.
Top Prospect Fits
1. Keldric Faulk
A young, physically developed edge rusher with a prototypical NFL build. At 6-4, 265 lbs, Faulk's rush upside is undersold, and he's also a disruptive run defender. Pairing him with Chris Jones on the interior would give LA a dominant pass-rush duo. His versatility fits Raheem Morris's defensive scheme. Odds: +175 to go #13 (favorite).
2. Colton Hood
An ultra-competitive corner with Day 1 starter ability. At 6-1, 195 lbs, Hood's polished game and strong Senior Bowl performance make him a high-floor pick. The Rams' secondary was torched all season — Hood would immediately start opposite whoever they have left. Odds: +225 to go #13.
3. Anthony Hill Jr.
A hit-run-and-cover playmaker with turnover production. At 6-2, 235 lbs, Hill's athleticism fits the Rams' need for a three-down linebacker who can cover tight ends and backs. The linebacker position was a disaster in 2025 — Hill would transform it. Odds: +300 to go #13.
4. Carnell Tate
With Kupp and Nacua both gone, the Rams desperately need receivers. Tate is the WR2 in the class with elite body control. At 6-2, 195 lbs, he'd immediately become Stafford's top target when healthy. A slight surprise at #13 but fills a massive need. Odds: +450 to go #13.
Draft Strategy
Les Snead doesn't rebuild — he reloads. The Chris Jones trade, even from a 3-14 team, proves the Rams believe they can compete when Stafford is healthy. This pick should prioritize immediate contributors: Faulk to pair with Jones, Hood to stabilize the secondary, or Hill to fix the linebacker problem. The receiver need is real (Kupp and Nacua both gone), but McVay can scheme around that. Defense wins championships, and that's where the Rams need the most help.
Betting Analysis
The #13 pick market is fairly balanced. Keldric Faulk leads at +175 as the edge rusher option. Colton Hood (+225) is the CB play. Anthony Hill Jr. (+300) addresses linebacker. The Rams are +150 to draft a defensive lineman in Round 1, reflecting the need to build around Chris Jones. Faulk at +175 makes the most sense schematically — an edge rusher to pair with Jones would give LA a fearsome front. Hood at +225 offers value if the secondary need is deemed more pressing. The Rams are unlikely to trade up (-300 to stay at #13) after already trading so much capital.
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