Day 2 of the draft will showcase how well Rams Les Snead truly sizzles in 2026

Fans of the Los Angeles Rams are blinded by the fact that the team is currently armed with not one, but two draft picks on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. It's no surprise, because since hiring head coach Sean McVay, this team has only selected on Day 1 of the draft once.

And outside linebacker Jared Verse sets pretty high expectations for general manager Les Snead's encore performance.

But the same guy who has a well-deserved reputation for forgetting those picks has mounted his all-in saddle once more. Historically, that's meant trading, not spending, first round picks. But surely Snead is not about to trade both Round 1 picks this year, right?

Well, he masterfully accomplishes the unexpected.

Knowing this, fans who want to be pleased with the draft must prepare to sit out Day 1, despite all the pomp and ceremony luring them into hypothetical scenarios. But what happens if the first day of the draft doesn't match lofty expectations? Is the draft disappointing as a result?

Fear not, Ramily. Day 2 is when Snead sizzles. Forget the All-Pro rookie honors. This team needs impact players, regardless of their point of origin. And we're about to discover some quality prospects armed with enough passion and talent to check all the boxes.

Les Snead sizzles with these rookie selections

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is about to get underway. You likely have a list of prospects to monitor throughout the event. Here are several rookies you should add to your list. They are talented and may fall to LA due to the quality and depth of this draft at some key positions.

3 Round 2 options (61st overall)

Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II

Selecting so late in Round 2 means fans must be willing to consider fast-rising Round 3 prospects, and Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II is certainly that. Blessed with superb footwork, height, strategic coverage, and zone coverage expertise, Abney is a guy whose stock will rise rapidly in the combine. His special teams specialty makes him a true fit.

Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt

When shopping for wide receivers in any draft, be sure to consider teammates of top rookie quarterback prospects. Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt is the 'other guy' from the Hoosiers superb offense. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 209 pounds, he has the right body frame to plug-and-play in LA's physical offense.

A Davante Adams clone, he boasts incredible mastery of his body, and loves to set up defensive backs with moves that build the confusion. He is Mr. Clutch and will quickly pry his way onto the football field.

Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams

While Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams does not scream physicality, he does scream a doctorate in complex route running. He can do it all in an NFL offense and brings elite return skills to the NFL. While not physically intimidating, he does have a low center of gravity that makes tackling him to the ground a difficult chore. He is an immediate special teamer.

4 Round 3 options (93rd overall)

Iowa State defensive tackle Dominique Orange (nicknamed Big Citrus)

It's impossible to keep a dominating defensive tackle named Dominique Orange off this list. But with a nickname of Big Citrus, this versatile nose tackle is bound to put fans in seats. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing a sturdy 325 pounds, Orange is a defensive coordinator's dream. He is big enough to withstand double teams at the point of attack. But he remains agile enough to slide anywhere along the defensive front.

He is a rare combination of Poona Ford and Jared Verse, and could reasonably sub in for either player. He fits what this defense needs.

Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee

A secondary upgrade would be wise to include Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee. Boasting strength in his 6-foot-1 frame, Lee brings the boom to any NFL secondary. His wingspan is Albatross-level, giving him a stretch radius to deflect passes and frustrate quarterbacks. And he brings superb physicality, particularly when solo tackling.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier

On some draft boards, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is the third-best quarterback in this draft. But a height of 6-foot-1 and a weight of just over 200 pounds won't raise eyebrows at the combine. And his pocket passer style in a mobile quarterback-crowded combine may hinder NFL interest.

But what he does not do with his legs, he does with his arm. He resembles Matthew Stafford in his ability to throw off platform and varying arm angles. He just needs to master the no-look pass.

USC edge rusher Anthony Lucas

USC edge rusher Anthony Lucas played in Los Angeles's backyard, and he has a Von Miller frame. That is, he can go low, spin on a dime, and use his Mister Fantastic stretch to hook and land quarterbacks as he rounds the turn. Best of all, he has a mastery of multiple pass rush moves to arm him against offensive tackles from the opening kickoff.

Bonus Round 6 options

Toledo cornerback Andre Fuller

Toledo cornerback Andre Fuller is a sleeper pick from NFL draft analyst Justin Melo, and he could be a gold nugget. Blessed with great speed and solid size, he is a rookie prospect whose stock will rise as Pro Day performances start to stack up.

Ole Miss cornerback Antonio Kite

Mississippi cornerback Antonio Kite is cursed with solid skills in a deep cornerback draft. But he brings a solid foundation of footwork and coverage skills to the NFL. He has incredible versatility, allowing defenses to project him anywhere behind the defensive front.

Iowa cornerback TJ Hall

The path to physical defensive backs will lead Snead right to TJ Hall's doorstep. Standing 6-foot-0, Hall continues the Iowa tradition of hard-hitting defenders. He flirts with enough versatility to step into the defense as a nickel or dime cornerback instantly. And if the quarterback loses track of him in the secondary, he can jump the route and claim an interception.

Day 2 is not a consolation prize for fans heartbroken from a frustrating first day of Les Snead's draft. It's likely the day this team loads up on impact players. And for good measure, we featured some late draft players who could instantly upgrade special teams coverage units.

Don't be discouraged. Fans know that Les Snead always has a master plan for restocking the Rams roster. It's up to fans to show enough patience to allow Snead time to sizzle.

As always, thanks so much for reading.