Early Rams 3 round 2026 mock draft makes 1 thing clear (they won't fall short)

Rams 3-round 2026 mock draft makes 1 thing clear (they won't fall short)

Perhaps one of the greatest challenges to running through the exercise of an early Rams mock draft is the uncertainties that shroud the rookies who will elect to participate. So many 2026 NFL mock drafts insist that rookie quarterback Arch Manning will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, but I remain entirely skeptical.

Complicating the matter even further is the fact that the Rams are not only armed with their own Round 1 draft pick for the 2026 NFL Draft, but also have the Round 1 pick from the Atlanta Falcons to spend as well. So that creates an entirely new set of variables for the Rams fans, a fanbase that has had to sit through Day 1 of the NFL Draft for the past nine seasons, and only get to experience a selection on Day 1 once.

But when that lone rookie becomes the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, fans can all agree that he was worth the wait. So, who will the Rams draft with two Round 1 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Round 1 - Miami OT Francis Mauigoa

Rams GM Les Snead shared his perspective over the 2025 NFL Draft, admitting that the quality of talent that was up from grabs compelled the team to manufacture a solid rookie class by not swinging for the fences, and merely swinging to get on-base. But at the same time, Snead described the 2026 NFL Draft as the type of draft in which the Rams might want to swing for the fences. By selecting offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa from the Miami Hurricanes, the Rams get all of that first pick to hit a grand slam.

Yes, the team is not easily persuaded to select a rookie offensive tackle right out of the gates, but this 6-foot-6, 315-pound offensive tackles in just too good to pass up. Projected on some draft boards already as a Top-5 selection, Francis Mauigoa falls to the Rams early in the 2026 NFL Draft due to the abundance of talent at quarterback, edge rusher, and defensive backs in this rookie class.

The Rams may be tempted to try to trade up for an early Round 1 quarterback, but the price is either too high or no trade partner can be found. But as is the case so often, the Rams seem to land on their feet after a failed trade, and can arguably be described as ending in a much better place.

Any draft scenario that allows the team to emerge with a true future franchise blind-side offensive tackle is a great move, particularly in the aftermath of Alaric Jackson's second bout of blood clot issues. The Rams face serious questions over the status of their offensive tackle position in 2026. With this move, it's quite clear that the Rams are taking those concerns very seriously.

Round 1 - PSU QB Drew Allar

The beauty with holding two Round 1 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft is not limited to packaging those picks to trade up for a shot at one of the elite quarterbacks on the draft board. Rather, the second Round 1 draft pick can be used to ensure that the team does not emerge from Day 1 of the draft without a worthy rookie quarterback. And with the second Round 1 pick in this draft, the Rams select Penn State quarterback Drew Allar.

Allar may not be ready to start for the Rams offense on Day 1 of his rookie season, nor should he be expected to do so. Allar is a huge 6-foot-5, 238-pound rookie quarterback who has the ability to beat defenses with his legs and his arm. And entering his fourth and expected final season of NCAA football competition, NFL draft analysts are keeping him in sights to ensure that he continues to grow and develop himself while elevating the play of his teammates.

Keep in mind that Allar was the quarterback throwing to rookie tight end sensation Tyler Warren.

Because he has shown the ability to heave passes downfield with tremendous arm strength, and the ability to move the chains and score touchdowns with his legs, Allar is already drawing comparisons to Buffalo Bills veteran quarterback Josh Allen. In 2024, Allar completed 66.5 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. He also rushed 96 times for 302 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. If he can improve on those numbers in 2025, he will certainly hear his name called out on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft.