Jets game winning field goal uplift Rams spirits for upcoming 2026 NFL Draft

Okay, let's pivot from the Week 13 loss to the 7-6 Carolina Panthers for just a moment to survey another game that held significant impact for the 9-3 Los Angeles Rams. The wacky 3-9 New York Jets kicked a 56-yard field goal with time running out to defeat the 4-9 Atlanta Falcons. Why should Rams fans be concerned about the outcome of an AFC game?

Los Angeles holds a quiver of draft picks for the 2026 NFL Draft, including the Round 1 pick allotted to the Falcons. Right now, that pick has improved to a Top-10 pick. And general manager Les Snead can be incredibly effective in the draft that early. In one recent mock draft, the haul was a quarterback, a cornerback, and two offensive linemen in just the first two days.

The Rams are not the only NFL team with multiple projected picks in Round 1. Other teams that are picking more than once on Day 1 include the New York Jets (2 picks), the Cleveland Browns (2 picks), and the Rams. All three teams are currently projected to hold at least one pick among the top 10 selections in Round 1.

The Rams are the only playoff contender to hold two picks in Round 1, and one of those picks is among the top 10 selections.

Is this the year to rummage for Matthew Stafford's successor?

Plenty of NFL draft analysts have cooled considerably over the rookie quarterback prospects likely to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. And that creates a bit of a quandary for a team that finds itself with few alternatives.

Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is having a sensational season. However, even as he smashes long-standing NFL records, he still raises concerns. It's not a matter of if general manager Les Snead will shop for Stafford's successor, but when and how.

Rams 2026 NFL Draft selections

• Round 1- Projected Top 10 (via Atlanta Falcons)
• Round 1
• Round 2
• Round 3
• Round 5 
• Round 6 (via Tennessee Titans via Roger McCreary trade)
• Round 6 (via Houston Texans)
• Round 6
• Round 7 (via Baltimore Ravens)
• Round 7 (comp pick via Demarcus Robinson)
• * Round 4 pick was traded to the Indianapolis Colts to select DL Ty Hamilton

The Rams may not seem like a needy roster at the moment, but the team's 10 picks will be spent before the shopping list is exhausted.

While quarterback may be a top priority for fans, multiple positions can be addressed masterfully with a top draft selection, including one of the draft class's top wide receivers. But as fans have come to learn, Snead only spends on a prospect if that rookie is deemed to be worthy of the investment. If the Rams step up to the podium and no rookie is worth that selection, the team is always willing to trade back.

As long as the Falcons keep losing, the 2026 NFL Draft will remain an offseason attraction for Rams fans. But just as it goes with NFL playoff berths, it's only a certainty when the season ends.

As always, thanks for reading.