Latest draft rumors give Rams warm and fuzzies over Day 1 options

The Los Angeles Rams are salivating over the possibilities of selecting twice on Day 1 of the draft. Like a person who had gone on a diet for months, the team had opted to abstain from first-round rookie talent in place of securing true plug-and-play veterans. But in 2026, the likelihood of general manager Les Snead sitting out Round 1 seems remote indeed

Snead is armed with the 13th and 29th overall picks in Round 1 of the draft.

Of course, that translates into just 12 selections before LA steps up to the podium. Why is that important? For every player chosen before Los Angeles, all other rookie prospects tumble a bit further down the board, closer and closer to Snead's reach.

Right now, NFL draft analyst Todd McShay predicts that Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love will be off the board within the first five selections.

While Love would be a solid addition to LA's running back depth, he is not a need. If he is chosen earlier than the 13th pick, players at positions of greater need fall. And that creates a winning solution for Snead and company on draft day.

Rams have to love how Day 1 is shaping up already

One of the attributes of perusing mock drafts at this time of year is less about who the LA Rams might select, and more about who may remain on the draft board. Unfortunately, it's all speculation. But it's a safe bet that Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Ohio State Arvell Reese, and Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate will be among the first 10 selections.

Now, fans can add Jeremiyah Love to the list of early selections.

Regardless of which team is selecting, only 12 players can be chosen before Les Snead gets his opportunity. That means that Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy, Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano, or Arizona wide receiver Jordyn Tyson could still be on the board.

If not? Other highly regarded rookie prospects fall to 13.

Perhaps LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane falls. Perhaps he is joined by USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. The possibilities are endless.

No matter how you may slice and dice the draft, the Horns will select after the top 12 and 28 rookie prospects are selected. So when fans chide others with the 'he will never fall that far' proclamation, take heart. Nobody knows who will fall to LA on Day 1. But as stocks rise, other stocks must fall.

It all combines to give Los Angeles an incredible number of solid options on Day 1 of the draft.

As always, thanks for reading.