Latest Rams mock draft from ESPN experts should shower fans with excitement

The ESPN draft experts are at it again. That's right, Mel Kiper, Matt Miller, and Field Yates have combined their NFL draft doings into one three-round mock draft. It's a rather large project, tackling the top 100 picks for the 32-team event, and it offers fans an example of how the Los Angeles Rams might fare during the draft.

While three participated, Los Angeles seemed to fall to the great guru himself, Mel Kiper. Kiper is the guy who started it all, so it's not a bad thing for him to be the man behind the curtains for this mock. But as is the case with any mock draft, the need to spread expertise over the entire event limits the prognosticator's ability to offer meaningful insight into the selection.

The draft is never easily anticipated. Not only does the event have huge impacts for the team in the present tense, but a well-crafted draft event can set Los Angeles up as a contender for years to come. The current playoff push began by adding running back Kyren Williams on Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft.

No experts applauded that year's rookie crop.

Even as experts understand positional needs, none have a grasp of actual fit. And it's that mesh of roles, skills, personalities, and cultures that truly spells success for rookies entering the NFL

Mel Kiper makes some bold picks for LA Rams in lastest mock draft

The LA Rams are preparing for the NFL draft, but their needs are more like wants. The team wants depth and talent at the quarterback, secondary, and wide receiver positions. Armed with generic positions, Kiper tosses a trio of rookie prospects who are both familiar and intriguing for Rams fans.

Round 3 - LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (Mel Kiper)

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has met with Los Angeles, and that is certainly something going for him. But the story leaked at a time when Los Angeles had previously been linked to Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Is this a red herring? In Kiper's mock draft, it's more akin to a plan B, a talented quarterback with huge upside on Day 2 of the draft.

Round 2 - Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds (Mel Kiper)

Here's a pick that doesn't fit the current culture. Los Angeles is aiming for a physical defense, and cornerback D'Angelo Ponds is a bit undersized at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds. Ponds is both productive and talented, and both attributes will ensure he will not wait long to hear his name called out. But with Keionte Scott, Chandler Rivers, and Keith Abney still on the board, I simply don't envision general manager Les Snead reaching for a smallish cornerback there.

Round 1 - Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (Mel Kiper)

Beware rookie reports as the NFL draft nears. In 2026, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is mysteriously dropping on draft boards. Medical flags always existed, but now the latest NFL rumors suggest his inability to formally work out for NFL teams has persuaded them to look elsewhere. Curiously, Tyson was once viewed among the top receivers in this draft.

Kiper ignores the current trend and mocks Jordyn Tyson to Los Angeles at the 13th overall. If the Rams love him, Tyson is a huge pick-up for many reasons. If the opposite is true, the team could trade back and allow Tyson to be selected by an NFL team that loves his potential.

Tyson is often injured, missing games every season. Making matters worse, he injured both hamstrings against Texas Tech in 2025, reinforcing his Rice Krispies reputation. But he won't be rushed into action with Los Angeles. Tyson could prove to hold huge upside in Horns.

As always, thanks for reading.