New Rams mock draft showcases trading back to land ideal next chapter NFL stars

Oh my, the Los Angeles Rams have the feel of a team that is about to go places in 2026. But to get there, the team needs to pad the roster with depth and durability. No NFL championship comes easily, but a team that is forced to manage new injuries every week is particularly challenged.

LA's 2025 draft strategy was about adding depth up and down the roster. The 2026 strategy has to add a new dimension, the foundation for the next chapter of success for this team. Los Angeles is going all-in for 2026. But that places a tremendous burden on balancing the budget. But savvy general manager Les Snead is already scheming to avoid another 2022 meltdown.

He needs a solid draft to not only carry him through 2026 but also to set a solid foundation for the future. So, the task ahead for this year's draft takes on a new dimension, a spin to begin pre-writing the next chapter for the Horns. So let's dive into the 2026 NFL Draft with an eye on setting a championship foundation for the future.

Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Round 1 - TRADE

The New England Patriots want wide receiver Jordan Tyson badly, and are willing to trade their 2026 Round 1 (31st overall), Round 3 (95th overall), Round 6 (191st overall), and 2027 Round 1 to move up to 13th overall. That works for general manager Les Snead. Not every team believes in Jorday Tyson, but the Patriots certainly do in this scenario.

Rams lose: 13th overall. Rams get: 31st, 95th, 191st overall picks and 2027 Round 1 pick

Round 1 - 31st overall | Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston

How about that? Les Snead trades back and lands one of the best receivers in this draft class. Unrealistic? Think again. Only 30 rookies come off the board before LA grabs Boston. All signs point to Denzel Boston as a potential 2026 Day 1 starter, and that is a huge achievement in this offense.

For an added bonus, Boston brings extensive special teams experience to a Los Angeles team engaged in a manhunt for special team specialists.

Round 2 - 61st overall | Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr.

After discovering the value at linebacker with veteran Nate Landman, LA is ready to invest in the position. Texas linebacker Anthony Hill falls to 61st overall, despite a consensus projection among the top three linebackers in this draft class. While viewed as a run stuffer, Hill brings plenty of pass coverage to the position as well. And he brings an instant succession plan to LA.

Best of all, he shapes up to star in special teams coverage. He's value-added at 61.

Round 3 - TRADE

The Detroit Lions want to trade into Round 3 and are willing to pay two Round 4 picks, a Round 7 pick, plus a 2027 Round 4 draft pick to do so. Of course, general manager Les Snead knows that he has an additional Round 3 pick in his pocket, so he pulls the trigger

Rams lose: 93rd overall. Rams get: 118th, 128th, and 232nd overall picks, and a 2027 Round 4 pick

Round 3 - 95th overall | Iowa State defensive tackle Dominique Orange

LA may be loaded with defensive line talent today. But can this team afford to extend everyone? Well, it's that uncertainty that drives Snead to select one of the best defensive tackles in this rookie class, Iowa State's Dominique Orange. Big Citrus is a dynamic defender. He's raw, but his ceiling is in outer space.

A bona fide run stuffer, Orange would benefit tremendously from playing behind Poona Ford and Kobie Turner. The Yellow and Blue need next-generation defensive standouts. Orange checks the boxes.

Rams rip into 2026 NFL Draft with Day 3 draft haul

Round 4 - 118th overall | Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal

Day 3 cornerbacks are raw, but Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal offers incredible potential. At 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, Neal instantly projects as a versatile defender who can play multiple defensive positions, as well as contribute on special teams in coverage. He has all the athleticism and genetic advantages to excel in the NFL. He simply needs to be coached into unlocking all that potential

Round 4 - 128th overall | South Carolina defensive back Jalon Kilgore

South Carolina defensive back Jalon Kilgore is a slow cornerback who projects to the NFL as a safety. But his size at 6-foot1 and 210 pounds highlights his potential as an NFL hybrid linebacker/safety that is all the rage. And you can bet that defensive coordinator Chris Shula would have plenty of uses for a versatile defensive back. Some draft boards project Kilgoe selected as early as Round 2, while others project him off the board late on Day 3.

Round 6 - 191st overall | Missouri offensive tackle Keagan Trost

Los Angeles loves Day 3 offensive linemen. Starting right tackle Warren McClendon was a late selection from the 2023 NFL Draft. Trost is a burly blocker who loves the chaos in the trenches. Trost loves to attack, giving him an excellent reputation as a run-blocker, but subtracting plenty of points in pass protection. Trost is a good investment, as LA doesn't rush rookies into the fray.

Round 6 - 207th overall | Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green

There is not a lot of buzz surrounding rookie quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. As such, one of the most intriguing prospects plummets to Day 3. And Les Snead will happily select Arkansas quarterback Taylen Gree there. Green stands 6-foot-6, weighs 227 pounds, can threaten defenses with his arm as well as his legs, and is gifted at improvising. Green is an elite engineer of explosive plays, an attribute that makes him irresistible to LA.

Round 7 - 232nd overall | Iowa cornerback TJ Hall

Late Day 3 rookies have to earn their roster spot, but Iowa cornerback is well- suited to do exactly that. At 6-foot-1, Hall has ideal size. While 189 pounds begs weight room work, he is no featherweight. He plays bigger than he is and can shadow even the most elusive receivers. He is incredible in run defense, but raw in some coverage schemes.

Round 7 - 251st overall | Maryland defensive back Jalen Huskey

Maryland's Jalen Huskey is a ball hawker, racking up 11 interceptions in three college football seasons. He reads the quarterback's eyes to jump routes. That will need to adapt to the no-look passes that Matthew Stafford has perfected. Still, Huskey is passionate and productive, a great combination.

Round 7 - 252nd overall | Alabama tight end Josh Cuevas

If you want a workout warrior at tight end, Alabama's Josh Cuevas is not for you. Cuevas does not possess incredible size or athleticism. As such, he has perfected his craft with superior technique. As such, this 6-foot-3, 245-pound tight end offers plenty of versatility in a creative offensive scheme. He loves to block and executes at an offensive tackle's level.

He runs precision routes and has a strong grip that snatches the football out of the air.

He is still raw, but his size and speed earmark him to become an instant impact player on special teams.

A lot of players? Sure. But keep in mind that this draft is meant to set the foundation for 2027 and beyond.

As always, thanks for reading.