Rams ignore need and give Sean McVay an exciting weapon in new mock draft

As the NFL prepares to kick off draft season with the 2026 Scouting Combine, the plan for the Los Angeles Rams should be clear: build up the cornerback room. The Rams were a couple of plays away from the Super Bowl, but they were unable to overcome a struggling secondary.

Fortunately, Los Angeles has two first-round picks in the 2026 Draft to invest at the position.

However, that’s not what NFL writer Gennaro Filice has the team doing in his recent mock draft. With the Rams’ first pick at No. 13, the pick they acquired from the Atlanta Falcons, Filice had the team selecting Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate.

That would certainly be a choice since Los Angeles is already stacked at wideout.

Rams select Carnell Tate in recent mock draft

Los Angeles already has wide receiverPuka Nacua, arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL. His teammate, veteran Davante Adams, one of the best wideouts of the last decade, is still playing at a great level.

While adding a third receiver like Tate would be exciting, this would be viewed as the rich getting richer, while the team neglects other important needs like corner.

Filice is aware of that, but pointed out that this is a result of the other team’s selections. Right before L.A.’s pick at 13, the Miami Dolphins are projected to select Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy at 11. The Dallas Cowboys are expected to use their12th pick on LSU corner Mansoor Delane.

Instead of having the Rams reach for a DB, Filice just had them select arguably the best receiver in the draft class.

"Having just missed out on the top two cornerbacks in this simulation, Los Angeles adds more firepower to its top-ranked offense. With Matthew Stafford back under center in 2026, the reigning MVP is rewarded with an acrobatic vertical threat for his ageless arm to exploit.

Sean McVay can tenderize defenses with heavy personnel, then flash-fry them with a three-receiver set of Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Carnell Tate."

Gennaro Filice (NFL.com)

However, Filice did have Los Angeles using their second Day 1 pick at 29 on Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.

While not a corner, McNeil-Warren is a talented player who would also address another need in the secondary. That would give the Rams two exciting first-round picks, but cornerback would still be unaddressed, unless the team does something in free agency.