Rams land perfect run stuffing neutralizer in Day 2 mock to counter Day 1 rivals

After failing to excite fans in Round 1, the Los Angeles Rams are back to try again on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. And the team understands that the stakes remain quite high over the next two days. Other teams are improving, and it's up to general manager Les Snead to at least keep pace, if not pull ahead of the competition.

So far, the team's top priority has been selecting a quarterback to ensure that 2027 has at least one on board. But the team cannot count on winning if rookies are sitting on the bench. And so, Day 2's top priority is finding rookies who can expect to compete for playing time as early as Week 1.

Don't discount Les Snead. When the chips are down, Snead shines in the spotlight. And right now, many fans and instant draft reactions are giving LA two thumbs down. But this is a marathon, and not a race. So, what could sweeten the sour taste in fans' mouths? Well, a finely crafted Day 2 that lands two immediate contributors, that's what.

Rams Day 2 draft haul will have fans whistling a different tune

Round 2 Mississippi wide receiver De'Zhuan Stribling

The LA Rams want a Puka Nacua-like tough guy in the receiver room, and Mississippi wide receiver De'Zhuan Stribling is the right pick for the job. He is a vertical threat who loves to block. Rising to 6-foot-2 and weighing 207 pounds, he is a sturdy upgrade over Tutu Atwell, and he even adds a bonus of blocking like a tight end.

Once he breaks free, he can run for miles and miles. And as the LA Rams already boast two of the league's best wide receivers, he can grow into a larger role on the offense. He can learn how to master contested catches from Nacua and how to create separation from Davante Adams

Round 3 Iowa State defensive tackle Domonique Orange

With the Arizona Cardinals drafting running back Jeremiyah Love and the Seattle Seahawks following suit with running back Jadarian Price, LA's annual NFL schedule just got at least 25 percent tougher to defend the run. They both can be neutralized by selecting Iowa State's elite run-stuffing nose tackle, Domionque Orange

Nicknamed "Big Citrus" in college, Domonique will be more aptly associated with Agent Orange in the pros. He is the perfect sidekick for veteran Poona Ford from the get-go. But standing nearly 6-foot-3 and tipping the scales at 322 pounds, Orange has the type of power and mass that will allow him to compete for longer series on the football field.

Last season, Poona Ford played 45 percent of the defensive snaps. That leaves plenty of room for Dominique Orange to share some playing time. And Orange will show up. He earns accolades for his run defense. And suddenly, there is a growing need for LA on defense.

As always, thanks for reading.

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