March…Rams draft thread

[zn]

zn wrote:

13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons, 8-9): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

With McDuffie already onboard, if the Rams did draft McCoy, they would lead the league in Scottish cornerbacks.

[InvaderRam]

zn wrote:

With McDuffie already onboard, if the Rams did draft McCoy, they would lead the league in Scottish cornerbacks.

you could even call them the mccornerbacks.

[Zooey]

InvaderRam wrote:

zn wrote:

With McDuffie already onboard, if the Rams did draft McCoy, they would lead the league in Scottish cornerbacks.

you could even call them the mccornerbacks.

Okay, now I want them to do this just because.

[zn]

I uncreated a thread so had to move this here.

Cowherd’s mock draft:

Mansoor Delane, CB, to Washington at 7
Love, RB, to Saints at 8
Fano, OT, to Chiefs at 9
STyles, LB to Bengals at 10
Bain, DE, to Dolphins at 11
Faulk, DE to Cowboys at 12
Macai Lemon, WR to Rams at 13
Kenyon Sadik, TE, to Ravens at 14

w
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[Zooey]

zn wrote:

I uncreated a thread so had to move this here.

Cowherd’s mock draft:

Mansoor Delane, CB, to Washington at 7
Love, RB, to Saints at 8
Fano, OT, to Chiefs at 9
STyles, LB to Bengals at 10
Bain, DE, to Dolphins at 11
Faulk, DE to Cowboys at 12
Macai Lemon, WR to Rams at 13
Kenyon Sadik, TE, to Ravens at 14

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Since they got McDuffie, it seems like the Rams have already addressed their single biggest need. They need more CBs, but it’s a deep draft there, and the Rams don’t have to aim for a blue chip now. I think WR is the next biggest need, but that bit about Lemon interviewing badly makes me wary of him. Sadiq is intriguing. He also seems to comp closely with Brock Bowers whom we know McVay wanted.

[zn]

Zooey wrote:

Since they got McDuffie, it seems like the Rams have already addressed their single biggest need. They need more CBs, but it’s a deep draft there, and the Rams don’t have to aim for a blue chip now.

Or they could trade down. The draft is deep, deep, deep at both WR and CB.

I don’t know which I prefer. Rock star at 13? Another top CB at 13? Trade down and get good players at both CB and WR and/or TE?

I told the Rams, it’s all good–they can’t go wrong, so they should do what they want. No directives from me this year.

[Zooey]

zn wrote:

Zooey wrote:

Since they got McDuffie, it seems like the Rams have already addressed their single biggest need. They need more CBs, but it’s a deep draft there, and the Rams don’t have to aim for a blue chip now.

Or they could trade down. The draft is deep, deep, deep at both WR and CB.

I don’t know which I prefer. Rock star at 13? Another top CB at 13? Trade down and get good players at both CB and WR and/or TE?

I told the Rams, it’s all good–they can’t go wrong, so they should do what they want. No directives from me this year.

Trading down is also acceptable. I’m good with anything, too.

The Rams are in a very good spot. This is a championship roster as of today. Whatever they do is only going to improve them.

[InvaderRam]

Zooey wrote:

Trading down is also acceptable. I’m good with anything, too.

they re-signed curl. re-signed higbee.

yeah. they could go almost any direction except qb. or trade down.

i still want sadiq though. he could fill in as a big wr or tight end.

[wv]

[zn]

InvaderRam wrote:

yeah. they could go almost any direction except qb. or trade down.

i still want sadiq though. he could fill in as a big wr or tight end.

Here’s what I hope they don’t do. Trade for Max Crosby. It would cost too much considering it would mean bringing a 4/3 end to a 3/4 team, which would require all sorts of changes to work out. Not denying Crosby is a great player, but, his greatness does not outweight having to re-wire an entire defensive system just to fit him in.

[zn]

zn wrote:

Here’s what I hope they don’t do. Trade for Max Crosby.

And they didn’t. Or, can’t even if they wanted to. Crosby to Ravens. So, we are saved.

[Zooey]

zn wrote:

zn wrote:

Here’s what I hope they don’t do. Trade for Max Crosby.

And they didn’t. Or, can’t even if they wanted to. Crosby to Ravens. So, we are saved.

And he’s staying in the AFC. Not going to CHI, as whatshisface was wishing for.

Good deal.

[InvaderRam]

zn wrote:

Here’s what I hope they don’t do. Trade for Max Crosby. It would cost too much considering it would mean bringing a 4/3 end to a 3/4 team, which would require all sorts of changes to work out. Not denying Crosby is a great player, but, his greatness does not outweight having to re-wire an entire defensive system just to fit him in.

i’d prefer they didn’t either.

but I do wonder if they should address the front seven with that first rounder. i remember you saying that mcduffie might be even better with a top notch front seven.

rams have a good front seven but could they make it even better? i don’t think reese or bailey will be available. i don’t know about bain. but if snead likes him, i’ll trust their judgement on this.

two guys i like are styles and faulk. both are young and full of potential. different positions of course. but both could fortify this defense.

[Zooey]

InvaderRam wrote:

zn wrote:

Here’s what I hope they don’t do. Trade for Max Crosby. It would cost too much considering it would mean bringing a 4/3 end to a 3/4 team, which would require all sorts of changes to work out. Not denying Crosby is a great player, but, his greatness does not outweight having to re-wire an entire defensive system just to fit him in.

i’d prefer they didn’t either.

but I do wonder if they should address the front seven with that first rounder. i remember you saying that mcduffie might be even better with a top notch front seven.

rams have a good front seven but could they make it even better? i don’t think reese or bailey will be available. i don’t know about bain. but if snead likes him, i’ll trust their judgement on this.

two guys i like are styles and faulk. both are young and full of potential. different positions of course. but both could fortify this defense.

There’s merit to that idea because they aren’t going to be able to keep that DL together much longer.

But if Sadiq gives the Rams another ridiculous weapon on offense, the Rams can just overwhelm everybody. With a beefed up secondary, Sadiq would be the “All In” move.

This year is a “first” for me. I don’t remember EVER thinking that the Rams were entering the season without needing significant “patching” somewhere. I like their chances to play for another ring in SoFi next February, and we haven’t even had the draft yet, or even started FA. I can’t imagine being unhappy with the offseason. I’m already happy with it. I’m just going to sit back and enjoy whatever they do, I think.

[wv]

USA today Mock after the McDuffie signing:

…12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

If Delane is still available when Dallas first comes on the clock, there shouldn’t be too much of a debate within the Cowboys’ draft room. The consensus All-American has developed a mastery of man coverage, which would open up plenty of possibilities for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker to mix and match his scheme to his available talent.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Dealing for McDuffie reinforces that the Rams are all in on maximizing NFL MVP Matthew Stafford’s remaining window. Taking Sadiq, a matchup nightmare still requiring some polish, might not seem fully aligned with that mentality. But Sean McVay and Les Snead were previously enamored a hybrid tight end in Brock Bowers, and Sadiq could feast in an offense that came to embrace using three tight ends.

[zn]

Nate Atkins@NateAtkins_
The Rams were awarded two 7th-round compensatory draft picks for this year’s haul:

No. 251
No. 252

They sent out two Day 3 draft picks and three total picks (including No. 29 overall) to acquire Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs.

Now they have a little back-fill to the trade.

[zn]

from https://theramswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2026/03/11/free-agency-rams-roster-needs-draft-positions/89103495007/?taid=69b1e5f4bee12000015e147f&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

Edge rusher

The Rams will be just fine if they don’t add an edge rusher this offseason, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea. Byron Young is entering the final year of his rookie contract and after signing McDuffie and Watson to big contracts, paying Young (and Nacua, Kobie Turner, Steve Avila, Jared Verse…) could prove challenging.

Some of the best defenses of the last few years have deployed waves of edge rushers in big games, keeping everyone fresh. If the Rams can have three or four quality edge rushers in their rotation, it’ll only help Young, Verse and the entire defense.

[InvaderRam]

right now i want sadiq. he can play tight end. but he can also be a slot receiver. i’ve also read he can line up out wide. he’s even played running back in high school.

he could probably even line up as a fullback.

it just makes so much sense that mcvay would want a guy like him.

[wv]

Draft Networks latest mock:

==================
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)

Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The Los Angeles Rams have been aggressive with their acquisitions of CBs Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. This aggressiveness frees them up to go after another positional need, which is OT. The Rams decided to shore up the protection for Matthew Stafford and draft Georgia OT Monroe Freeling. Freeling has high-end traits and has the ceiling to be a blindside protector for the next decade.
14. Baltimore Ravens

Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Welcome back to the first round, Baltimore Ravens! After they pulled out of the Maxx Crosby trade, they got their first-round picks back, and they also addressed the edge rusher position by signing proven veteran Trey Hendrickson. This frees the Ravens up to do what they do best: sit back, allow the board to fall to them, and take the best player available. In this spot, the Ravens go with Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq. The Ravens lost Isaiah Likely in free agency, and to be completely honest, they could use a high-end playmaker on this offense. Sadiq proves he is a high-end athlete who tested like a WR. But he is also good as a run blocker, which means he could make the Ravens difficult to defend. In the era of two-tight-end sets, the Ravens could have the best in the NFL with Mark Andrews and now Sadiq.

[wv]

CBS latest mock:

(Sadiq to Carolina at 19 )

—
13 Rams
Jordyn Tyson WR
Arizona State • Jr • 6’2″ / 203 lbs

The Rams addressed their glaring cornerback issues in free agency with the trade and signing of Trent McDuffie plus the free agency signing of Jaylen Watson. That allows them to select Tyson, who is arguably the most explosive receiver in this draft. His film involves him blowing by people to turn decent grabs into big plays after the catch, and Davante Adams can help train Tyson into being his long-term successor.

[InvaderRam]

wv wrote:

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)

Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The Los Angeles Rams have been aggressive with their acquisitions of CBs Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. This aggressiveness frees them up to go after another positional need, which is OT. The Rams decided to shore up the protection for Matthew Stafford and draft Georgia OT Monroe Freeling. Freeling has high-end traits and has the ceiling to be a blindside protector for the next decade.
14. Baltimore Ravens

i would be cool with freeling. super athletic. protypical measurements. but only had one season where he really stood out so not a lot of game tape. jackson’s contract is up after 2027. i could see him compete for the right tackle spot and then switch over after two seasons.

again. good size and length. and he’s an explosive athlete for a tackle.

[zn]

InvaderRam wrote:

i would be cool with freeling. super athletic. protypical measurements. but only had one season where he really stood out so not a lot of game tape. jackson’s contract is up after 2027. i could see him compete for the right tackle spot and then switch over after two seasons.

again. good size and length. and he’s an explosive athlete for a tackle.

IMO? Stressing this is just IMO because I disagree so strongly, but I don’t want to come across as an internet truth guru.

So what is my IMO. That they don’t need to use pick 13 on a guy who might start at LOT in 2028. And they have a right OT for now–McClendon may even be better than Hav. They can get tackle depth for the present or a starter for the future in lower rounds. 13 should be used to either grab the kind of rock star player they rarely get a chance to draft at a position where he can have an effect this year…or to trade down and get more good players.

McClendon played pretty much half the season and the Rams had the 2nd lowest sack percentage in the NFL, and were 6th in yards per rush attempt. I don’t think they need a pick 13 tackle (they were 29th in 2024).

For higher picks, though they only have 3, I would like to see them get 3 of the following: another CB, another pass rusher either at DL or OLB, a dominant DL for either DE on the left side of the D or to rotate with Ford, a monster ILB who can do more than play the run, a monster TE, or a true 3rd WR. With the 1st pick, I want to see someone from any of those positions of the caliber they’re usually not able to draft (though probably not a CB if they stay at 13, that’s for rounds 2 or 3.)

For lower picks–depth at CB and at OL (all positions including OT). Special teams aces (like a gunner or returner).

[InvaderRam]

zn wrote:

So what is my IMO. That they don’t need to use pick 13 on a guy who might start at LOT in 2028. And they have a right OT for now–McClendon may even be better than Hav. They can get tackle depth for the present or a starter for the future in lower rounds. 13 should be used to either grab the kind of rock star player they rarely get a chance to draft at a position where he can have an effect this year…or to trade down and get more good players.

i hear what you’re saying, but this is why i wouldn’t mind. and i should also say this is not my first choice. losing an offensive lineman would be devastating for this offense. more than not having a third wr or a fifth tight end. other than losing stafford, that would really limit this offense. and you figure injuries will crop up at some point as it did with hav. freeling is a blue chip prospect in any year i think. plus i have read he can play multiple positions – even guard.

that wouldn’t be my first preference though. i’d prefer a receiver or a front seven player first.

[wv]

I’m wondering just how bad 2027 is going to look. Stafford might be gone, and who else? Arent they gonna lose a ton of guys after next year?

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[Zooey]

wv wrote:

I’m wondering just how bad 2027 is going to look. Stafford might be gone, and who else? Arent they gonna lose a ton of guys after next year?

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v

Probably like a breakfast burrito in a campfire. I don’t have the list, and I don’t track the cap, and nobody knows anyway, but they will lose some good players.

This is it. This is the year. The next window of opportunity is, at best, going to be 2-3 years down the road, and that’s if they get everything right, including a new QB.

[wv]

Zooey wrote:

Probably like a breakfast burrito in a campfire. I don’t have the list, and I don’t track the cap, and nobody knows anyway, but they will lose some good players.

This is it. This is the year. The next window of opportunity is, at best, going to be 2-3 years down the road, and that’s if they get everything right, including a new QB.

They also might lose McVay. He might not wanna be part of the post-stafford apocalypse. Or is it a dystopia? 🙂

Course they may not totally tank in 27. Could be they play a scrappy brand of ball and challenge for a wildcard. That kind of thing. I dunno.

But the Super Bowl window was last season and this season.

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[zn]

The Rams Likely Priced Themselves Out From Retaining 2023 Draft Class
The Los Angeles Rams’ pursuit of a title will once again cost them in the long run

Brock Vierra

This doesn’t really belong in this thread. Could you move there please?

I will start a new one on cap issues etc. Here: https://theramshuddle.com/topic/before-the-draft-cap-issues-roster-issues-etc/

[zn]

wv wrote:

part of the post-stafford apocalypse. Or is it a dystopia?

I know yer just jokin, but…apocalypse is when you lose stuff. Dystopia is when things do exist, but, they’re badly run and the bosses are mean.

So the 27 Rams without Stafford would be post-apocalyptic.

[zn]

Steve and Sam explain why the Rams are in a GREAT spot heading into the draft 👀

“They have no real weakness on the roster right now, plus the 13th overall pick and a history of trying to trade up. So the question we’re asking now is: who do you want in this draft?” pic.twitter.com/mr0UIo5lrS

— Check the Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson (@CTM_Show) March 13, 2026

[Zooey]

I’ve been thinking about it, and I think the Rams can’t just splurge on this draft. They need a plan because they definitely cannot keep the defense together. And they need to restock the WR room as well.

The secondary is locked up, and so is Landman. But they are going to suffer attrition on the DL for sure. I would think they would be looking for guys there. And a QB plan for the post-apocalypse.

[Author]

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