March…Rams draft thread

[wv]

Zooey wrote:

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.

Well it just depends how much they wanna ‘go for it’ this year, as opposed to staying relevant long term. Its a tricky tension/balance. I mean if they are kicking the tires on the Eagles AJ Brown what does that hint at?

Also, if McVay is thinking about leaving with Stafford how much would he care about ‘the future’?

I’m just not sure there is a middle-way here. I think maybe they have to go all-in OR they can stay relevant year after year.

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[wv]

Listening to this, it doesnt sound like such a great WR class, but i dunno.

[Zooey]

wv wrote:

Zooey wrote:

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.

Well it just depends how much they wanna ‘go for it’ this year, as opposed to staying relevant long term. Its a tricky tension/balance. I mean if they are kicking the tires on the Eagles AJ Brown what does that hint at?

Also, if McVay is thinking about leaving with Stafford how much would he care about ‘the future’?

I’m just not sure there is a middle-way here. I think maybe they have to go all-in OR they can stay relevant year after year.

w
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Kicking the tires on AJ Brown means the Rams believe they need to restock the WR room.

And the thing is that they are already all-in for this year. They just went all-in by enlisting the Chiefs’ secondary. I think the only way they go even more all-in is by drafting a weapon at #13 (or higher): Love, Sadiq, or maybe Tyson. Then they need to reserve something for mid-season if they have to make a move for OBJ or Von Miller. I doubt that Love is the guy unless he falls into their lap and their other targets are gone. Even then, they may trade down. They may do that anyway if they feel like they are already all-in, and they want to repopulate for the post-apocalypse.

But, really, none of the picks – except possibly the first one – are for this year. They don’t have any holes anymore. They don’t need any more starters beyond maybe WR#3 and a LB better than Speights, but they’re set everywhere. I just found out that they tendered Xavier Smith on March 2, so he’s back, I guess. It’s depth and development. All of it. Because there just aren’t any job openings except WR#3. They have Whittington and Mumpfield there. I don’t think they love that, though.

[wv]

Zooey wrote:

Kicking the tires on AJ Brown means the Rams believe they need to restock the WR room.

And the thing is that they are already all-in for this year…

Well the thought of trading for AJ Brown stunned me. I mean, how in the hell could they afford an elite WR now ? He’s making upwards of 30 million a year. What would they have to do to make that work? And what would it mean to Davante Adams?

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[zn]

Jordyn Tyson on NFL receivers he admires and studies:

“J-Jettas, Devontae, Puka Nacua’s hands are unbelievable. Michael Wilson from the Cardinals is playing real well. He plays good with speed…I enjoy watching everybody. I’m a big receiver fan.”@FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/LKUX29QAj2

— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) December 31, 2025

[zn]

from the Athletic: After first wave of 2026 free agency, what are the top needs for every NFL team? — https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7114161/2026/03/14/2026-free-agency-team-needs-players/?source=emp_shared_article&unlocked_article_code=1.TlA.HkEs.lWTncISWlNj7&smid=ta-ios-share

Los Angeles Rams

After bringing in three big-name defensive backs, perhaps the only need that stands out on offense or defense now is wide receiver. Los Angeles has two stars in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but both players missed three games each last season, and the depth became shaky after Tutu Atwell fell out of the mix with their style of offense. The Rams will mitigate that role by running lots of three-tight-end sets, but they still need versatility in 11-personnel, and they also need to look for a future replacement for Adams, who will turn 34 late next season. Given the need to bring this position along slowly while also seeking a talent who can adequately replace Adams in a year, the No. 13 overall pick feels like a prime spot to answer the team’s biggest remaining need. — Nate Atkins

[zn]

zn wrote:

ATKINS: After bringing in three big-name defensive backs, perhaps the only need that stands out on offense or defense now is wide receiver.

from Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50: 2026 NFL Draft prospect rankings — https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-s-top-50-2026-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-3-0

Rank 6: Carnell Tate
Ohio State · WR · Junior
Tate is a tall, long wideout with better play speed than timed speed and outstanding production. He has excellent suddenness to defeat press coverage, and he covers ground quickly with his long stride. He attacks the defender’s leverage when they play him in off coverage. He has strong/reliable hands in traffic and tracks the ball beautifully over his shoulder down the field. He can access an extra gear when the ball is in the air. He is a loose athlete and that shows up when he adjusts to balls thrown on his back shoulder. He is efficient with his footwork when working back to the quarterback. He’s not exceptionally dynamic with the ball in his hands. Overall, Tate should provide an immediate impact in the vertical passing game.

Rank 11: Makai Lemon
USC · WR · Junior
Lemon is one of my favorite players in this draft. He is a wideout with a running back’s body and a linebacker’s temperament. He is at his best working in the slot. He wins with quickness off the line, understands how to tempo routes and consistently wins in traffic. He doesn’t waste steps and he can explode in and out of the break point. He plays bigger than his size, displaying several 50/50-ball wins on elevated throws. To see his entire repertoire, just throw on the Iowa tape. He was a craftsman in that game and couldn’t be covered (10 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown). He is ultra-competitive after the catch, breaking tackles and fighting for yards. Overall, Lemon is going to draw a lot of comparisons to Amon-Ra St. Brown, and they are warranted.

Rank 18: Omar Cooper Jr.
Indiana · WR · Junior (RS)
Cooper is one of my favorite players to study in this year’s draft. He’s strong, reliable and explosive. He uses his lower-body strength to run through press coverage and he’s a loose/fluid route runner. He plays without fear in the middle of the field, making combat catches look easy. He can really pluck the ball and stays grounded through the catch on crossers. Also, he can elevate and play above the rim (SEE: game-winner against Penn State) when necessary. After the catch, he has the power to break tackles and enough speed to pull away. Sources at the school rave about his makeup and competitiveness. Overall, Cooper fits the exact model of wideouts finding immediate success in the NFL.

Rank 21: Jordyn Tyson
Arizona State · WR · Junior (RS)
Tyson is an explosive receiver with a lot of “wow” plays littered throughout his tape. He is a very fluid mover, and he incorporates a variety of releases and general creativity into his route-running. He has suddenness off the line and out of breaks down the field. He will weave and get cornerbacks off balance before exploding away from them. He makes some incredible catches on deep balls; he tracks the ball with ease over the shoulder and can almost hover in the air waiting for it to come down. After the catch, he has some wiggle to make defenders miss and excellent speed to pull away. Durability was an issue throughout his college career — that’s the only factor keeping him from a higher grade/projection.

Rank 25: Denzel Boston
Washington · WR · Junior (RS)
Boston is a big-framed wideout with exceptional ball skills and production. He lines up both outside and in the slot. He uses his upper-body strength to power through press coverage. He is a long strider and understands how to use his big body to wall off defenders at all three levels. He is an outstanding ball winner. He has a huge catch radius and can play above the rim in the red zone. He makes some outstanding catches (SEE: the Colorado State and Michigan games). After the catch, he relies more on physicality than finesse to create extra yardage. Overall, Boston’s skill set is very similar to Courtland Sutton’s when the two-time Pro Bowler was coming out of SMU.

Rank 33: KC Concepcion
Texas A&M · WR · Junior
Concepcion is an undersized receiver with elite burst and inconsistent hands. His speed jumps off the screen. You can see it right off the snap: He uses a quick jab step and then explodes down the field. He creates massive separation against quality competition. He hauls in a lot of quick-hitters (bubbles, slants and shallow crossers). His hands have been the biggest issue; he has too many concentration drops. When he does finish the catch, he is dynamic with the ball in his hands. His transition from catch to run is immediate and explosive. Overall, Concepcion is an intriguing player who needs to decrease his drop rate.

Rank 48: Antonio Williams
Clemson · WR · Junior (RS)
Williams is a slightly undersized slot receiver. He has outstanding short-area quickness, ball skills and run-after-catch ability. He explodes off the ball with quick, choppy steps, setting up defenders and creating separation out of the break point. He’s very twitchy and excels on pivot routes because of his stop/start skills. He has a good feel for settling in zones and presents a good target to his quarterback. He plays much bigger than his size when the ball is in the air. He can elevate and play above the rim. He’s very competitive in all areas of his game. Overall, Williams is an ideal slot receiver with the upside to be a high-volume pass catcher at the next level.

Rank 50: Germie Bernard
Alabama · WR · Senior
Bernard is a strong, sturdy wideout. He was utilized in a variety of alignments in the Crimson Tide offense, taking snaps out wide, in the slot, at running back and as a Wildcat quarterback. His quickness is a weapon off the line and at the top of routes. He can separate underneath and has strong hands to attack the ball. He tracks the ball well down the field, too. Bernard is at his best with the ball in his hands. He’s quick, elusive and strong to generate yards after the catch. His speed is good but not elite, and he lacks a home run gear to pull away from pursuit. I love his toughness and competitiveness as a blocker. Bernard should earn a spot as a quality starting slot receiver early in his NFL career.

[zn]

Dane Brugler@dpbrugler
Still haven’t found the bottom of this TE draft class. There are going to be some useful guys still around late rounds/PFA.

I have more draftable TEs in this class than any other I’ve done.

[wv]

Klatt’s latest mock: Kenyon Sadik, TE, Oregon

[zn]

from PFF: Post-free agency needs for every NFC team — https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-post-free-agency-needs-nfc-teams-2026?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhtwitter&utm_content=null

Los Angeles Rams: WR, OT, LB

The Rams boast perhaps the fewest weaknesses of any NFL team, particularly after their spending spree in the secondary. Beyond Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, though, their next-highest yardage total from a wide receiver in 2025 came from Xavier Smith, who racked up just 303 yards. Adams is entering the final season of a two-year contract, so the Rams may look to the future at the position early in the draft.

Projected right tackle Warren McClendon Jr. (78.7 PFF overall grade in 2025) is also entering the final year of his rookie deal, so perhaps Los Angeles will look to develop new talent there. Additional linebacker depth could also be a need, depending on how the team feels about its options behind Nate Landman and Omar Speights.

[zn]

zn wrote:

Los Angeles Rams: WR, OT, LB

The Rams boast perhaps the fewest weaknesses of any NFL team, particularly after their spending spree in the secondary. Beyond Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, though, their next-highest yardage total from a wide receiver in 2025 came from Xavier Smith, who racked up just 303 yards. Adams is entering the final season of a two-year contract, so the Rams may look to the future at the position early in the draft.

Projected right tackle Warren McClendon Jr. (78.7 PFF overall grade in 2025) is also entering the final year of his rookie deal, so perhaps Los Angeles will look to develop new talent there. Additional linebacker depth could also be a need, depending on how the team feels about its options behind Nate Landman and Omar Speights.

What insight. None of us have thought of any of this before.

I want to go to NFL Expert School. I’m tired of just being a ho-hum fan.

.

[Zooey]

zn wrote:

zn wrote:

Los Angeles Rams: WR, OT, LB

The Rams boast perhaps the fewest weaknesses of any NFL team, particularly after their spending spree in the secondary. Beyond Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, though, their next-highest yardage total from a wide receiver in 2025 came from Xavier Smith, who racked up just 303 yards. Adams is entering the final season of a two-year contract, so the Rams may look to the future at the position early in the draft.

Projected right tackle Warren McClendon Jr. (78.7 PFF overall grade in 2025) is also entering the final year of his rookie deal, so perhaps Los Angeles will look to develop new talent there. Additional linebacker depth could also be a need, depending on how the team feels about its options behind Nate Landman and Omar Speights.

What insight. None of us have thought of any of this before.

I want to go to NFL Expert School. I’m tired of just being a ho-hum fan.

.

I knew I was outclassed when they mentioned the spending spree.

[zn]

Jordan Reid@Jordan_Reid
Such an overblown and wrong narrative about this years draft class. Lack of QBs and blue chip talent at the top doesn’t mean a bad draft. There’s actually lots of depth and starters to be found at WR, C, EDGE, LB, CB and S.

[wv]

Rosenthal mentions something i hadnt heard. Dunno what the source was, but maybe they floated a Davante Adams trade if an AJ Brown deal had been made.

They cover the Rams at 01:05:30 in.

[Zooey]

wv wrote:

Rosenthal mentions something i hadnt heard. Dunno what the source was, but maybe they floated a Davante Adams trade if an AJ Brown deal had been made.

I assumed that the two moves were related.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1BjOKIOyZQ

[zn]

wv wrote:

Rosenthal mentions something i hadnt heard. Dunno what the source was, but maybe they floated a Davante Adams trade if an AJ Brown deal had been made.

That’s come up and then died down.

***

On Adams:

from https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/los-angeles-rams/davante-adams-trade-rumor-update-brown-waddle/

“No [the Rams are not trading Davante Adams]. They just paid him a $6 million roster bonus on Sunday,” Schefter said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on March 17. “You’re not paying the guy a $6 million bonus and then moving the guy the next day. So, that’s not happening anytime soon.”

***

On Brown, from the most recent “Rams tweets” thread:

….

from https://theramswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2026/03/16/rams-aj-brown-trade-rumor-update/89179523007/?taid=69b8141c75f02f0001613e77&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter

On Monday morning, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shared an update on Brown’s future and which teams might be interested in him, including the Rams. Rapoport said the top two teams that pursued Brown were the Rams and Patriots, but Los Angeles has since bowed out of the race.

“The Rams were one, and they looked into it deeply. Ultimately, decided it was not for them. And they are essentially, as far as I can tell, out on the situation,” Rapoport said.

….

The Rams are out on A.J. Brown, and according to Mike Florio, they got "scared off" by some of the "preliminary medical research." https://t.co/MLeNNanBb0

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) March 18, 2026

[zn]

[InvaderRam]

i still like kenyon sadiq. i feel like he could play tight end. he could be a slot receiver. i read he’s even lined up at wide receiver. i bet he could he even line up in the backfield and play some fullback.

he can catch. run. block. super athletic.

[InvaderRam]

i’ll put it this way. i think he could play any position on offense outside of qb or oline. i think he could even play running back. and he could catch, block or run out of any of those positions. he’d be a true wild card on offense.

i think i remember reading about kupp and nacua both lining up in the backfield as a fullback. imagine sadiq in that same role with his size and strength. or running a jet sweep. in addition to being a tight end or a slot receiver or a wide receiver. or him lining up at running back on short yardage situations or goal line situations.

also reading about his high football iq and his ability to explain everybody’s assignment. that’s what makes me feel like he could play all those positions along with his athletic abilities.

[Zooey]

InvaderRam wrote:

i still like kenyon sadiq. i feel like he could play tight end. he could be a slot receiver. i read he’s even lined up at wide receiver. i bet he could he even line up in the backfield and play some fullback.

he can catch. run. block. super athletic.

I think I’m leaning towards Sadiq, too. He seems like one of those Swiss Army Knife guys that cause problems. McCaffrey is a bit that way. Metcalf was one. That dude who played for the Giants, or Bucs or something. He’s a playmaker though, that’s for sure, and I just think McVay would find new ways to torture defenses with a guy like that.

I’ll be all right with whatever, though. I trust these guys; they’ve earned it, and their vision has brought us back to SB contention with – like – 90% roster turnover in just a few seasons, all while being entertaining and competitive (except for the year after the SB when they blew out all their tires). So I’m good.

[wv]

InvaderRam wrote:

i’ll put it this way. i think he could play any position on offense outside of qb or oline. i think he could even play running back. and he could catch, block or run out of any of those positions. he’d be a true wild card on offense…

Yeah, Kenyon Sadiq would be exciting.

This guy has Vernon Davis as the comp.

[wv]

[wv]

[wv]

Sadiq has a lot of evaluators…oh…shaking their heads just a bit.

[zn]

wv wrote:

Yeah, Kenyon Sadiq would be exciting.

This guy has Vernon Davis as the comp.

wv wrote:

Sadiq has a lot of evaluators…oh…shaking their heads just a bit.

from https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kenyon-sadiq/32005341-4448-2340-2c14-326d6464aafc

Overview

A versatile tight end with a shredded physique and alluring potential as a volume target, Sadiq’s route tree will be full of branches. His athleticism and break quickness should allow him to uncover against man coverage on all three levels. He’s talented after the catch, with the ability to make things easier for play-callers and quarterbacks looking to move the sticks. He has the body control and hand strength to win contested catches but will occasionally allow balls to hit the ground on lower-difficulty plays. He’s adequate as a blocker, giving good effort in-line and locating and landing on linebackers as a move blocker. Teams looking to diversify their passing game options with a talented pass-catching tight end could make Sadiq a priority.

Strengths

Built like a bodyguard with a compact, well-defined frame.
Capable of running a robust route tree.
Gets in and out of breaks with good snap and separation.
Vandalizes defensive seams with impunity against man coverage.
Survives collisions with catches thanks to his hand strength.
Shows off agility and acceleration after the catch.
Fits up run blocks with proper positioning and base width.
Grips and presses forward with moving feet to stay connected.

Weaknesses

Shows some drift in his feet on zone-beater routes.
Inconsistent catch focus on throws above his numbers.
Average acceleration and pop into contact as a lead blocker.
Defensive ends will play across his face when he’s based up.
Needs to avoid leaning as a point-of-attack blocker.

[Zooey]

zn wrote:

Vandalizes defensive seams with impunity

I have to wonder what Sadiq could have done to the Roman Empire.

[zn]

Zooey wrote:

zn wrote:

Vandalizes defensive seams with impunity

I have to wonder what Sadiq could have done to the Roman Empire.

IMO? He would have Visigothized it.

[wv]

If the Rams were to pick Sadiq, it would be the second year in a row they took a Tight End with their top pick.

I would guess that has never happened before in Rams history, or in the history of the Roman empire.

Btw, I’ve decided I’m just not crazy about picking at 13. Seems to me, the blue-chip,
cant-miss, difference makers will be gone before 13.

Sadiq is a gamble, I’d say. He’s not Brock Bowers.

My hunch is, they move up or down. I base this on my vast knowledge of every player in the draft.

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[zn]

Nate Atkins@NateAtkins_
The Rams could draft Jeremiyah Love and use Kyren Williams as a third-down back for pass pro. But taking an RB at No. 13 to not be a 3-down RB is questionable.

If Love is as dynamic as some believe, it can be a worthy trade-off. But the Rams are already a top-5 rushing offense.

The problem with trading or demoting Kyren Williams into a No. 2 role is you’re accepting a downgrade at the RB function the Rams value most:

Blitz pickup.

It’s the biggest reason I think Kyren gets slept on by many on the outside. The Rams rightly value his pass pro a *lot*

I don’t expect Love to be there at No. 13. If he and Makai Lemon both are, I think it’s a fascinating debate for the Rams:

Upgrade at a position already strong (Love)

Or:

Longterm asset at a position that will be a weakness in one season and needs some help right now (Lemon)

[InvaderRam]

wv wrote:

Sadiq is a gamble, I’d say. He’s not Brock Bowers.

yeah. the metrics and game film don’t always look favorably on him. but he looks the part in shorts. i’m hesitating now.

i don’t know. i guess i should just trust snead.

[Author]

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