early mock drafts & draft talk, 2026

from PFF, Monday 2/16: 2026 Three-Round NFL Mock Draft — https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-three-round-nfl-mock-draft-jets-caleb-downs-rams-stafford

13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons): CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
This draft falls perfectly for the Rams, who have the top player at their biggest position of need sitting right in front of them. Delane earned an elite 90.7 PFF coverage grade and allowed a catch on just 40.0% of the passes thrown into his coverage in 2025.

29. Los Angeles Rams: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
With Matthew Stafford announcing that he will return for the 2026 NFL season, the Rams have the opportunity to draft a quarterback and let them sit for at least a season. Simpson earned an 83.1 PFF overall grade in his lone season as a starter. Allowing him to learn from Stafford could unlock his NFL potential.

61. Los Angeles Rams: CB Chandler Rivers, Duke

93. Los Angeles Rams: T J.C. Davis, Illinois

Daniel Jeremiah@MoveTheSticks
There are a lot of day 2 starting CB’s in this draft.

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from PFF: https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-cornerback-rankings

At the very top, the 2026 NFL Draft class is shaped by defensive talent, particularly a good group of edge defenders and a nice crop of wide receivers and cornerbacks that occupy a significant share of the top 50.

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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-1-0

Rank 8
Mansoor Delane
LSU · CB · Senior
Delane is one of the most consistent players in this draft class. He makes everything look easy in coverage as a corner who is extremely loose and fluid in his change of direction. He is adept at press coverage, possessing the ability to re-route and mirror all over the field. In zone, he plays with instincts and awareness. He goes long stretches without getting challenged because of his tight coverage. When he is attacked, he can locate and make plays on the ball. He always looks to get involved in run defense, closing space in a hurry and operating as a physical, reliable tackler. Overall, Delane has the tools to match up with every style of receiver. He can run with the vertical weapons and play physical with the bigger ones.

Rank 14
Jermod McCoy
Tennessee · CB · Junior
McCoy had an outstanding 2024 season but missed the entire ’25 campaign due to an ACL tear. He is at his best in press coverage, effectively landing his one-hand jam while maintaining balance to stay on the hip and mirror. He is always under control with his movement. In zone coverage, he will set traps, knowing he can sink back and recover to make plays on the ball. His ability to elevate and play the ball is impressive. He is a capable tackler in space, but he lacks the physicality and effort to be a force player against the run. He was consistently dominant in 2024, except in the playoff game against Ohio State, where Jeremiah Smith beat him for a touchdown on a fade and drew a penalty in the end zone. Overall, McCoy has the speed, movement and ball skills to start Day 1.

Rank 16
Colton Hood
Tennessee · CB · Sophomore (RS)
Hood has average size but excellent play speed and toughness. In press, he is patient, staying on balance before using his hands to redirect at the line of scrimmage. He is fluid to turn, open up and mirror underneath. He has plenty of speed to carry vertical routes. From off coverage, he trusts his eyes and is efficient with his plant-and-drive on balls in front. Hood is consistently in position down the field — he can locate and play the ball — but will get grabby at times when the ball is in the air. He is more than willing against the run, fighting through blockers and serving as a reliable tackler in space. Overall, Hood is a complete player and should be a very solid starter immediately at the next level.

Rank 30
Avieon Terrell
Clemson · CB · Junior
Terrell is an undersized cornerback with tremendous quickness and instincts. He projects best as a nickel at the next level. I love his feisty, competitive play style. He utilizes his quick feet and smooth change of direction to match up in the slot. He stays in position with great movement skills and body control. He has excellent eyes and closing speed in underneath zone coverage. He isn’t as effective on the outside, where his lack of size shows up on go balls, and he’ll get walled off on slants by bigger-bodied receivers. He is very aggressive to fill vs. the run game. He is also a stellar blitzer (SEE: the Georgia Tech game, where he runs over a tight end to make a TFL/forced fumble). He’s always talking and provides energy on the field. Overall, this is an ideal nickel starter on Day 1.

Rank 31
Brandon Cisse
South Carolina · CB · Junior
Cisse is a fast, twitchy cover corner. He primarily lined up outside at South Carolina. He usually played with his back turned to the sideline, allowing him to see through the wideout to the quarterback. He plays with vision, which allows him to use his elite speed to close space and make plays on the ball. He is a loose, fluid athlete. He’s not physical in press coverage, though. He carries his hands low and relies on his quick feet to mirror and match. I’d like to see him play with more aggression against the run. He gave up some plays in the games I studied, but it appeared to be more of a focus issue than any physical limitation. Cisse will likely rise on draft boards through the spring because of his athleticism and speed.

zn wrote:

Daniel Jeremiah@MoveTheSticks
There are a lot of day 2 starting CB’s in this draft.

***

from PFF: https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-cornerback-rankings

At the very top, the 2026 NFL Draft class is shaped by defensive talent, particularly a good group of edge defenders and a nice crop of wide receivers and cornerbacks that occupy a significant share of the top 50.

1st & Tuna@1standtuna
Watched full games of CBs in the draft, I think these 3 guys are Day 1 starters for any team:

-Mansoor Delane
-Colton Hood
-Jermod McCoy

The others I believe are spot starters that could take more time in their rookie year to find their role and settle in.

zn wrote:

Daniel Jeremiah@MoveTheSticks
Looking at my Omar Cooper Jr notes- He’s the Ramsiest WR in the draft.

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from https://theramswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2026/02/19/nfl-draft-rams-omar-cooper-prospect-2026/88762318007/

Though he doesn’t boast a rare combination of size, speed or athleticism, he’s exactly the type of receiver the Rams tend to look for.

Cooper is 6 feet tall and around 200 pounds, but he’s as physical as any wideout in the draft. He’s excellent at picking up yards after the catch, not only with his elusiveness in the open field, but by fighting for extra yardage through sheer effort.

What makes him particularly intriguing for the Rams is his willingness to block. That’s something Sean McVay always asks of his receivers, which allows Los Angeles to stay in 11 personnel as often as it does.

Todd McShay raved about Cooper on his podcast recently, describing him as the type of receiver the Rams tend look for in the draft.

“He’s the most consistent, reliable, toughest son of a (expletive) blocker in this class at wide receiver,” McShay said. “He’s 6-foot, maybe just shy, but his effort, his angles, his ability to sustain, the way he fights is unparalleled.”

zn wrote:

zn wrote:

Daniel Jeremiah@MoveTheSticks
Looking at my Omar Cooper Jr notes- He’s the Ramsiest WR in the draft.

***

from https://theramswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2026/02/19/nfl-draft-rams-omar-cooper-prospect-2026/88762318007/

Though he doesn’t boast a rare combination of size, speed or athleticism, he’s exactly the type of receiver the Rams tend to look for.

Cooper is 6 feet tall and around 200 pounds, but he’s as physical as any wideout in the draft. He’s excellent at picking up yards after the catch, not only with his elusiveness in the open field, but by fighting for extra yardage through sheer effort.

What makes him particularly intriguing for the Rams is his willingness to block. That’s something Sean McVay always asks of his receivers, which allows Los Angeles to stay in 11 personnel as often as it does.

Todd McShay raved about Cooper on his podcast recently, describing him as the type of receiver the Rams tend look for in the draft.

“He’s the most consistent, reliable, toughest son of a (expletive) blocker in this class at wide receiver,” McShay said. “He’s 6-foot, maybe just shy, but his effort, his angles, his ability to sustain, the way he fights is unparalleled.”

one of many reasons i think the rams should wait until later rounds to get another receiver. rams should concentrate on defense in the first round.

from Nate Atkins, his contribution to One hot topic for every team at the 2026 NFL combine: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7063486/2026/02/23/nfl-combine-team-future-question-quarterback-draft/

Los Angeles Rams

This Rams offseason will be all about finding aggressive avenues to unlock solutions at outside cornerback. It’s the one clear hole on the roster. The time is overdue for Los Angeles to invest either draft picks, cap space or both to this premium position, especially with starter Cobie Durant headed to free agency. He could come back, but the Rams need more than one investment here as well as a clear upgrade to the top cornerback spot. General manager Les Snead indicated he would be more aggressive in trying to win a Super Bowl if Matthew Stafford returned for an 18th season, so now that he has, the time in Indianapolis will be about cornerback prospects who could fit the Rams at Nos. 13 or 29 overall as well as exploring potential trades and preparing for free agency so as not to put that entire burden on rookies. — Nate Atkins

wv wrote:

Joel Klatt on Cowherd had the Rams taking a Guard at 13:

Yeah why should we expect anyone to actually know the team roster in any depth when they discuss the Rams on national sports media.

Rams don’t just need a guard, they need to intensify their search for a decent head coach while they’re at it.

And then there’s the stadium issue. They can’t play in the Anaheim Coliseum forever. Georgia needs to get with the program and be a better owner.

InvaderRam wrote:

well no. next season is when they evolve from 13 personnel to 10 personnel. and they unveil their jumbo package featuring three guards and three tackles and one wide receiver.

I hadn’t thought of that.

And with it, I hope, they include 2 RBs. They need those in case the opponents blitzes all 12 defenders at once.

wv wrote:

Greg Cosell said in a vid it wouldnt surprise him if there were only about ten or eleven players with actual first round grades this year.

w
v

Yeah it’s a draft that is thin on top but deep with 2nd and 3rd round worthy types. That just means the 1st round becomes that much more unpredictable, as “fit” becomes a dominant criteria over “elite no-brainer” picks.

For example, Stafford could play at a high level anywhere in the NFL. Whereas Puka, while he would never be a bust, wouldn’t have his 2025 numbers in every offense out there, but is a perfect fit for the Rams offense.

“This is NOT a very good draft when it comes to quarterbacks, running backs or wide receivers in terms of, you know, big time first round prospects, that's that's a rarity…”@GregCosell gives his thoughts on the 2026 NFL Draft Class: pic.twitter.com/x2yD4qc1YY

— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) February 25, 2026

defensive backs and tight ends work out today.

wv wrote:

I keep reading that the Dolphins at 11, and the Cowboys at 12 are looking to add a CB.

This is annoying.

w
v

Maybe the Rams shoulda beat the Falcons. Ever think of that?

If this is truly a CB-heavy draft I hope that the Rams pick 3 of them. I was disappointed that they ignored the position in last year’s draft. Of course, my mind could change depending on what they do in the FA/trade market, but both the secondary and ST need an influx of talent and multiple CB’s would obviously help both areas if they find some good ones. I still expect a CB and an offensive playmaker (most likely WR) in the first round, but I would not bristle if they picked two CB’s in the first.

• This reply was modified 1 week ago by canadaram.

safeties really showing out today.

i’m starting to think that if the guy they want isn’t there with the first pick, they could still find two later with the second first rounder and their second rounder.

maybe pick best available with the first pick.

Anthony Gargano@AnthonyLGargano
Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq is crushing his interviews:

“Walking into interviews and explaining exactly what everybody else’s assignment is.

I had one guy say ‘it was the best interview I’ve ever had.'”

Robert Griffin III@RGIII
Kenyon Sadiq is the mismatch EVERY offensive coordinator in the NFL is looking for.

At 6’3 245 he has

-4.40 40 yard dash (T-1st All-Time for TEs)
-43.5” vertical
-11-1 Broad Jump

And is coming off an 8 TD season at @oregonfootball

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KENYON SADIQ WITH THE FASTEST 40 IN 16 YEARS

4.4 FLAT pic.twitter.com/BRAmbYr86F

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 28, 2026