Analysis of potential draft picks for the Los Angeles Rams to address upcoming contract extensions and positional needs. The Rams are facing potential free agency departures of key players, necessitating strategic draft choices to maintain competitiveness.
WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. The Los Angeles Rams have a lot of players to pay so here are three top draft candidates that would help answer some of those looming extension questions. The Rams are set to have Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams, Kevin Dotson, Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner, Byron Young, and others hit free agency after 2026.
, within the next few years, the Rams are going to have to address the position contractually. On top of that, I believe Chris Shula is destined to dime packages in a revolutionary way. To the point where Josh Wallace is going to need oxygen, along with the rest of the secondary. Dillon Thieneman meets with the media at the 2026 NFL Combine. | Clark Wade/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Shula has his guys in order to run man across the board while sending heat. That means he's going to use those designs to switch to zone coverage post-snap, inducing interceptions. He needs fresh units to capitalize on those throws. Thieneman does that.This would be a controversial pick because Ioane does not assist the Rams immediately in any way. The thought process is that the team's entire interior offensive line are set to be free agents and if the Rams have to pay others, they might not have enough to retain everyone. Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The center market has been blown out of the water due to Tyler Linderbaum's deal, so prices are rising. Ioane is considered an up-and-coming star at guard. It's likely the Rams are going to have to say goodbye to Steve Avila or Kevin Dotson after this season. Plus, both men missed multiple games last season.is selected, the Rams would be able to decline Emmanuel Forbes' fifth-year option, allowing the team to re-negotiate a better deal moving forward if they wish to keep ties with Forbes or let him walk with a replacement already in place. Delane is a star in the making and there's going to be a point where the Rams have to lose someone in the secondary. Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU defensive back Mansoor Delane speaks to media members during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images At that point, there's a good chance Trent McDuffie goes inside, and thus, Delane would be able to step up as the outside corner, pairing with the taller Jaylen Watson to maintain the structure of the Rams' aerial defense. On top of that, Delane wouldn't need an extension until after McDuffie's and Watson's deals are off the books.Brock Vierra, a UNLV graduate, is the Los Angeles Rams Beat Writer On Sports Illustrated. He also works as a college football reporter for our On Sports Illustrated team.
Los Angeles Rams NFL Draft Contract Extensions Free Agency Offensive Line
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NFL Draft 2026 preview: Seahawks wide receiver options at every draft rangeThe Seahawks don’t urgently need a wide receiver, but if they do take one, there’s intriguing talent across the board.
Read more »
Draft Network Top 100 NFL Draft Rankings 2026Expert 2026 NFL Draft coverage — mock drafts, scouting reports, TDN100 player rankings, prospect interviews, and the 1 Mock Draft Simulator.
Read more »
Raiders Mock Draft 11.0: What I'm Hearing Ahead of NFL DraftDiscover the bold moves and surprises in our Las Vegas Raiders 2026 NFL Mock Draft (11.0)—where every pick could change the future in unexpected ways.
Read more »
Saints Could Address Safety Position Early in NFL DraftThe New Orleans Saints are in a good position at safety heading into the NFL Draft, but that doesn't mean they won't pick one of the position's top prospects.
Read more »
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Nick Wright Predicts Jets Pick a QB; Eagles, Rams Get WR HelpTy Simpson to the Jets? Makai Lemon to the Rams? Here's how Nick Wright projects the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft will go.
Read more »
Rams Projected to Aggressively Pursue Puka Nacua Replacement in NFL DraftThe Rams have to make a decision on wide receiver Puka Nacua soon. They could target insurance at the 2026 NFL Draft.
Read more »