The Seattle Seahawks ended up being too much for the Los Angeles Rams late in the season, but the Rams are absolutely in a position to be right back in the mix atop the NFC in 2026. With Matthew Stafford having played the best football of his career in 2025, there is reason to believe that Stafford could have a couple more high-end seasons up his sleeve.
However, the Rams do have a few positions that need to be addressed in a big way. Fortunately, not only do the Rams have a ton of NFL Draft capital, but they also have a good bit of cap space, and if General Manager Les Snead's prior aggression is any indication, the Rams are going to make a huge push this offseason.
And in our latest mock draft, the Rams do just that and swing a major trade in the first round.
Los Angeles Rams swing major first-round trade in updated NFL Mock Draft
13. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
It's hard to pass up Jermod McCoy at pick 13 if you're the Rams. McCoy is a versatile player who can immediately become the top cornerback in the room. The Rams have all of Roger McCreary, Ahkello Witherspoon, Cobie Durant, and Derion Kendrick set to hit the free agency market.
Cornerback could not be more of a need for this team at the moment.
Rams trade pick 29 to Kansas City Chiefs for CB Trent McDuffie
Using another pick on a cornerback, but it's with a trade! The Rams send pick 29 to the Chiefs for Trent McDuffie. McDuffie and the Chiefs have not been able to agree on any sort of long-term deal, and the once three-time defending AFC champs could use an additional first-round pick.
The Chiefs roster just isn't that special, so for the long-term, parting with McDuffie for a first-rounder is a wise idea. All of a sudden, the Rams have a new and potentially special cornerback duo.
61. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Omar Speights and Nate Landman is an encouraging linebacker duo, but there is still more the Rams can do here. At pick 61 in this mock, they grab Jacob Rodriguez and add some young talent at the position. The Rams defensive line has been a massive success, and most came via the NFL Draft.
LA should begin to do this at linebacker to improve there, especially after addressing the secondary in two major moves.
93. Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
Skyler Bell is a wide receiver who can be a threat at all three phases of the offense, and the Rams should continue to lean into what they do well - throw the ball all over the yard. With Davante Adams obviously getting older, the Rams have a need for a young receiver.
167. Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
A potentially fun, developmental prospect, the Rams grab Sawyer Robertson and at least take a stab at someone who could replace Stafford. If the Rams starting quarterback plays anywhere near the level he did again in 2026, he may never want to retire, but he's not going to play forever.
206. Cameron Ball, DT, Arkansas
Los Angeles heads to the defensive line now and takes Cameron Ball from Arkansas. Snead and the rest of the front office has done a great job at stocking this defensive line up with key talent. They should ensure that remains the case and continue to take chances on players in the NFL Draft.
209. Diego Pounds, OT, Ole Miss
Diego Pounds is a 6-6 left tackle prospect. Alaric Jackson is entrenched as the starting left tackle, but it never hurts to have some high-end insurance and the potential for a future starter at some point.
233. Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami (FL)
Not only is cornerback a need, but safety could also be a need for the Rams. At pick 233, they grab some depth and select Jakobe Thomas from Miami (FL). Thomas has nice length at 6-2 and did have five interceptions in 2025, so he's got a nose for the football.
251. Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington
Ephesians is another lengthy defensive back the Rams could take a chance on in the later rounds. At this point, after swinging two major moves for cornerback help, the Rams look to reinforce the seconadary with some depth.
Building a winning NFL roster goes beyond just grabbing starting-caliber players. Depth is where Super Bowl champions are made.
256. Jeremiah Wright, OG, Auburn
The Rams finish up this NFL mock draft with Jeremiah Wright and have drafted a second offensive line prospect here on day three.
Overall, the Rams are going to directly address positions of need this offseason. The front office is a well-oiled machine and surely understand that this franchise is on the cusp of being great. It would be flat-out malpractice if the Rams didn't come away with a few players at key positions of need heading into 2026.