Rams 2026 NFL Draft Targets: Offensive Line, Cornerback, Quarterback Headline Needs

The Los Angeles Rams enter the 2026 NFL Draft walking a tightrope. They want to keep competing around Matthew Stafford while also building a core that can last beyond his career.

GamblingNerd.com’s NFL analysts see this draft as a key inflection point for the franchise. Their projections focus on premium positions and prospects who can deliver immediate value while still offering long-term upside. The offensive line, cornerback room, and future quarterback plan all sit at the center of that discussion heading into draft weekend.

Rams’ Draft Context And Needs

The Rams remain built to contend in the NFC, but their margin for error is shrinking. Stafford is in the later stage of his career, and the roster around him has already gone through one reset since the Super Bowl run. The 2026 draft offers a chance to reinforce the foundation without sacrificing short-term competitiveness.

The offensive line has improved in recent seasons, yet it still profiles as an area where one injury can change the entire look of the offense. Interior protection in particular is critical for keeping Stafford upright and supporting the run game. The secondary also needs more high-end talent and depth, especially at cornerback, where the team has cycled through veteran stopgaps and mid-round projects.

Quarterback succession is the other looming question. The Rams have invested resources in supporting Stafford, but at some point, they must decide whether to use a premium pick on a passer who can eventually take over. GamblingNerd.com’s NFL analysts have highlighted several prospects who fit the Rams’ scheme and timeline at each of these spots.

Olaivavega Ioane: Premium Interior Anchor

Olaivavega Ioane, the standout interior lineman from Penn State, profiles as one of the top guard prospects in this class. He is widely projected to go in the top half of the first round, and his game fits what the Rams have valued in recent offensive line additions. Ioane excels in pass protection, with strong hands, good balance, and the ability to anchor against power.

He also brings enough movement skills to be effective in the run game, particularly on inside zone and gap concepts that let him generate movement at the point of attack. For the Rams, Ioane would project as a long-term starter at guard who could step in early and help stabilize the interior. His presence would protect Stafford now and give the next quarterback a sturdy pocket in the future.

Spencer Fano: Tackle Versatility For Now And Later

Spencer Fano, out of Utah, offers another high-end offensive line option, this time at tackle. He entered the pre-draft process as one of the better athletes at the position, with the foot quickness and range to handle speed off the edge. Evaluators see him as a potential long-term starter who could play on either side of the line depending on team needs.

On the surface, tackle might not appear to be the Rams’ most immediate concern, but depth and succession planning are real factors. Fano’s movement skills, experience in a physical Utah offense, and ability to play in space would give the Rams flexibility. He could start his career as a swing tackle or compete for a starting job while giving the team a clear plan for life after any veteran departures.

Mansoor Delane: Cornerback Help With Upside

Cornerback remains a priority despite previous additions. Mansoor Delane, who finished his college career at LSU after transferring from Virginia Tech, has earned a reputation as a polished, scheme-versatile corner with strong instincts and ball skills. His tape shows fluid movement, the ability to play multiple coverages, and competitiveness at the catch point.

For the Rams, Delane would project as an early contributor who could start his career as a CB2 or CB3 while developing into a long-term fixture. His versatility would allow defensive coaches to move him around, match him against different receiver types, and adjust coverages without having to substitute. Given the Rams’ recent churn at corner, investing in a player like Delane would address both immediate depth and future stability.

Ty Simpson: Planning For Life After Stafford

Ty Simpson from Alabama is one of the most intriguing quarterback options in this class for a team like the Rams. A former top recruit, Simpson developed in a high-level SEC program and brings a blend of arm talent, mobility, and playmaking ability outside the pocket. His 2025 season helped solidify him as a serious NFL prospect, even if evaluators still see areas to refine.

Simpson’s profile fits what teams look for in a modern NFL quarterback. He can operate within structure, but he also has the athleticism to extend plays and attack downfield when protection breaks down. For the Rams, he would be a candidate to sit behind Stafford, learn the system, and eventually compete for the starting job. Spending a premium pick on Simpson would signal a clear commitment to a succession plan, but it would also mean passing on immediate help at other spots.

Ted Hurst: Big-Play Wideout For McVay

Even with established weapons on the roster, wide receivers always stay on the radar in Sean McVay’s offense. Ted Hurst from Georgia State fits the mold of a big-play outside target. At 6-foot-4 with strong deep speed and explosive testing numbers, he brings a vertical element that stresses defenses and opens space underneath.

Hurst’s production over his final two college seasons shows he can handle a significant workload. He still needs to polish his route running against NFL-level competition, but the traits are there. In Los Angeles, Hurst could start his career as a complementary option behind the top receivers while the staff refines his game. Over time, he could become a featured outside threat if his development tracks as expected.

Markel Bell: Developmental Tackle With Rare Size

For a later pick on the offensive line, Markel Bell from Miami offers rare size and intriguing upside. At nearly 6-foot-9 and well over 330 pounds, he is one of the biggest offensive linemen in the class. Despite that size, he held up well in pass protection in college, including a senior season where he did not allow a sack while starting at left tackle for a playoff team.

Bell is still viewed as a developmental tackle who will need technical refinement against NFL pass rushers. However, his frame, length, and experience in a high-volume passing offense make him an appealing project. For the Rams, Bell could begin as a depth piece behind established veterans, with the coaching staff working to clean up his footwork and leverage. If his technique catches up to his physical tools, he could grow into a starting-caliber tackle over time.

As the Rams approach the 2026 NFL Draft, this group of prospects reflects clear priorities. Strengthen the offensive line in front of Stafford and his eventual successor, add a high-end corner to solidify the secondary, and seriously evaluate whether this is the moment to invest in a quarterback of the future. How they balance those needs across their picks will go a long way toward shaping the next phase of the franchise.