Rams 7-round mock draft: LA adds rare athletes at TE and QB, bolsters defense

It's almost time for the Los Angeles Rams to continue adding to their roster in the 2026 NFL Draft. They currently have seven picks after trading away three this year for Trent McDuffie, which is plenty of capital to add a handful of playmakers on each side of the ball.

In our latest 7-round mock draft using Pro Football Focus' simulator, the Rams add a dynamic weapon on offense to pair with Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Terrance Ferguson and others. With such a big gap between their third- and sixth-round picks, we trade down from No. 93 and bridge that space by adding two fifth-rounders in the process.

The Rams not only find another pass catcher in Kenyon Sadiq, but they also bring in another talented linebacker, a pair of outside cornerbacks and some depth on the offensive line.

Round 1, No. 13: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

An Oregon tight end in back-to-back years? The Rams should have no problem taking Sadiq if he's there, and they might even sprint to turn the card in if that opportunity presents itself. He tested as one of the most athletic tight ends in combine history, possessing rare speed and explosiveness for a player his size.

As badly as the Rams could use another wide receiver, Sadiq has WR-like traits in his game. He can line up attached to the formation, move into the slot and even split out wide, giving Sean McVay plenty of flexibility on offense. With how heavily the Rams leaned into 13 personnel last season, it would only make sense to keep bolstering the position with another dynamic pass catcher.

Round 2, No. 61: LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri

ESPN's Matt Miller says sources around the NFL believe the Rams will target an inside linebacker early in the draft, likely in the second round – "especially if Josiah Trotter is available."

Well, Trotter was on the board in this mock draft, and he'd be a good addition to the defense alongside Nate Landman. Though he's not as adept in coverage as some other linebackers in this class, he's a well-rounded defender who could eventually become LB1 in Los Angeles if the Rams move on from Landman at some point. He'd add some speed and range to the middle of the defense right away, too.

Round 4, No. 107: CB Tacario Davis, Washington

• TRADE: Rams receive Nos. 107, 146 and 149, Browns receive No. 93

Davis has 4.41 speed in a 6-foot-4 frame, making him a unique athlete at cornerback – similar to Tariq Woolen, who was an impact defender in Seattle before leaving in free agency. Davis had 16 passes defensed in 2023 at Arizona and finished with three career interceptions across four seasons.

The Rams already have Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson at cornerback but Davis' ability to play outside would allow McDuffie to move into the slot as needed, adding to the flexibility of the secondary.

Round 5, No. 146: EDGE Max Llewellyn, Iowa

Sean McVay said at the annual league meetings that the Rams can never have enough guys who can rush the quarterback and make plays with the ball in their hands. Llewellyn checks the first box as an impactful pass rusher, recording 12 sacks, 17.5 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles in the last two seasons alone.

He brings great size and length at outside linebacker, solidifying a position that's already a strength for the Rams. If Byron Young were to leave in free agency next year, Llewellyn and Josaiah Stewart could compete to start opposite Jared Verse.

Round 5, No. 149: QB Taylen Green, Arkansas

Green is an unbelievable athlete, running a 4.36 at 6-foot-6 with a 43.5-inch vertical. It's rare to see those numbers from any player, let alone a quarterback. He needs work as a passer after throwing 34 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions in the last two seasons at Arkansas, but the Rams can give him that time to develop behind Matthew Stafford.

And though McVay has never had a mobile quarterback as his starter, he often targets those types of players to be the backup: Blake Bortles, Bryce Perkins, Carson Wentz and even Stetson Bennett, to an extent.

Round 6, No. 207: WR Zavion Thomas, LSU

Thomas adds depth to the wide receiver room, but perhaps even more importantly, he brings experience as a return specialist. The Rams badly need to upgrade that position, even with Xavier Smith coming back, and Thomas would be an improvement in that area.

He had 24 kick returns for 633 yards and a touchdown in 2024 after averaging 33.7 yards per kick return the year prior at Mississippi State, with one touchdown, as well.

Round 7, No. 232: OT Riley Mahlman, Wisconsin

Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr. should be the starting tackles this season but the Rams have a need for a new swing tackle after D.J. Humphries flopped in that role last year. Mahlman needs to improve as a blocker but he has the frame (6-foot-8) to be a quality backup in the NFL.

Plus, he played both left and right tackle at Wisconsin, and we know how much the Rams like linemen from the Badgers.

Round 7, No. 251: OG Caden Barnett, Wyoming

As set as the Rams are at guard with Kevin Dotson and Steve Avila, both are pending free agents in 2027. Thus, they could use some insurance at the position in case one (or both) leaves next year. Barnett played guard and tackle in college but projects better on the interior, which is where the Rams would use him as a backup behind Avila and Dotson.

Round 7, No. 252: CB Toriano Pride Jr., Missouri

Pride isn't the biggest cornerback at 5-foot-10 but he ran a 4.32 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. The Rams don't have a burner at cornerback right now, so if they're ever facing a team with excellent speed on the outside, Pride might have a chance to contribute in coverage. At the very least, he continues bolstering the cornerback group in case of injury, ensuring the Rams are in good shape if someone were to go down.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams mock draft: Full 7-round projections for Los Angeles in 2026