Rams Shed Light on Unique 2026 Draft Process

McVay made clear that recent trade maneuvering was intentional, but not disruptive to the Rams’ week-to-week priorities.

“That trade was made with a lot of thought. We had players we really liked and felt confident we could still get after moving back, and we were able to do that with Terrence Ferguson. They had a player they wanted, so it worked out and gave us additional draft capital. But it doesn’t change our approach to this game — our focus is on preparing the right way and coming out ready to play on Monday night.”

While the Rams remain locked in on the present, McVay didn’t shy away from the broader implications of holding extra premium picks — something the organization has rarely enjoyed during his tenure.

“In the bigger picture, having more draft capital gives you flexibility. It gives you more ammo to upgrade the totality of your roster. We’ve never believed in just one way of team-building. We look at every avenue — the draft, free agency, undrafted free agency, re-signing your own players, and drafting and developing.”

That philosophy reflects a Rams front office that has evolved beyond the “all-in” label that once defined it. With multiple roster questions looming in 2026, optionality may be just as valuable as star power.

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Cornerback: A Position Facing Immediate Turnover

Few position groups face more uncertainty than cornerback. Seven of the Rams’ ten cornerbacks are set to hit free agency, including key contributor Cobie Durant, who recorded three interceptions during the 2025 season.

Even with young depth on the roster, the sheer volume of potential departures makes cornerback one of the most urgent needs in the draft. Whether through early-round investment or multiple mid-round swings, the Rams will likely need to restock a secondary that could look dramatically different next season.

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Quarterback: Planning for Life After Stafford

Matthew Stafford continues to perform at a high level, throwing for 4,179 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2025. But at 37 years old, the Rams understand that succession planning can no longer be theoretical.

Complicating matters further, backup Jimmy Garoppolo, 34, is also headed to free agency. While the Rams are not signaling an imminent transition, the presence of two first-round picks gives them the ability to draft and develop a quarterback without forcing an immediate hand.

As McVay noted:

“Every year is different based on who’s under contract, who’s on rookie deals, and who’s due for extensions.”

Quarterback may not be an emergency — but it’s clearly part of the long-term equation.

Tight End: A Room in Transition

Some of the Rams’ tight end group is set to hit free agency, including veterans Tyler Higbee and Nick Vannett, both 32. Higbee has been a staple of the offense for years, but durability and age are now unavoidable considerations.

With tight ends playing an increasingly central role in modern NFL offenses, the Rams could look to inject youth and versatility into the position, whether as an immediate contributor or a developmental piece.

Safety: Depth Needed Amid Potential Departures

Safety is another position quietly facing turnover. Kamren Curl (108 tackles, two interceptions) and Quentin Lake (61 tackles) are among three safeties entering free agency.

The Rams do have promising young talent in Kamren Kinchens, who recorded 73 tackles and two interceptions in 2025, but depth remains a concern. Adding competition and insurance through the draft would align with the team’s broader roster-balancing approach.

A Player-Centric Draft Philosophy

Ultimately, McVay emphasized that draft position matters less than the person attached to it — a sentiment that underscores the Rams’ approach in 2026.

“At the end of the day, where you’re picking matters, but it’s really about the player. Once you attach a name to that pick, that’s where the real value comes from. Having two first-round picks gives you flexibility — the ability to move around the board or target players you believe will realistically be in range.”

For a Rams team navigating both contention and transition, that flexibility may define their most unique draft process yet.