Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay walks on field after the 2026 NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Why the Rams Must Reinforce Their Lines

Originally posted on Los Angeles Rams on SI
By Fernando Alfaro-Donis | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 12:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams are lucky to have two first-round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, because they need all the help they can get to bolster their roster. They already have a roster that was capable of making it to a Super Bowl, so what else should they be looking to add?

FOX Sports released its own mock draft this offseason, in which the Rams are predicted to address both of their lines on either side of the ball. An offensive lineman makes sense, especially with a quarterback like Matthew Stafford, but a defensive lineman is a luxury pick. Are these selections the best way for the Rams to get back to winning?

2026 NFL Mock Draft

Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

"Matthew Stafford is the reigning MVP with no signs of slowing down. At 38 years old, everything the Rams do from a roster construction standpoint should and will likely be with the intent of winning a Super Bowl immediately".

I believe Sean McVay would be acting recklessly if every move from here on out didn't help them win a Super Bowl right now. For the second season in a row, the Rams fall in the playoffs to the eventual Super Bowl champions. Both of those losses were one score, and in either scenario, the Rams would've made a Super Bowl appearance, if not winners.

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

"Proctor is a specimen at 6-7, 366 pounds and has given up just five sacks in the last two seasons (according to PFF). Rob Havenstein is 33 years old and dealing with injuries, making this an ideal fit for Los Angeles".

Rob Havenstein has retired, which opens up space for Warren McClendon Jr. to handle the right side of their offensive line. Nevertheless, I still believe Kadyn Proctor is a good selection based on his upside.,

Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

"Overton fits the mold of all the past Alabama defensive linemen over the past decade in that he's incredibly athletic, nasty, physical and relentless. At 6-5, 283 pounds, he can play inside and can thrive in multiple schemes. Los Angeles can get a true game-wrecker here if he's available".

The Rams are predicted to double-dip in the Alabama Crimson Tide pool, and I'm not upset at it. LT Overton isn't a name commonly paired with the Rams in these mock drafts because he isn't available, but if he is, the Rams shouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger and draft him. A lack of secondary help does concern me, but this would be a superb first-round draft class for the Rams this offseason.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Rams on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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