Tyler Greenawalt, Rams WireSat, January 31, 2026 at 2:00 AM UTC·2 min readThe Los Angeles Rams' 2026 NFL draft strategy is "a blank canvas," according to Pro Football Focus analyst Trevor Sikkema.
He and Dalton Wasserman went through the first three rounds of this April's draft for the Rams using PFF's mock draft simulator. L.A. has four picks in the first three rounds: Nos. 13 (from the Atlanta Falcons), 29, 61 and 93.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe PFF duo immediately went cornerback with the No. 13 pick, taking LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. This is a pick many have forecasted to the Rams in recent mock draft considering the team's clear need at the position. Delane had two interceptions for the Tigers in 2025 and eight during his entire collegiate career.
Next up, Sikkema and Wasserman wanted to go with quarterback Ty Simpson. The Alabama product had already been taken by the No. 29 pick, though, so they decided to double up on cornerback with Arizona State defensive back Keith Abney II. He had two interceptions in 2025 and six in 34 games across three seasons for the Sun Devils.
The second round was an interesting one for the Rams. The two eventually decided on Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter with the No. 61 pick. Trotter had 13 tackles for a loss in 2025 and two sacks to go along with his 43 combined tackles. While other players were available, Sikkema noted that the Rams might want to shore up their linebacker group, knowing how the NFL is changing.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"McVay and the Rams know that the game is getting a little bit back more towards heavier personnel," Sikkema said. "So, you're going to need heavier linebackers to be able to deal with it. So, actually like Josiah Trotter here because of how much strength he plays with."
Finally, the two decided on Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor with the No. 93 pick. Iheanachor is a massive right tackle at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds. He projects to be a developmental lineman who could become a starter for L.A. down the line.
"You can paint whatever picture you want with the extra first-round pick and just the draft strategy that we have here. But I think this is actually a realistic Rams draft," Sikkema added. "They could very well go DB and DB with their first two picks there. Josiah Trotter sets the tone. Heavy hitter at the linebacker level. And then you get an athletic offensive tackle in the third round."
The picks make sense, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see general manager Les Sean and head coach Sean McVay try to find a receiver with one of these early-round picks, given the lack of depth behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. And as the PFF duo noted, quarterback is also an area the Rams could consider at any point in the first three rounds if the right player is available.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams go mostly defense in 3-round PFF mock draft
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