The Los Angeles Rams concluded Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Ty Simpson, signaling their choice for the franchise's future under center. However, with five picks remaining in Rounds 2 and 3 tonight, general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay face the critical task of surrounding their young quarterback with strong offensive and defensive pieces capable of competing in the tough NFC West.
According to Sports Illustrated and multiple draft analysts, the Rams' most pressing needs entering Day 2 focus on bolstering wide receiver depth, improving the secondary, and adding linebacker versatility. Here's an in-depth look at those areas and the prospects most likely to catch the Rams' interest.
Biggest Remaining Needs
Wide Receiver
While veteran Cooper Kupp remains under contract, his age (33) and durability concerns have placed emphasis on finding a dynamic, young complement. Puka Nacua has established himself as an emerging star, but beyond him, the receiver depth chart is notably inexperienced. The Rams allowed Tutu Atwell to depart in free agency, and other options behind Nacua and Kupp are unproven at the NFL level.
Adding a quick, agile receiver capable of operating both inside and outside would provide Ty Simpson with a reliable weapon who can create immediate separation and generate yards after the catch -- traits highly valued in Sean McVay's offense. The Rams are known for favoring receivers who understand timing and spacing, capable of excelling in option routes and quick-break plays. Expect the Rams to target a shifty slot receiver or a physically imposing downfield threat with strong contested catch ability as possible Day 2 picks.
Cornerback
Secondary depth remains a concern heading into the 2026 season. The departures of Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon (no longer on the Rams roster) have left a significant void at cornerback. While offseason additions have shored up the position to some extent, a true top-tier shutdown corner opposite Cobie Durant is still lacking.
Defensive coordinator Chris Shula values press-man coverage ability and physicality on the outside to contend with the NFC West's formidable wide receiver corps. Given the premium placed on corners in today's pass-heavy NFL, the Rams could prioritize this position early in the second round. Ideal candidates combine length, recovery speed, and ball skills to disrupt opposing passing rhythms and provide more time for the interior pass rush led by players like Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske.
Linebacker
The Rams have refreshed their defensive line and secondary in recent years but continue to seek linebacker stability. Ernest Jones IV has performed reliably as a starter, but depth and versatility are lacking behind him. The modern NFL linebacker must cover athletic tight ends and swift running backs, necessitating a sideline-to-sideline capable, coverage-adept player.
Selecting a linebacker with range and football IQ in the middle rounds would inject competition and insurance into the unit. A linebacker with the ability to operate on the weakside and manage pass coverage duties effectively could immediately improve the defense's response to play-action and RPO concepts, areas that challenged the Rams last season.
Most Likely Draft Targets
Wide Receiver Options
The Rams could use their mid- to late-second-round or early third-round picks to add a versatile wide receiver. Prospects under consideration fit the McVay offensive philosophy: players with quickness to exploit option routes, proficiency running complex route trees, and the ability to create yards after catch. One such player is a Senior Bowl standout noted for his agility and ball skills combined with above-average testing metrics in the 40-yard dash and shuttle drills. He could slot instantly as the primary receiver inside, complementing Kupp and Nacua's outside roles.
Alternatively, the Rams might lean towards a physically imposing receiver capable of winning contested catches and serving as a red-zone threat, filling a role absent since Allen Robinson's time in Los Angeles.
Cornerback Targets
The depth of this year's cornerback class affords the Rams the opportunity to select a press-coverage capable cornerback early in Round 2. Ideal prospects exhibit a mix of coverage versatility, physicality, and ball-hawking skills. The Rams favor players who can disrupt timing, recover quickly downfield, and aid the pass rush indirectly by forcing quarterbacks to hold onto the ball longer. A zone coverage specialist with the agility and length to press at the line would complement Shula's preferred defensive scheme.
Linebacker Possibilities
Mid-round linebacker candidates focus on athleticism and coverage skills, traits necessary to play in multiple defensive fronts and adjust dynamically to offensive motion. The Rams prize linebackers with high football intellect who can seamlessly transition between run stopping and coverage duties. A rangy strong athlete capable of playing the weakside LB position would help improve the team's defense against tight ends and seam routes, enhancing resistance against misdirection plays.
Day 2 Draft Strategy
Les Snead has never shied from aggressive Day 2 maneuvers, famously declaring, "We're not picking 31, we're picking first," a philosophy that has resulted in upward trades to secure top targets in past drafts. The Rams could package later picks to move up in the second round and snag priority prospects.
Still, the Rams value volume picks, especially in Round 3, where they've historically found gems such as Ernest Jones and Jordan Fuller. Balancing the desire to trade up with the need for quality depth will be a critical element in the Rams' draft room strategy tonight.
Final Thoughts
The Rams have taken a vital step by drafting their potential franchise quarterback in Ty Simpson, but the real challenge lies ahead in crafting a roster that can compete for NFC West supremacy. Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft offers a prime opportunity to bolster wide receiver options, enhance cornerback depth with an immediate starter, and add linebacker versatility to an evolving defense.
If Los Angeles secures a starting-caliber cornerback early and a versatile wide receiver or linebacker in the middle rounds, the team will address key needs that will shape the roster's competitiveness next season.
Expect excitement out of the Rams' draft war room tonight. Les Snead's willingness to move aggressively coupled with Sean McVay's offensive vision sets the stage for impactful decisions that could define the franchise's trajectory.
The picks begin at 7 p.m. ET. Rams fans, buckle up -- the real work starts now.
