The end of the 2025 NFL regular season is ending in a few weeks and the playoff race is starting to heat up.
The Los Angeles Rams find themselves in the race for the first seed in the NFC with 4 teams in the conference having 9 wins or more.
While there is still more football to be played, early mock drafts are never too early to make. One NFL analyst dropped their latest mock, predicting the Rams will select a player on both sides of the ball in the first round.
Rams Predicted To Go With Defensive Star
GettyThe Rams could go with a defensive back in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft
The Los Angeles Rams have strengths all across their roster, but there is one weakness the team has had since the beginning of the season.
The secondary has been an issue for the team this season despite the front offices’ best effort to improve the position. Injuries have also plagued the position which prevents the team from performing their best.
Needing help, not just now, but in the future will be a priority for Los Angeles heading forward as the team has a few safeties on expiring contracts.
ESPN’s Field Yates dropped his latest mock draft, predicting the Rams will select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the 9th overall pick which originally belonged to the Atlanta Falcons.
“While they have the option to make another move with the pick, they could use it here on one of the best safety prospects in recent memory,” Yates wrote. “Downs is a versatile, tone-setting defender who has the chance to be the first safety picked in the top 10 since Jamal Adams went No. 6 to the [New York] Jets in 2017.”
“Downs has played in an NFL scheme at Ohio State for much of his college career; he can handle coverage deep in the middle of the field and be a menacing force in the box. Los Angeles has a ton of young talent up front on its defense, but it might lose players on the back end this offseason.”
Through his collegiate career, the safety has logged 159 tackles, 12 pass deflections and 6 sacks.
Selecting A Replacement For Matthew Stafford?
GettyRams May Use Another First On A Quarterback
The aging Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level this season and currently leading the Rams to the number one seed in the conference.
There was some chatter that Stafford, who is 37 years old, may retire in the near future after some concerns with his back in training camp. Stafford is playing better age and shows that he could still hang in the NFL. But once he calls it quits, the Rams could be trouble without a clear replacement.
Yates believes the Rams will go with a quarterback their second first round pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 31st overall pick.
“Let’s start by acknowledging that Simpson is no lock to declare for the draft and his recent play has been concerning. However, his performances early in the season were strong enough to keep him in the first-round conversation in the right circumstances,” Yates wrote for ESPN. “The Rams would likely not need Simpson to play at all in 2026. That would give him time to develop — and there’s perhaps no better quarterback tutor in the game than coach Sean McVay.”
“Simpson has nifty in-pocket movement, the ability to be an accurate passer and a strong arm when he can set his platform. Given their extra first-round pick, the Rams can afford to take a chance on their quarterback of the future.”
The Roll Tide QB currently has 3,268 passing yards and 26 pass touchdowns this season, which is a collegiate best for him. Simpson could remain another year to help maximize his talents before calling for the 2027 Draft.
Rams Predicted To Make Shocking Selections In 2026 NFL Draft