Rams 7-Round Mock Draft: Post-free agency edition

Which direction will the Rams go during the draft after the conclusion of free agency?

For the most part, the NFL free agency period is over and the focus now moves to the NFL Draft which is exactly one month away. Teams will begin to put together their big boards before needing to finalize everything over the coming weeks. The Los Angeles Rams did enough in free agency where they won’t be forced into a hole during the draft, leaving all options open. Here is a post-free agency seven-round Rams mock draft.

26th Overall – TE Colston Loveland, Michigan

The closer that we get to the draft, the more I remain convinced that if Colston Loveland is available with the 26th overall pick, the Rams would select him. Tight end is the position that the Rams did not address during free agency, despite opportunities. Prior to free agency, the Denver Broncos were seen as a likely destination for Loveland, but they signed Evan Engram. While the Chargers could still take him, they need wide receivers.

Loveland is a perfect fit for the Rams with his route-running and ability to create separation. He’d allow the Rams to run more of their offense out of 12 personnel as a big slot player that McVay has coveted. Loveland isn’t the same caliber of prospect as Brock Bowers, but they have similar play styles. Mark Andrews would be another good player comparison for Loveland. Adding this type of receiving tight end would unlock another element of the McVay offense.

90th Overall – CB Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech

The Rams re-signing Ahkello Witherspoon allows them to wait at cornerback and take one on day two. Needing to compete for a championship, it’s hard to see them relying on a rookie on the boundary. However, adding Strong to compete with Witherspoon and potentially win that spot makes sense.

Strong didn’t have the speed that the Rams like during the Combine, but he was the third fastest defensive back during the week at the Senior Bowl, clocking in at over 21 miles per hour. Strong is lengthy, has good awareness in zone coverage, and has good ball skills. This is the type of physical player that the Rams are missing in the secondary.

101st Overall – LB Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina

Throughout the Sean McVay and Les Snead era, the Rams haven’t drafted a linebacker inside the top-100 and it would be surprising if that changes this year. There is a lot of value at the position on day two of the draft and it simply is not a position that the Rams covet. This isn’t a team that’s going to overreact to a performance against one team. The Rams added to the defensive line with Poona Ford and signed Nate Landman from the Atlanta Falcons who is a run-stopping linebacker in the mold of Troy Reeder.

Still, that doesn’t mean that the Rams don’t need a linebacker. The last time the Rams made the Super Bowl, they selected a linebacker just outside of the top-100 out of South Carolina in Ernest Jones. Knight is solid in the run game, has potential as a blitzer, and has special teams value. He may not start right away, but by the end of the season, Knight could end up as a big part of the defense.

127th Overall – RB Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech

The Rams need to add an explosive running back to their backfield. While the fourth round may seem high, Kyren Williams is on the final year of his rookie contract. Adding Tuten gives them a backup option behind Blake Corum for 2026.

Tuten is explosive and has a violent running style. He’s also very willing in pass protection which McVay will covet. There are some ball security issues here, but it is an aspect of his game that he’s looking to improve. This could end up being a steal in the fourth round and would give the Rams an element that they’ve lacked at the running back position.

190th Overall – OT Logan Brown, Kansas

At some point the Rams are going to have to look for an heir behind Rob Havenstein. This tackle class isn’t deep, but there are some intriguing names on days two and three that could develop into starting players. Brown is one of them. He only has one year of starting experience at right tackle, but he has the tools to develop into a starter.

The Rams like their Wisconsin offensive linemen. Brown played the first four years of his collegiate career at Wisconsin before transferring to Kansas last season. He’s had troubles with inconsistency and injuries, but started 11 games at right tackle in 2024. Sitting behind a pro like Rob Havenstein could be very beneficial.

195th Overall – LB Shemar James, Florida

Despite having the Rams going linebacker early, it’s very possible that they double up at the positions. It’s hard to find a better fit at linebacker for the Rams than Shemar James from Florida. He’s an explosive player that’s smart and patient in the run game.

James is on the smaller end for a linebacker, but he can fly around the field. He’s also not afraid to take on contact. The Florida linebacker can also have an impact as a pass rusher. This is the type of player that the Rams should be able to develop into a reliable starter on the backend of their defense .

201st Overall – DL JJ Pegues, Ole Miss

After signing Poona Ford, the Rams don’t necessarily need to take a defensive lineman early. At the same time, they could still use some depth, especially in the pass rush department. You can never have too many defensive lineman in a pass rush rotation and Pegues fits that bill.

The Rams like their defensive lineman with motors that run hot and have an impressive get off at the snap. He may not have as much of an impact early in the run game. However, as a player that can come in as a designated pass rusher early in his career and have an impact in that department.

202nd Overall – Joshua Gray, Oregon State

Coleman Shelton was signed in free agency and should provide some depth at all three interior spots if he isn’t the starting center. Still, outside of Shelton, the Rams could still use some interior depth.

Gray is an experienced player with five years of starting experience at left tackle and guard. He provides some sixth-man upside which the Rams are missing without Joe Noteboom. Gray can play all five positions if needed, but projects better at tackle and guard. He’s a good depth piece to have in an offensive line room.