Ranking the difficulty of positions in the NFL is always subjective, shaped by scheme, coaching, and individual traits. But when evaluating mental processing, physical demands, technical nuance, and the speed of adaptation required at the professional level, a reasonable order from easiest to hardest emerges. From the trenches to the secondary, here’s a deep dive into why each position falls where it does—and how that hierarchy could shape the upcoming draft of the Los Angeles Rams.
1. Defensive Line
Interior defensive linemen often have clearly defined responsibilities: control a gap, collapse the pocket, occupy blockers. While the physical battle is intense, the mental load is comparatively streamlined. Players rotate frequently, reducing snap-to-snap mental fatigue. Elite talents like Aaron Donald have elevated the position’s profile, but from a cognitive standpoint, the reads are more limited than what is required in coverage-heavy roles.
The Rams defensive front already contains Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, Braden Fiske, and Tyler Davis. Although, an argument could be made that more size is needed for their interior defensive line. Caleb Banks would be an intriguing option at the end of Round 1 but I don’t anticipate LA making that type of commitment at the expense of playing Braden Fiske less.
2. Edge Rusher
Edge defenders blend explosiveness with technical hand usage. They must set the edge in the run game while mastering pass-rush counters. However, their primary objective—attack the quarterback—simplifies their role relative to coverage defenders. The mental processing increases compared to interior linemen, but it remains assignment-driven.
It would be surprising to see the Rams draft an edge rusher with a Day 1 or Day 2 pick considering the needs on the roster. With Jared Verse, Byron Young, and Josiah Stewart all on their rookie deals, it seems highly unlikely that LA would use a pick here.
3. Safety
Safeties are the quarterbacks of the secondary, responsible for communicating coverages and erasing deep mistakes. While they require range and anticipation, they benefit from depth—literally. Starting 10–15 yards off the ball provides time to read the play, making their reaction window longer than that of cornerbacks.
Los Angeles will have to restock their safety position with Kam Curl set to hit free agency. Is he worth a second contract?
4. Offensive Guard
Guards operate in tight quarters. Their world is power, leverage, and coordination with the center and tackle. Though physically demanding, their mental reads are more contained than tackles who must identify complex edge pressures.
Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson are LA’s left and right guard respectively. I think it’s more likely that LA extends those two players rather than using picks in the draft.
5. Offensive Tackle
Left tackles protect the quarterback’s blind side, often facing elite pass rushers. The footwork, balance, and recognition required elevate the difficulty. A single misstep can derail an entire drive.
Rob Havenstein’s retirement could pressure the Rams to consider drafting an offensive tackle. Warren McClendon performed well in a 10 game sample. However, the Rams learned the hard way that Joe Noteboom was clearly not the solution when Andrew Whitworth retired. Behind Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon, Los Angeles does not have a clear swing tackle so that could be a position they want to address earlier than later.
6. Wide Receiver
Receivers must master route trees, coverage recognition, and timing with the quarterback. They adjust on the fly based on defensive leverage. Still, they are rarely tasked with reading the entire defense pre-snap. Other components of becoming a complete wide receiver include motion responsibilities and run-blocking assignments.
In the Sean McVay era, the team has done an admirable job finding elite wide receivers through the draft. Cooper Kupp in the 2017 draft (3rd round) and Puka Nacua in the 2023 draft (5th round). But there have been a few mistakes with Van Jefferson (2nd round – 2020) and Tutu Atwell (2nd round – 2021). Last April, the Rams considered moving up in the first round to select Tetairoa McMillan. Perhaps the team looks to make a move in this year’s draft to pair with Puka Nacua?
7. Running Back
Running backs process blocking schemes in milliseconds while protecting the quarterback in pass protection. Ball security, vision, and durability make the role physically punishing. Their mental demands exceed what many casual fans assume.
A significant factor in playing time for Sean McVay’s running backs is the ability to pass protect. Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Jarquez Hunter have all spent time on the sidelines because of the requirement to pass protect for the quarterback.
8. Center
The center sets protections, identifies defensive fronts, and snaps the ball—all simultaneously. A bad snap ruins a play instantly. Mentally, this is one of the most demanding offensive positions.
Coleman Shelton is entering the final year of his deal with the Rams. The team does have Beaux Limmer on the roster as a backup but he was a healthy inactive for the large portion of the 2025 season.
9. Tight End
Tight ends blend offensive line responsibilities with receiver skills. They must understand run fits, pass concepts, and blitz pickups. Few positions require such versatility, which is why elite tight ends are rare.
Currently, LA has three tight ends: Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, and Davis Allen. That might seem like enough but if the team wants to continue operating with 13 personnel, they may need to consider adding one more. Personally, I think Kyle Pitts would be a great threat to add to the offense; allowing McVay to interchange between 11 and 13 personnel. So I don’t think a draft pick will be used in this case.
10. Quarterback
The quarterback shoulders immense responsibility—audibles, protections, timing, leadership. For the Rams, that responsibility rests with Matthew Stafford. Processing disguised coverages while delivering accurate throws under pressure is extraordinarily difficult. However, quarterbacks are protected by rules and scheme, keeping them just shy of the top two spots here.
The Rams recognize that they have a decision to make. They have a roster ready to win in 2026 but also need to find Matthew Stafford’s successor. With two first round picks (pick 13 being one of them), the questions are: 1) is there a viable option in this draft to select and sit behind Stafford, and 2) should the Rams use that draft capital to select a future quarterback or find an impact piece?
11. Inside Linebacker
Inside linebackers must diagnose run fits instantly, drop into coverage, blitz, and communicate adjustments. They’re involved in nearly every defensive snap and have minimal margin for error.
If the Rams draft an inside linebacker, it will have to be a first or second rounder. They need immediate impact at this position alongside Nate Landman, not a developmental project. Shaun Dolac could be a guy that challenges Omar Speights for the role but a free agent signing or top prospect at the inside linebacker position seems most likely.
12. Cornerback
Cornerback stands alone. Players operate on an island, reacting to elite athletes with no safety net on many snaps. One mistake often equals six points. They must mirror routes, track the ball, and interpret coverage shifts instantly. The physical tools required—speed, agility, recovery burst—combined with psychological resilience make this the toughest job in football.
Los Angeles clearly has to address this position this offseason but relying exclusively on the draft could be nearsighted. Just because the Rams have two first round picks does not mean they should “reach” and select a cornerback. Matt Miller of ESPN recently released an article about “Every Prospect with a First-Round Grade”. Not a single cornerback made the list. Perhaps, the Rams would be better suited to find one or two cornerbacks in free agency that know the “speed” of the NFL and can play right away. Then LA can use mid round picks to draft and develop a few cornerbacks.
Which position do you think is toughest to play in the NFL?
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