The Los Angeles Rams entered the offseason with one of the best one-two punches at wide receiver in the NFL. However, given offseason drama and trade rumors engulfing Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, wide receiver has become a necessity in the upcoming NFL draft.
It shouldn’t have come down to this, but it has. Outside of that dynamic duo, the Rams don’t have much depth at the position, outside of largely unproven options. That alone could dampen their future outlook if it’s not addressed sooner, rather than later.
NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice stated in his April 9 column that L.A.’s biggest draft goal should be planning ahead at the position, and his logic is easy to agree with:
“Davante Adams is heading into a contract season at age 33, while Puka Nacua recently entered rehab with one year remaining on his rookie deal. Even if you operate under the assumption that the Rams ultimately will extend Nacua, this receiver room could use another playmaker for 2026 and beyond. Los Angeles can target one of this draft’s top wideouts at No. 13 overall or address the position on Day 2. Given the depth of this WR class, the Rams should have alluring options available at Nos. 61 and 93. L.A., of course, snagged Nacua down at No. 177 three years ago, but it’s hard to get rich if you’re only mining for hidden gems.”
Given the Rams don’t have any other dire needs to address, they can afford a luxury pick in the first round. But a wideout doesn’t have to be selected with the No. 13 pick; yet again, it must be addressed at some point during the draft. As Filice stressed, Los Angeles could use another playmaker for this upcoming season and eventually life post-Matthew Stafford.
At this time last year, the front office probably felt pretty comfortable with extending Nacua, and now there’s noticeable hesitation due to his recent controversies. A lot can change in a year, and even with his off-the-field antics, it’s still hard to believe the trade chatter surrounding him.
You never replace a guy if you don’t already have his replacement in mind, and that goes for a more expendable player like Adams. Despite his age, getting rid of Adams would be especially ridiculous, since he was a consistent first down and touchdown machine.
What looked like a position of strength has quickly transformed into a question mark. Between Nacua’s recent behavior and Adams’ age/gradual decline, the Rams cannot afford to sit on their hands in this draft. Selecting a wideout is no longer a luxury — it’s become a necessity that could hamper the offense beyond the 2026 season.
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