Here’s a comprehensive checklist of what Los Angeles must accomplish to position itself to be the clear Super Bowl favorite for the 2026 season.
Acquire a true No. 1 Cornerback
The Rams’ biggest need is clear: a bona fide No. 1 corner. In today’s pass-heavy NFL, elite wide receivers dictate matchups weekly. If the Rams want to compete deep into January, they must secure a top-10-caliber cornerback who can shadow opposing WR1s and tilt coverage schemes in their favor.
Whether via trade or free agency, adding a lockdown defender would immediately elevate the defense. A true shutdown corner changes everything—allowing more aggressive blitz packages, disguising coverages, and limiting explosive plays. This move should sit at the very top of the front office’s priority list.
COMPLETED (Rams trade for Trent McDuffie)
Re-Sign Roger McCreary
While adding an elite corner is vital, retaining internal talent is equally important. Re-signing Roger McCreary should be a priority. McCreary’s versatility—inside, outside, man, or zone—makes him an ideal complementary piece in a retooled secondary.
Of all the defensive backs that the Rams have hitting free agency, McCreary should be the most cost-effective and arguably the most talented. As a former 2nd rounder, McCreary has the tools to be a starting cornerback in the NFL. When he was on the field for LA, McCreary was hardly a liability like his teammates.
The Rams would benefit to keep some similar faces in their secondary so that it is not a complete overhaul…
Re-Sign Harrison Mevis
Special teams often get overlooked—until they cost you games. Re-signing Harrison Mevis should be a straightforward decision. Consistency at kicker is a luxury in the NFL, and if Mevis has proven reliable from distance and under pressure, there’s little reason to reset the position.
Locking down stability on special teams avoids unnecessary camp competitions and keeps the team focused on bigger roster needs.
COMPLETED (Rams used ERFA tender)
Sign Nakobe Dean
Adding linebacker Nakobe Dean would inject speed and physicality into the middle of the defense. Dean’s instincts and sideline-to-sideline range fit perfectly in a modern scheme built to combat athletic tight ends and pass-catching backs.
Pairing Dean with an improving defensive front could significantly bolster the Rams’ run defense while enhancing coverage in short and intermediate zones. It’s a move that would address both present and long-term needs.
The Rams could stand to upgrade at the linebacker position over Omar Speights. Dean is that guy…
Draft Best Player Available at 13th Overall
Holding the 13th overall pick presents a golden opportunity. Rather than reaching for positional need, the Rams should trust their board and select the best player available.
Drafting for need often backfires; drafting for value builds sustainable success. Whether that player is a dynamic edge rusher, an elite offensive tackle, or even a defensive back, the focus must remain on maximizing talent infusion. The Rams have thrived when sticking to disciplined draft strategies. At No. 13, patience and conviction will be key.
The last time the Rams picked at 13 and went Best Player Available, they drafted the world’s greatest defensive player to date… At that time, the Rams already had Chris Long, Robert Quinn, Michael Brockers, Kendall Langford, and William Hayes.
Extend Puka Nacua
The offensive centerpiece, Puka Nacua, has become one of the league’s most productive and reliable wide receivers. Extending him before market prices skyrocket is essential.
Nacua’s physicality, route-running nuance, and durability make him the identity of the Rams’ passing game. Waiting could mean paying significantly more later—or risking locker-room distraction. A long-term extension would send a clear message: the offense runs through him for years to come.
A subpoint to this checklist is that it would behoove the Rams to get a deal done with Puka Nacua before the Seahawks get a deal done with Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Every dollar matters and JSN will likely want to top Puka when its all said and done.
Extend Warren McClendon
Continuity along the offensive line is crucial, and extending Warren McClendon would provide stability at tackle. Developing offensive linemen takes time; letting one walk just as he’s entering his prime creates unnecessary turbulence.
McClendon’s growth trajectory suggests he can anchor the edge for the foreseeable future. Locking him in now helps solidify protection schemes and ensures the quarterback remains upright.
Find Two Cornerbacks in the 2026 Draft
Even if the Rams land a top-tier veteran corner, depth remains critical. Injuries are inevitable, and modern offenses deploy three and four wide receivers regularly.
Using multiple draft picks on cornerbacks in 2026 would future-proof the secondary. Developmental prospects with length, speed, and special-teams upside can mature behind veterans before eventually stepping into larger roles.
Investing heavily in the position reflects an understanding of today’s NFL realities: you can never have too many capable corners.
The Rams don’t need to draft a cornerback at 13th overall just to do so. But they need to find reliable corners to fill out their secondary. Rounds 2-4 would be a good range to find secondary help. Chris Johnson of San Diego State and/or Julian Neal of Arkansas are rangy cornerbacks that fit the Rams zone scheme.
Add Offensive Line Depth
Beyond extending McClendon, the Rams must build depth across the offensive line. Injuries derailed previous seasons, and depth can be the difference between playoff contention and mediocrity.
This means targeting versatile interior linemen in free agency and the middle rounds of the draft. Players who can swing between guard and center, or tackle and guard, provide invaluable flexibility over a 17-game season.
A dominant offensive identity starts in the trenches. Protecting the quarterback and establishing a consistent run game will determine whether the Rams can close tight games against elite competition.
The Rams could stand to find a swing tackle in the event AJ Jackson or Warren McClendon suffered a long term injury. In addition, Steve Avila and Coleman Shelton are free agents after this year meaning the interior of the offensive line will need upgrades soon.
Find Davante Adams replacement
This will be Davante Adams last year. His age is beginning to show. He’s still very reliable in the redzone and can make some plays between the 30s but the Rams need to find fresh legs in the 2026 draft. I think Ted Hurst is a fantastic option in the middle rounds.
RECAP
If Los Angeles successfully acquires a No. 1 cornerback, re-signs key contributors like McCreary and Mevis, add Nakobe Dean, drafts wisely at No. 13, extends stars like Puka Nacua and Warren McClendon, strengthens its secondary depth, and fortifies the offensive line, a championship run is inevitable.
The margin between contender and champion is razor-thin. For the Rams, this offseason checklist isn’t optional—it’s essential.
I’ll check back in month to month to see how the Rams have fulfilled their 2026 offseason checklist!
