The Los Angeles Rams will have a full slate of seven picks in next month’s NFL Draft, though because of their recent wheeling and dealing they strangely are light on picks in the middle rounds:
- Round 1 – 13th overall
- Round 2 – 61st overall
- Round 3 – 93rd overall
- Round 6 – 207th overall
- Round 7 – 232nd overall
- Round 7 – 251st overall
- Round 7 – 252nd overall
Could LA look to trade down from their second and third round picks in order to acquire more opportunities in round four or five? While this year’s draft class seems light on blue chip talent at the top of the order, it could be deeper and provide more value later than normal.
Let’s focus on late-round sleepers and gems at each position on the offensive side of the ball. Can the Rams find developmental talent off the beaten path?
Quarterback
Cole Payton, North Dakota State
Payton is probably the second-most athletic quarterback in the 2026 class after Arkansas’ Taylen Green. The difference between these two players is that there is an actual path for Payton to develop as a quarterback and he has enough passing production at the collegiate level worth betting on.
At this point in time, Payton is a more dangerous runner than passer. He ran in the 4.5’s in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Payton can be inaccurate, especially on downfield attempts. However, if he truly falls to the middle rounds there are enough athletic traits to fall in love with.
Running quarterbacks bring a unique floor to the table, and it cements them as capable backups at the NFL level. Whether Payton can become more is a major question mark.
Drew Allar, Penn State
We can point at Josh Allen’s growth trajectory and ability to become more accurate and say there is hope for Drew Allar. However, what Allar does best is look like a quarterback with all the traits. He’s never really put them together and has always been more of an idea.
But that’s exactly what the NFL Draft is about. You project. Not everyone grows at a linear pace and some players are late bloomers.
Running back
Nick Singleton, Penn State
In a lackluster running back class, Singleton emerges as a do-it-all threat. He is a straight-line runner who is all gas and no breaks. Singleton is also a lethal pass catching option and has a wealth of experience as a kick returner. He’s easily one of my favorite runners in this class and he’s a strong fit for the Rams because of the special teams value.
J’Mari Taylor, Virginia
Taylor is an older prospect at age 24. He’s also slight of frame. Still, the most attractive aspect of his draft profile is his vision, open-field burst, and long speed. He’s a homerun hitter.
Receiver
Bryce Lance, North Dakota State
It tough to fall in love with any receivers outside of the top four. I have a hard time believing Lance will fall far down the order; however, he’s currently mocked towards the back of the top 100. Teams will draft for height, weight, and speed. Lance checks all these boxes and has the makings of a bonafide outside receiver.
Kaden Wetjen, Iowa
It’s strange that fans all know Wetjen despite it not even being a guarantee he hears his name called next month. He probably starts his career as a returner, and for that reason he makes sense for the Rams.
Kevin Coleman, Missouri
We know the Rams like their smaller, speedier receivers. Xavier Smith carved out a role on offense late but is not a certainty to make the roster in 2026. Coleman is a solid alternative in the middle to late rounds.
Tight end
Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma
I watched a lot of Oklahoma games this past season in order to check out quarterback John Mateer. Each week I felt more and more impressed by Kanak as a pass catcher. He’s a high school quarterback that started his college career at linebacker, and for his final season he changed to tight end. It’s a worthy bet on the athletic traits, although he’s maybe too small by most standard. His 4.52 40-yard dash will play.
Offensive line
Logan Jones, Iowa
Can the Rams futureproof the center position for life after Coleman Shelton? You could do a lot worse than an Iowa product. Jones is a solid all-around center that should be primed for selection in the third round.
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