Rams Eyeing Quarterback and Offensive Line in 2026 NFL Draft

Latest mock draft has Los Angeles taking Alabama QB Ty Simpson and Utah OL Caleb Lomu in the first round

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

The Los Angeles Rams are projected to take Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and Utah offensive lineman Caleb Lomu with their two first-round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, according to a recent CBS Sports mock draft. The Rams are looking to the future as they consider finding a successor to veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, while also shoring up their offensive line to protect their aging signal-caller.

Why it matters

The Rams have been one of the NFC's top contenders in recent years, but they've fallen short of the Super Bowl in the last two seasons. Investing in a potential quarterback of the future and bolstering their offensive line could help the Rams maintain their status as an elite team in the NFC for years to come.

The details

In the mock draft, the Rams are projected to select Simpson with the 13th overall pick and Lomu with the 29th overall selection. Simpson is viewed as a promising QB prospect who could learn behind Stafford for a year or two before taking over the starting job. Lomu, meanwhile, is seen as a solid offensive line addition who could provide immediate help up front for the Rams.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Ty Simpson

A quarterback prospect from the University of Alabama who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Caleb Lomu

An offensive lineman prospect from the University of Utah who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Matthew Stafford

The veteran quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams who is nearing the end of his career.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams.

Blake Brockermeyer

A writer for CBS Sports who authored the mock draft projecting the Rams' picks.

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What they’re saying

“As great as Matthew Stafford is playing, you have to start thinking about a replacement, and Simpson is a no-brainer QB2 who could have teams like the Jets considering a trade up to snatch him. He stands to benefit from a weak quarterback class and brings promising traits”

— Blake Brockermeyer, CBS Sports Writer (CBS Sports)

“Matthew Stafford won't be around forever, but I think a first-round selection this season to select his successor may be too steep a price. It is important for them to consider their future, but with a pick this high, I don't think quarterback should be an option here.”

— Unnamed (SI.com)

What’s next

The Rams will look to address their long-term quarterback situation and offensive line needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place April 24-26, 2026.

The takeaway

The Rams are facing a critical offseason as they look to maintain their status as an NFC contender. Investing in a potential quarterback of the future and bolstering their offensive line could help them achieve that goal, but they'll need to weigh the risks and benefits of using their high first-round picks on those positions.