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Stafford Today
By the People, for the People
Rams Urged to Address Key Receiver Position in Draft
Analyst says L.A. needs to plan for future at wide receiver with Davante Adams aging and Puka Nacua's status uncertain.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:25pm
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An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the strategic complexity and dynamism of the Rams' future plans at the wide receiver position.Stafford TodayThe Los Angeles Rams' offense is in good shape for the 2026 NFL season, but NFL.com's Gennaro Filice argues the team should use its first-round draft pick to address the wide receiver position long-term. With Davante Adams heading into a contract year at age 33 and Puka Nacua's future status unclear, the Rams could use another playmaker to complement their passing attack beyond just the upcoming season.
Why it matters
The Rams have built a formidable offense around veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, but they need to start planning for the future at key positions like wide receiver as Stafford and Adams age. Drafting a young, talented receiver could provide a long-term solution and insurance in case Nacua's situation doesn't work out.
The details
Holding the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Rams could target receivers like Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, or Omar Cooper Jr. to add another playmaker to their offense. While the team has been mocked to take an offensive lineman, the analyst argues the Rams should strongly consider using their first-round pick on a receiver given the uncertainty around Adams and Nacua.
- Davante Adams is heading into a contract season at age 33.
- Puka Nacua recently entered rehab with one year remaining on his rookie deal.
The players
Matthew Stafford
The veteran quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams.
Davante Adams
The 33-year-old wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams who is heading into a contract season.
Puka Nacua
The wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams who recently entered rehab with one year remaining on his rookie contract.
Gennaro Filice
The NFL.com analyst who made the case for the Rams to address the wide receiver position in the upcoming draft.
Carnell Tate
A wide receiver prospect the Rams could target in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Makai Lemon
A wide receiver prospect the Rams could target in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Omar Cooper Jr.
A wide receiver prospect the Rams could target in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What they’re saying
“'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.'”
— Gennaro Filice, NFL.com Analyst
The takeaway
The Rams have built a strong offense around veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, but they need to start planning for the future at key positions like wide receiver as Stafford and Adams age. Drafting a young, talented receiver in the first round could provide a long-term solution and insurance in case Nacua's situation doesn't work out.
