Rams' 3-round mock draft lands top WR, 5-foot-9 CB, and Matthew Stafford's heir

ESPN's Mel Kiper predicts the Rams will address key needs and find Stafford's future replacement in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:43pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Rams football game, with sharp planes of navy blue, gold, and white representing the team's uniforms and the chaotic energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the Rams' 2026 draft strategy, blending new talent with veteran leadership.Kansas City Today

In ESPN's latest three-round mock draft, the Los Angeles Rams are projected to select Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at No. 13 overall, Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds in the second round at No. 61, and LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the third round at No. 93. This would be an intriguing haul for the Rams, who are looking to add offensive and defensive talent around veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Why it matters

The Rams are in win-now mode and have a mostly complete roster, so this mock draft would allow them to address key needs at wide receiver and cornerback while also finding a potential long-term replacement for the 35-year-old Stafford. Adding a dynamic playmaker like Tyson and a developmental QB prospect like Nussmeier could set the Rams up for sustained success in the coming years.

The details

In the first round, the Rams are projected to select Jordyn Tyson, a wide receiver from Arizona State who has significant upside but has struggled with injuries. In the second round, the Rams would add D'Angelo Ponds, a 5-foot-9 cornerback from Indiana who has a knack for creating turnovers. And in the third round, the Rams would take Garrett Nussmeier, a quarterback from LSU who could be groomed to eventually replace the aging Matthew Stafford.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.
  • The Rams traded their original first-round pick, No. 29 overall, to the Kansas City Chiefs for cornerback Trent McDuffie.

The players

Jordyn Tyson

A wide receiver from Arizona State University who has significant upside but has struggled with injuries during his college career.

D'Angelo Ponds

A 5-foot-9 cornerback from Indiana University who has a knack for creating turnovers and could provide depth in the Rams' secondary.

Garrett Nussmeier

A quarterback from Louisiana State University who could be developed as the long-term replacement for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Matthew Stafford

The veteran quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams who is 35 years old and nearing the end of his career.

Trent McDuffie

A cornerback acquired by the Rams in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, adding depth to the Rams' secondary.

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What they’re saying

“Nussmeier makes a lot of sense in Los Angeles. He wasn't fully healthy in 2025, and his play suffered. But the Rams can let him learn behind Matthew Stafford and evaluate him over the course of the year.”

— Mel Kiper, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Rams will continue to evaluate prospects and finalize their draft board ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held from April 24-26, 2026.

The takeaway

This three-round mock draft would allow the Rams to address key needs at wide receiver and cornerback while also finding a potential long-term replacement for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. The selections of Tyson, Ponds, and Nussmeier represent a mix of high-risk, high-reward picks that could pay dividends for a Rams team looking to remain a contender in the NFC.