The Los Angeles Rams are entering a critical moment as their 2026 draft decisions could be the difference between winning a second championship in a span of six years, or another miss at glory. With high expectations comes bold moves, and here are three I predict will happen during this year's draft.

This shouldn't be a bold prediction, but we are also talking about the Rams. It would make a lot of sense to move up, especially if they wish to draft a pass rusher, coverage linebacker, or wide receiver. However, I don't think the Rams feel like any of those positions are an absolute need.

I strongly believe they feel they already have Byron Young's successor in Josaiah Stewart, and I also believe Young is a lot higher on the priority list for extensions than fans and media may think. The Rams love Young. He does all the right things every time, he's best friends with the face of the defense in Jared Verse, and those two have a partnership that works. You don't break that up, so there's no need for an edge rusher.

I also believe the Rams love Omar Cooper Jr., the wide receiver from Indiana, at 13 if they need an outside threat, so they wouldn't need to trade up. I believe they'll pick Makai Lemon instead to act as Matthew Stafford's safety valve, operating from the slot as they move Puka Nacua out wide more often.

This is where things get interesting. I see the Rams moving back into the first round to address an underlying need: outside cornerback. The Rams only have three starting-caliber outside cornerbacks, and they need another quickly. A talented player with a reliable floor and high ceiling is the archetype I see them going for, and thus, don't be surprised if the Rams trade back up into the first to select Tennessee's Colton Hood.

Unless there's a coverage linebacker, special teamer or unique talent left on the board, I see the Rams using any draft capital remaining to trade back as much as possible to accumulate selections for the 2027 draft. The reason is to help replace any picks given up in the trade for Trent McDuffie, plus expand their capital to use for midseason trades.

The Rams do not have any major needs. Walk away with a few more players, a few picks, and two starting-caliber players who don't have to start. Massive win.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: 3 bold predictions for the LA Rams