The 2026 NFL draft is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for the Los Angeles Rams to see what holes are remaining in their roster to fill.
The event, now in its 91st year, will take place from April 23 through 25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For the Rams, this year, they’ll likely be focused on finding some offensive help for MVP-winning quarterback Matthew Stafford.
In a Tuesday, March 24, feature for ESPN, NFL expert and analyst Field Yates offers up his projections on which college players will go first. “We still have a long road ahead, with pro days just starting up around the country,” he says. “But for now, it’s safe to make some predictions for the first two rounds based on team needs, my personal rankings and what I’m hearing from people around the league.”
The Los Angeles Rams have the No. 13 pick in the draft. Yates sees them going with offensive tackle Monroe Freeling out of Georgia.
“The Rams don’t have many glaring needs, so there’s an argument for them to draft a player who can boost their Super Bowl odds immediately,” Yates says. “However, Freeling is too good of a prospect to pass up if the board fell this way.”
He adds, “He has the most upside of any offensive lineman in this draft, with excellent size (6-7, 315 pounds) and athleticism (4.93-second 40-yard dash).”
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For the Rams’ No. 61 pick, Yates believes the team will go with wide receiver Chris Bell from Louisville to help Stafford.
“Bell has the skill to be gone long before this pick, but he’s still recovering from an ACL tear this past November,” Yates says. “The Rams have an enviable starting receiver duo in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, which would ease the early burden on Bell.”
Bell’s NFL draft profile discusses his ACL tear but is also hopeful. “Bell lacks dynamic qualities and his ACL tear could impact his draft slotting, but he’s a big, physical target with room to improve,” the profile states. “He has a chance to become an average WR2/3 in time.” The player could also “provide depth behind both stars.”
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His NFL profile adds, “He’s average at eluding press and separating from tight man underneath. Improving his catch focus and positioning when contested will be critical.”
