When the Los Angeles Rams have played their best football this season, they have looked like the best team in the NFL. With head coach Sean McVay and star quarterback Matthew Stafford in place, the winning window is certainly open for the franchise. There is a fair question, however, for just how long that winning window is going to stay open. 

While Stafford is playing on an MVP level, he is also aging quickly. With the Rams holding multiple first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, could this be the year the team finds the heir apparent for Stafford? There should certainly be some intrigue for the possibility. 

Together with fellow A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst Joe DeLeone, we put together a three-round mock draft for the Rams. To begin the exercise, it started with a projected draft-day trade to go up for a quarterback. The Rams are one of the more intriguing teams to watch heading towards April, whether they win a Super Bowl or not. 

Rams 3-round mock draft 

DeLeone was kind enough to put together the mock draft, while also including his analysis for each. To begin, the Rams traded No. 12, No. 24, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2027 fourth-round pick to the New York Giants in exchange for the No. 2 overall selection and a 2027 sixth-round pick.   

Round 1, Pick 2: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Round 2, Pick 59: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas

Round 3, Pick 90: D’Angelo Ponds, DB, Indiana

Dante Moore feels like the perfect quarterback for the Rams if they were to trade up. Ultimately, the maneuver is happening to secure your future with a prospect who can sit for a year or more and will work within the system. Moore is only 20 years old and has limited starts, with 2025 being his first full season as a starter. Sitting behind Stafford just like he did with Dillon Gabriel could set him up to have a long, successful career in the NFL. 

Ultimately, many of his tools can translate into what made Stafford so dangerous in McVay’s system. His natural touch and plus arm talent can be maximized with the productive receivers already in this offense.

The offensive line has been a position that has needed to be addressed with young talent, and they are still able to land a gifted player in this mock draft. Goosby hasn’t officially decided on his NFL future, but he has the tools to be a high upside Day 2 prospect. Physically, he may be the most gifted tackle in the class, but he needs refinement in his technique as a prospect with only one year as a starter.

Lastly, in the third round, the Rams can add to their improving, young secondary with D’Angelo Ponds. His compact frame translates to him potentially plugging into the slot for the Rams. He’s been one of the most consistent and reliable defensive backs in the Big Ten for the last two years, and could provide the same impact for Los Angeles.

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