Los Angeles Rams have plenty of opportunities to rebound on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft following controversial Ty Simpson pick
Where do the Los Angeles Rams go from here after selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at the top of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft?
On the first night of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. The move has already sparked an intense debate among Rams fans, and the mood in Los Angeles is…tense, at best.
The pick sparked some controversy surrounding Sean McVay’s lack of enthusiasm surrounding the pick. Presumably, McVay will have some say moving forward in the 2026 NFL Draft, so there’s potential for a rebound here after a dismal start to the draft.
How can the Rams salvage the 2026 NFL Draft?
Los Angeles Rams Post first-round mock
Round Two, Pick 61: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
Since the Rams decided not to take a wide receiver early despite Puka Nacua and Davante Adams entering contract years, they have to do so here if they want any hope of finding a real successor to Davante Adams this year. I have no idea how they want to handle wide receiver, considering they passed on numerous options at No. 13, but it has to get solved soon.
Stribling is as Sean McVay of a wide receiver as you’ll find in this draft class. He can win in multiple roles, he can beat press coverage, he blocks his tail off, and he excels in the red zone. I’m not sure if he’ll make it here, but if he does, the Rams should sprint to this pick.
Round Three, Pick 93: Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
The Rams met extensively with Louis and with other coverage linebackers in the draft. It’s only a matter of time before they add one, in my opinion. Louis gives them the coverage upside and pursuit speed they desperately need at the second level, and allows them some positional versatility on the back end with his linebacker/nickel/safety ability.
Round 6, Pick 207: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
The Rams usually shy away from the dirt raw offensive tackle types, but given their lack of capital early, they’re going to have to get creative.
A jarring 6’8, 318-pound tackle, Isaiah World is all upside as a prospect. Despite his nearly 50 career starts, World looks like a player completely new to football with sloppy technique and poor awareness. His hands are often late and consistently inaccurate, leading to particularly glaring losses consistently.
As poor as his technique is, World inversely makes up for it with his athleticism. His quickness off the ball belies his mammoth frame, and he is an explosive mover out in space. Combined with his length and good power, World has the natural tools the NFL covets at the tackle spot. His poor technique and late season ACL injury complicate his draft stock, however, putting him in a tricky position as a prospect. He’ll likely need an offseason or two to fully recover from his injury and develop before he’s ready to see NFL action. That timeline could work out for the Rams, who don’t need to rush a tackle in any time soon without early capital behind him.
Round 7, Pick 232: Noah Whittington, RB, Oregon
We all know the Rams are going to take a running back at some point in the draft, right? Why would that decade-long trend break anytime soon?
Noah Whittington is a juiced-up rusher with plenty of physicality to hold up in pass protection, and his extensive special teams experience should be handy.
Round 7, Pick 251: Garrett DiGiorgio, IOL, UCLA
I’d expect the Rams to try and improve their offensive line depth on Day 3. I’m really intrigued by DiGiorgio’s versatility. He has started at right tackle, right guard, and left tackle in college, and took snaps at center at the Shrine Bowl pre-draft.
The Rams need to improve their swing ability inside and push Justin Dedich there. DiGiorgio’s smart, physical play style make him an endearing depth prospect who can carve out a comfortable role on any offensive line.
Round 7, Pick 252: Jordan van den Berg, DT, Georgia Tech
Jordan van den Berg is a former JUCO product with some jaw-dropping movement skills. He’s raw and late to football, but he’s a tremendous athlete who can collapse the pocket and stuff the run. His character and IQ have been raved about pre-draft, something the Rams would no doubt love. Let Giff Smith work with him and see what he can develop.
Los Angeles Rams News