Draft questions and thoughts

[RamWoodie]

It's really hard to see what the Rams will do. Since they got the secondary pretty much in tact, the can go a lot of ways. Given the draft success of late, I wouldn't be surprised to see them trade down to get more picks.

Might Adams be gone for caps reasons??? He gets a 6 mil roster bonus if he stays. I don't work this cap hit stuff to well, but basically there was a lot of buzz about moving Adams a little while back but he's there for phase 1 OTAs. I'd like to see him stay though.

I think the Rams can go a few ways just before or on draft day.

 

[Ram Ts]

Might Adams be gone for caps reasons??? He gets a 6 mil roster bonus if he stays. I don't work this cap hit stuff to well, but basically there was a lot of buzz about moving Adams a little while back but he's there for phase 1 OTAs. I'd like to see him stay though.

He already got that back on March 15th. The reports were before this date. Now that this has passed and done, Adams is basically locked in as a Ram for 2026.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

I always like to think in terms of value. If there are fewer blue chips or quality picks available at one position than another (especially if it aligns in FA), it increases their draft value in my book.

 

[snackdaddy]

He already got that back on March 15th. The reports were before this date. Now that this has passed and done, Adams is basically locked in as a Ram for 2026.

I doubt they ever considered releasing Adams for cap reasons. They need a good WR2. This is a Superbowl contending team. Receivers his caliber ain't easy to find. Even if they draft one in the first round.

 

[Flatlyner]

I doubt they ever considered releasing Adams for cap reasons. They need a good WR2. This is a Superbowl contending team. Receivers his caliber ain't easy to find. Even if they draft one in the first round.

They were exploring trading him prior to the cap hit. They were also engaged in discussions to trade for AJ Brown at the time.

 

[Ram Ts]

I doubt they ever considered releasing Adams for cap reasons. They need a good WR2. This is a Superbowl contending team. Receivers his caliber ain't easy to find. Even if they draft one in the first round.

I'm pretty sure the reports were that they would have traded Adams (not released him) -- in the scenario that they acquired AJ Brown. But I doubt the whole thing amounted to much at all; considering all the complexity and cap hits involved (esp from Philly's side).

 

[BonifayRam]

I am very thankful for the on 2025-2026 field & off performance of McClendon. I would have NO issues with securing his services for a 2 yr deal 2027/2028 to start @ RT.

Drafting a legit Swing OT is rare & difficult. That would be my aim if I were GM Snead. Going into game day with a true Swing OT is a very big deal. I do not see this OL'er on the roster at this time.

Warren McClendon Jr. | Los Angeles Rams T | NFL and PFF stats

NFL and PFF player stats for Los Angeles Rams T Warren McClendon Jr. on Pro Football Focus.

www.pff.com

Warren McClendon Jr. is an offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams who earned a 83.5 overall PFF grade in the 2025 season, 7th among 89 qualified offensive tackles. He played 667 offensive snaps on the season.
His PFF pass-blocking grade of 73.9 ranked 30th among 89 qualified offensive tackles. His run-blocking grade of 86.7 ranked 5th at the position.
He allowed 12 total pressures in pass protection. That total included 1 sacks and 1 hits allowed to opposing pass rushers. He was flagged for 1 penalties over the course of the season.

Warren McClendon's Future Remains Doubted Heading Into Fourth Year With Rams

The Los Angeles Rams right tackle continues to face questions from the national media over his future

www.si.com

 

[RamWoodie]

They were exploring trading him prior to the cap hit. They were also engaged in discussions to trade for AJ Brown at the time.

I'm glad AJ Brown is out...that guy is quite a selfish player. Not good for a locker room. The buzz is that he goes to the Pats...but I don't see the Pats taking him.

 

[Merlin]

4 of our 5 starting OL are pending FAs after this season. So I think it is correct to say that out of those 4 what the Rams think of the OT looms large in their decision making. Jackson's contract btw runs through the 2027 season and he's had those blood clots looming, so his status may concern the Rams more than they are letting on. Which means the Rams may be planning to use this draft to reset the OL the way they want it.

Also this draft is strong on the interior. Tackles seem to be weaker at the top than normal, due to the top dudes having short arms and possibly adding to the stronger guard group.

I doubt the Rams pay more than 3x of their OL. With Jackson already being paid, that means they can pay 2 of the 4 who are pending FA. Also it makes sense that they would potentially add a couple OL pieces to this unit in the draft, which would improve the depth quality and provide them with a one year look to see how those rooks fit in their plans.

On top of all this the swing OT role is a key depth role that it is very risky to not fill. So we could say that it is likely the Rams require 3x OL brought in over the 2026 and 2027 drafts.

From there... If we were to start with the low hanging fruit, and say they're going to replace the worst of the 4, then I expect they will start with Center. If they address it, rounds 3-4 range are usually the wheelhouse for that position. Slaughter is my favorite option, but not sure he'll be there for us in round 3.

The other OL logic would dictate they would bring in would be an OT to function in the swing role. Since it's a depth position they don't need to press that one too high, but the truth is the big dudes only last so long due to supply/demand, and in the event he gets pressed into action you're gonna be real glad if you took him earlier vice later.

 

[BonifayRam]

4 of our 5 starting OL are pending FAs after this season. So I think it is correct to say that out of those 4 what the Rams think of the OT looms large in their decision making. Jackson's contract btw runs through the 2027 season and he's had those blood clots looming, so his status may concern the Rams more than they are letting on. Which means the Rams may be planning to use this draft to reset the OL the way they want it.

Also this draft is strong on the interior. Tackles seem to be weaker at the top than normal, due to the top dudes having short arms and possibly adding to the stronger guard group.

I doubt the Rams pay more than 3x of their OL. With Jackson already being paid, that means they can pay 2 of the 4 who are pending FA. Also it makes sense that they would potentially add a couple OL pieces to this unit in the draft, which would improve the depth quality and provide them with a one year look to see how those rooks fit in their plans.

On top of all this the swing OT role is a key depth role that it is very risky to not fill. So we could say that it is likely the Rams require 3x OL brought in over the 2026 and 2027 drafts.

From there... If we were to start with the low hanging fruit, and say they're going to replace the worst of the 4, then I expect they will start with Center. If they address it, rounds 3-4 range are usually the wheelhouse for that position. Slaughter is my favorite option, but not sure he'll be there for us in round 3.

The other OL logic would dictate they would bring in would be an OT to function in the swing role. Since it's a depth position they don't need to press that one too high, but the truth is the big dudes only last so long due to supply/demand, and in the event he gets pressed into action you're gonna be real glad if you took him earlier vice later.

Of the 64 members of the Rams roster, who is the reserve LT behind Jackson?
AJ Arcuri?

A.J. Arcuri | NFL Contracts & Salaries | Spotrac.com

A.J. Arcuri signed a 2 year, $2,125,000 contract with the Los Angeles Rams with an average annual salary of $1,062,500.

www.spotrac.com

Snead's current roster has evidence that he is trying to work in some future center projects behind the starter Shelton. Snead does have 4 OC's now:

*Coleman Shelton: 31yr old started every gm, in 2025 season and currently the 9th highest paid Ram on this roster.

*Beaux Limmer: 25 yr old begins his 4th season since 2024 6th Snead drafted OC.

*Dylan McMahon: 25 yr old also begins his 4th season after being drafted in the 6th rd by Eagles.

Justin Dedich: 25 yr old also begins his 4th season as a Ram UDFA was the top 3 OL positions reserve last season. His starting performances @ OG are worthy of some praise.

Conclusion: Rams, after 3 working seasons of history... should have a real good idea of what these 3 reserves interior OL'ers potential bring. Rams On Demand will know this time next week.

 

[WestCoastRam]

Of the 64 members of the Rams roster, who is the reserve LT behind Jackson?
AJ Arcuri?

A.J. Arcuri | NFL Contracts & Salaries | Spotrac.com

A.J. Arcuri signed a 2 year, $2,125,000 contract with the Los Angeles Rams with an average annual salary of $1,062,500.

www.spotrac.com

Snead's current roster has evidence that he is trying to work in some future center projects behind the starter Shelton. Snead does have 4 OC's now:

*Coleman Shelton: 31yr old started every gm, in 2025 season and currently the 9th highest paid Ram on this roster.

*Beaux Limmer: 25 yr old begins his 4th season since 2024 6th Snead drafted OC.

*Dylan McMahon: 25 yr old also begins his 4th season after being drafted in the 6th rd by Eagles.

Justin Dedich: 25 yr old also begins his 4th season as a Ram UDFA was the top 3 OL positions reserve last season. His starting performances @ OG are worthy of some praise.

Conclusion: Rams, after 3 working seasons of history... should have a real good idea of what these 3 reserves interior OL'ers potential bring. Rams On Demand will know this time next week.

I like Dedich as a spot starter at guard and would love to see if he's got the mental chops for center as I think his deficiencies at guard can be mitigated there but not at the expense of drafting one this draft if it works out for us.

 

[snackdaddy]

I also like Dedich as a primary backup at guard. I thought he held his own well enough when he got the opportunity to play. Limmer's got potential. But I think the brain farts caused him a starting job.

 

[Pupped]

I also don't see the Rams skipping the 4th and 5th. That's another reason I see at least one trade down.

 

[BonifayRam]

I like Dedich as a spot starter at guard and would love to see if he's got the mental chops for center as I think his deficiencies at guard can be mitigated there but not at the expense of drafting one this draft if it works out for us.

I also like Dedich as a primary backup at guard. I thought he held his own well enough when he got the opportunity to play. Limmer's got potential. But I think the brain farts caused him a starting job.

Agree.....Justin Dedich has been making good improvement over seasons in overcoming some rather sizeable physical limitations. Fact being small interior OL'er ...very short arms & under 6-2 296 Lbs.

Justin Dedich Defying The Odds For Rams

Los Angeles Rams guard Justin Dedich has quietly emerged as one of the most impressive undrafted free-agent offensive linemen in this year's draft class.

www.thedraftnetwork.com

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Justin Dedich, OL, USC

Justin Dedich is a veteran leader on the interior of the USC offensive line who possesses quick feet and the ability to pull well.

nfldraftdiamonds.com

USC yrs-Played in 47 gms & started 33 gms. JD had starts at all 3 Interior OL posts.
LA Ram seasons -played in 29 gms started 9 gms.

Early in 2025 JD started for the injured Avila @ LG. JD started 4 gms and filled in in parts of a 5th gm. Later in the season JD started 2 gms. for Dobson @ RG. Reminds me how Rams brought up Coleman Shelton (who has shorter arms than JD) in his first 3 seasons with the Rams before he became a starter. Shelton was a UDFA too.

Earlier this week JD signed a very $$ friendly exclusive rights free agent tender. JD will be a RFA next season. IMO JD will have the inside track to be the starting center in 2027 after he signs his 2027 RFA contract.

I would not be so fast to write off Snead's drafted center Beaux Limmer ( who is under contract 2026/2027 seasons) has been growing into a great size 6-5 318 lbs for an NFL OG. BL might be scheduled as JD's replacement as the Swing Reserve OG in 2027. Last yr Snead also signed a 6-5 312 sized OG Wyatt Bowles. OG Bowles is under contract for the next 3 seasons.

 

[Pupped]

For me, the two biggest questions from the outside going into this draft are what do the Rams REALLY think about Warren McClendon and the WRs outside of Puka and Davante. I think the answers to those two questions will drive the top of this draft. I think there's plenty of WR talent to be had in the 20-50 range, for sure.

On a more "big picture" level.. I hope they can find someone to trade back with. I just don't think they'll get enough from who ends up being available at that 13 spot to make it worth it. The problem is, of course, it takes two to tango. We'll see.

I'd just love to end up with four players from the first three rounds along with a fourth rounder in this draft. They simply have too many contracts coming up, imo, to be cute with this draft. A dream scenario would be ending up with guys who can start at Guard and Tackle in year 2 on rookie contracts.

Those are the biggest questions, for me.

The backup qb is a big question, but one that's more likely to involve an FA or trade, imo.

Answering my biggest questions.. it feels like the Rams feel very good about McClendon and aren't overly concerned about WR.

Sounds like they could've traded back, but felt like they couldn't miss the opportunity with Simpson.. and that changes the math for the roster in future seasons. They won't need to sign or trade for a QB (we hope), so keeping their FAs becomes much, much easier. This means one of the reasons to add picks to draft to develop players isn't nearly as big a deal *this season*. Next year? Different story, imo.

So.. a lot hinges on Simpson being good!! We'll see how that works out. If he's able to be the 8-12th best QB in the league? It will have been a big success, imo.. lower than that, a little less valuable, obviously. And if he just can't play, it's a missed opportunity.

It all means that the success/failure of this class will depend almost exclusively on what Simpson does... and I'm fine with that.

 

[BonifayRam]

Answering my biggest questions.. it feels like the Rams feel very good about McClendon and aren't overly concerned about WR.

Sounds like they could've traded back, but felt like they couldn't miss the opportunity with Simpson.. and that changes the math for the roster in future seasons. They won't need to sign or trade for a QB (we hope), so keeping their FAs becomes much, much easier. This means one of the reasons to add picks to draft to develop players isn't nearly as big a deal *this season*. Next year? Different story, imo.

So.. a lot hinges on Simpson being good!! We'll see how that works out. If he's able to be the 8-12th best QB in the league? It will have been a big success, imo.. lower than that, a little less valuable, obviously. And if he just can't play, it's a missed opportunity.

It all means that the success/failure of this class will depend almost exclusively on what Simpson does... and I'm fine with that.

It would be very hard to argue NOT offering McClendon a good 3 yr contract at some point this upcoming season. A Homegrown Ram who has done everything requested of him for 3 full seasons. Making the easy smooth conversion "changing of the guard" from a long term great veteran Rob Havenstein. McClendon performing even better in pass protection.

I believe Rams felt good with having a now healthy veteran (former starting RT) Quessenberry & the former 2022 7th round AJ Arcuri backing up starter McClendon but the concern was @ LT spot.

The concern @ WR lack of healthy receivers in our #1 Adams/ #3 Atwell & #1 Higbee TE in 2025 was handled well by TE's Davis Allen 56 %, Colby Parkinson 55% & rookie Terrance Ferguson who took over 31% of the offensive snaps.

WR's #4 Whittington & #5 Mumpfield 39% & 33% of the offensive snaps. TE Davis Allen played a ton of snaps much more than Parkinson when considering the ST's snaps

 

[Pupped]

It would be very hard to argue NOT offering McClendon a good 3 yr contract at some point this upcoming season. A Homegrown Ram who has done everything requested of him for 3 full seasons. Making the easy smooth conversion "changing of the guard" from a long term great veteran Rob Havenstein. McClendon performing even better in pass protection.

I believe Rams felt good with having a now healthy veteran (former starting RT) Quessenberry & the former 2022 7th round AJ Arcuri backing up starter McClendon but the concern was @ LT spot.

The concern @ WR lack of healthy receivers in our #1 Adams/ #3 Atwell & #1 Higbee TE in 2025 was handled well by TE's Davis Allen 56 %, Colby Parkinson 55% & rookie Terrance Ferguson who took over 31% of the offensive snaps.

WR's #4 Whittington & #5 Mumpfield 39% & 33% of the offensive snaps. TE Davis Allen played a ton of snaps much more than Parkinson when considering the ST's snaps

Along the lines you're thinking (I think)... there were only 86 targets to WRs other than Nacua and Adams.

I think that outside of a major injury to Puka or Davante.. they'll be fine. And they could always still pick up a veteran who's still out there if they were worried.

 

[dang]

Answering my biggest questions.. it feels like the Rams feel very good about McClendon and aren't overly concerned about WR.

Sounds like they could've traded back, but felt like they couldn't miss the opportunity with Simpson.. and that changes the math for the roster in future seasons. They won't need to sign or trade for a QB (we hope), so keeping their FAs becomes much, much easier. This means one of the reasons to add picks to draft to develop players isn't nearly as big a deal *this season*. Next year? Different story, imo.

So.. a lot hinges on Simpson being good!! We'll see how that works out. If he's able to be the 8-12th best QB in the league? It will have been a big success, imo.. lower than that, a little less valuable, obviously. And if he just can't play, it's a missed opportunity.

It all means that the success/failure of this class will depend almost exclusively on what Simpson does... and I'm fine with that.

I didn’t investigate but I heard a couple reports that there were no offers from other teams for trading back. Did you hear differently?

 

[Karate61]

I didn’t investigate but I heard a couple reports that there were no offers from other teams for trading back. Did you hear differently?

I read that too...I think from Adam Schefter or someone credible like him.

 

[Pupped]

I didn’t investigate but I heard a couple reports that there were no offers from other teams for trading back. Did you hear differently?

I've read/heard there were opportunities.. apologies, I scan through a lot of stuff and don't remember the exact source. The gist of what I heard was that there were opportunities, but once Simpson was available, they were making that pick.