Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams sat down with NFL.com on May 31, 2026, to outline the team’s mindset heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Williams, who has evolved from an undrafted underdog into the engine of the Rams’ offensive backfield, emphasized a renewed hunger after a sub‑.500 season. He noted that the organization is not merely looking for talent, but for specific athletic versatility at linebacker and edge positions to stabilize a defense that struggled with consistency throughout the previous campaign.
The interview served as a bridge between eras of football excellence. Former Packers Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler and legendary Cowboys rusher Emmitt Smith joined the conversation to share their own draft memories. Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, underscored the lasting impact of early‑round selections, noting how a franchise’s trajectory can be altered by a single high-ceiling pick. This historical context provided a stark backdrop for the current Rams’ situation, where the margin for error has slimmed. The segment also featured Buffalo Bills rookie T.J. Parker, the 35th‑overall pick, who discussed the steep learning curve of his rookie expectations, while wideout Carnell Tate previewed his own high-stakes draft day experience, highlighting the psychological pressure facing the 2026 class.
How the Rams’ recent history shapes their 2026 draft strategy
The Los Angeles Rams concluded last season with a disappointing 7‑10 record, missing the playoffs for the second straight year. For a franchise that redefined the “all-in” philosophy under General Manager Les Snead—famously trading away draft capital for superstars like Matthew Stafford and Jalen Ramsey—the current drought is a catalyst for a strategic pivot. The team is now grappling with the inevitable “draft debt” of previous years, forcing Snead to maximize every selection in 2026.
Recent coaching changes on the defensive side have led to a philosophical shift. The Rams have struggled with a thin depth chart at outside linebacker, often leaving them vulnerable to power-run schemes and sophisticated passing attacks in the NFC West. Williams noted that the team’s “motivation is real” and that the coaching staff is aggressively installing more zone blitz concepts. By disguising pass rushes and rotating hybrid defenders, the Rams hope to create the kind of chaos that disrupts quarterback timing, a necessity when facing the elite offensive lines of the 49ers and Seahawks.
What specific roster needs did Williams highlight?
Williams pinpointed three priority areas that the Rams believe are critical to returning to postseason contention. First, the team is hunting for a hybrid safety capable of covering slot receivers. In a league dominated by “positionless” football, the Rams need a defender who possesses the speed of a cornerback but the physicality of a safety to neutralize the modern NFL‘s high-volume slot targets.
Second, the urgency for a pass‑rushing edge rusher with a quick first step is paramount. The Rams’ lack of a consistent interior or exterior push has led to an increase in opposing quarterbacks’ time-to-throw, effectively neutralizing the secondary. Finally, Williams highlighted the need for a versatile offensive lineman comfortable in both zone‑run and pass‑protect schemes. As the Rams look to optimize Williams’ efficiency, a flexible line that can transition between wide-zone stretches and deep-set protections is essential.
Beyond raw athleticism, the Rams are diving deep into advanced metrics. Williams revealed the team is specifically scouting players who excel in open‑field tackles, a metric that analysts have increasingly linked to higher Expected Points Added (EPA) on third‑down conversions. By prioritizing “erase” players—those who can stop a play in its tracks regardless of the blocking scheme—the Rams aim to tighten their defense in critical situations. “We want guys who can make plays after the snap,” Williams stated.
Key Developments and Front Office Maneuvers
- Special Teams Overhaul: The Rams plan to trade a future third‑round pick for a proven special‑teams ace. This move signals a commitment to solidify kickoff coverage, an area where the team surrendered significant field position last year.
- Aggressive Scouting: Williams revealed the team has already logged over 30 private workouts with linebackers from the SEC and Big Ten, focusing on the physical prototypes that fit the new zone-blitz architecture.
- Draft Day Ambitions: The front office is considering moving up to the late first round to secure a blue-chip prospect. The proposed package involves a 2027 second‑rounder and a 2026 fourth‑rounder, demonstrating Snead’s willingness to continue leveraging future assets for immediate impact.
- Analytics Integration: The Rams’ scouting department has added three new analytics hires. These specialists are tasked with refining DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) and EPA models to remove bias from draft evaluations and identify undervalued prospects.
- Trade Assets: Wide receiver Carnell Tate, a top‑50 prospect, is viewed as a potential trade chip. If a high‑rated defensive prospect becomes available via trade, Tate’s value could be used to facilitate a move up the board.
What does this mean for the Rams’ future and the broader draft landscape?
The Rams’ shift toward versatile defenders suggests a transition toward a more multiple‑front defense. This mirrors the tactical evolution seen in the 2024 Patriots’ success, where interchangeable parts allowed the defense to adapt mid-game to the opponent’s personnel. If the Rams can successfully acquire a high‑upside edge rusher, they may finally close the talent gap with NFC West rivals Seattle and San Francisco, both of whom have used recent drafts to build formidable pass-rush rotations.
However, this strategy is not without significant risk. The Rams have a history of aggressive trading, and the gamble of giving up future assets—particularly the 2027 second‑rounder—could severely limit their depth in later rounds. NFL analysts caution that while “stars win games,” a lack of middle-roster depth often leads to late-season collapses due to injury attrition. The challenge for Les Snead in 2026 will be balancing the need for a transformative talent with the necessity of building a sustainable, deep roster.
When does the 2026 NFL Draft begin?
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 25, with the first round starting at 8 p.m. ET, followed by subsequent rounds over the next three days.
Which players are projected to be top linebackers in the 2026 draft?
Based on senior year production and combine metrics, analysts project Alabama’s Micah Brooks, Ohio State’s Jalen Harper, and Texas A&M’s Darius McCoy as the three linebackers most likely to be selected in the first two rounds.
How many picks does the Rams currently have in the 2026 draft?
As of the latest roster moves, the Rams hold seven picks: a first‑rounder (22nd overall), a second‑rounder, two third‑rounders, a fourth‑rounder, a fifth‑rounder, and a seventh‑rounder, pending any trades.
