ESPN analyst reveals how Rams could use their two first-round picks in 2026 NFL Draft

Matt Sullivan

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ESPN analyst reveals how Rams could use their two first-round picks in 2026 NFL Draft image

The Los Angeles Rams, despite making the NFC Championship, have some incredible draft capital in this year's NFL Draft.

Thanks to their trade down with the Atlanta Falcons a year ago, the Rams are now picking 13th overall and 29th overall with their own pick. These two draft picks could go a long way to building a contender in 2026 for the Rams.

But, what will they spend these two firsts on? ESPN analyst Matt Miller revealed the team's early draft outlook, which revealed the two positions the Rams are likely considering taking with these two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

ESPN analyst links Rams to 2 positions in first-round of NFL Draft

"Finding a right tackle of the future should be an early need," Miller writes, "putting Utah's Caleb Lomu and Spencer Dano on their radar. Cornerback remains a need, too, which Los Angeles could address with the earlier pick."

Cornerback and offensive tackle are two of the biggest needs for teams all around the NFL, and for the Rams, this draft class is one where those needs can be addressed in the first round.

With picks at 13th and 29th overall, the Rams will have a few options to consider. While they could go after a quarterback to back up Matthew Stafford, their best option will be improving the roster with talent to help them contend in 2026.

Miller linking the Rams to a new right tackle and a new cornerback makes a lot of sense. Jaxon Smith-Njigba dominated against the Rams secondary in the NFC Championship game, and the pass protection from the right side will take a hit this offseason.

More: Rams' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space for offseason after loss to Seahawks

Adding a cornerback and a new right tackle will be a great way to improve the team in 2026. Thanks to the Rams' trade with the Falcons a year ago during the NFL Draft, they are in a great spot to take an instant-impact player 13th overall.

Miller is urging the Rams to go cornerback at that spot, and players like Colton Hood, Jermod McCoy, Avieon Terrell, or Mansoor Delane could be their best options.

Fano and Lomu, along with Kadyn Proctor, Monroe Freeling, or Blake Miller, could be strong first-round tackle options for the Rams in the draft.

The Rams need both a cornerback and right tackle this offseason, and Miller believes that both of those positions could be addressed in the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

There are good options at both positions, giving the Rams the chance to take instant-impact starters to help them return to the NFC Championship next year, and hopefully, advance to the Super Bowl.

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