Rams predicted to land 'tone-setting defender' with Falcons pick in 2026 mock draft

Charlie Baduini

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Rams predicted to land 'tone-setting defender' with Falcons pick in 2026 mock draft image

The Los Angeles Rams have arguably the brightest future of any NFL team at this moment in time. 

Not only do they have the highest odds to win the Super Bowl as of December 10, but they have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, thanks to a draft-day trade with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Rams' roster is about as good as it can be already, but what could they use those draft picks on come April?

Rams select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs in ESPN mock draft

Field Yates' latest mock draft from ESPN has Los Angeles selecting Buckeye safety Caleb Downs with the Falcons' top 10 pick.

"The Rams are in rare territory as a strong Super Bowl contender with a potential top-10 pick in April -- thanks to the Falcons. While they have the option to make another move with the pick, they could use it here on one of the best safety prospects in recent memory. Downs is a versatile, tone-setting defender who has the chance to be the first safety picked in the top 10 since Jamal Adams went No. 6 to the Jets in 2017," wrote Yates.

"Downs has played in an NFL scheme at Ohio State for much of his college career; he can handle coverage deep in the middle of the field and be a menacing force in the box. Los Angeles has a ton of young talent up front on its defense, but it might lose players on the back end this offseason."

With Kamren Curl an impending free agent, the Rams will be in need of a safety, and what better player to plug the hole with than Downs?

Los Angeles' defense is young and talented, making the Buckeye a perfect fit if he's on the board when the Rams are on the clock.

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Senior Editor