The Los Angeles Rams head into the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear priority: fortifying the trenches. According to insights from The Athletic's Nate Atkins, while the team's plans at the No. 13 overall pick remain fluid, a major focus will be on adding depth and talent to the offensive line throughout the selection process.
Atkins suggests that while taking an offensive lineman at No. 13 is a "realistic" possibility, it may not be the most likely scenario. However, he firmly expects the Rams to "make multiple offensive line selections in this draft," addressing a pressing need for the roster's future.
The urgency stems from both immediate and long-term considerations. The Rams have a clear need for a reliable swing tackle, which would allow last season's starting right tackle, Warren McClendon, to potentially slide back into that versatile role. However, McClendon excelled after locking down the right side, raising the question of whether moving him is the best path forward.
Looking ahead, the contract situation adds another layer. Left tackle Alaric Jackson is currently the only starting lineman under contract beyond the 2026 season. With key players like Puka Nacua, Byron Young, and Kobie Turner also due for extensions, it may be challenging to retain the entire starting interior line of McClendon, Steve Avila, and Kevin Dotson. This makes drafting developmental depth at nearly every position a strategic necessity.
Should the Rams target the line early, potential options at No. 13 include top prospects like Miami’s Francis Mauigoa, Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor, or Utah tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu. The draft's structure also favors Los Angeles; if they address another position like wide receiver first, they hold valuable picks at Nos. 61 and 93 in the top 100 to secure promising linemen before a cluster of late-round selections.
Protecting the quarterback and establishing the run are timeless tenets of football success. By targeting multiple offensive linemen in this draft, the Rams are not just planning for 2026—they're building a foundation to sustain their high-powered offense for years to come.