The Rams Have Elite Defensive Options in the First Round

The Los Angeles Rams have a top pick in the upcoming draft. Here are a couple of elite defensive players they should be considering.

Nov 16, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula on the field prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Rams have the 13th pick in the draft, which gives them a great opportunity to add some premium talent to their loaded roster. I personally believe they should lean towards offense, but there are plenty of elite defenders who will be on the board when they make their selection.

Chris Shula could've accepted a head coaching job this offseason, but his decision to stay with the Rams works to their benefit. If they complete their Super Bowl dreams next season, I doubt he'd stay for another year. What players should Les Snead consider to add to their defensive arsenal?

Top Defensive Options

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (DB20) speaks to media members during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

It's a big risk taking a player so high when they're a year removed from seeing the field, but Jermod McCoy is well worth the risk. Secondary has been a big emphasis for the Rams this offseason, so why not stomp that weakness away by selecting a quick cornerback with superb ball-tracking skills?

He isn't without his flaws. He isn't as physically imposing as other cornerbacks may be, and his tackling could use some work, but he'd be surrounded by so much talent on the defensive side of the ball that they can live with that.

Louisiana State University cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) reacts during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025. | Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

As excellent as McCoy can be, Mansoor Delane is by far the best cornerback in the draft. If I were Snead, I'd even consider trading up just a few spots to ensure he can thrive in the Rams secondary. He's excellent at dropping back and taking away routes from receivers with active hands and the perfect mix of speed and athleticism to keep pace with even the shiftiest receivers.

Selecting him or McCoy comes with the added benefit of them being able to learn from Trent McDuffie, who's under contract for the duration of the rookie they select in less than a month. One of his few detriments is that he may be too handsy, which could lead to some pass interference calls, but he's the real deal.

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Akheem Mesidor would be an aggressive selection by the Rams, as he would be a 25-year-old rookie. He likely isn't going to have much more potential to unlock, but that also means the Rams will have a polished edge rusher right out of the gate.

Kobie Turner's on the last year of his rookie deal, and Braden Fiske disappointed last season, so the Rams can get ahead of their edge rushing needs by selecting a savvy pass-rusher with a deep bag of tricks.