Rams' Draft Strategy: Delane & Cooper

0:00On March 3rd, the Los Angeles Rams are shaping up as one of the biggest stories leading into the 2026 NFL Draft. As a strong Super Bowl contender with Matthew Stafford back under center, they hold picks at numbers 13 and 29 in the first round. With no glaring holes on the roster, they have flexibility to build depth on offense or defense, or even eye a future quarterback. After the NFL scouting combine wrapped up, Mod Drafts are starting to take shape. Pro football focus analyst Trevor Sikima projects the Rams grabbing LSU cornerback Mansour Delane at number 13 to bolster their secondary ahead. Of free agency, then at 29, they select Indiana-wide receiver Omar Cooper to add a versatile playmaker. Fans and analysts see these picks addressing real needs. Delane brings man-covered skills and inside-out versatility, making him a strong match despite skipping combine drills. Cooper impressed everyone with a 4.4-240 yard dash and a 37-inch vertical jump.

1:00Turning heads as a reliable receiver who can line up anywhere. The Rams plan a formal meeting with Delane soon, and he's expected to shine at his pro day. Over four college seasons, he snagged eight interceptions and 27 passes defended. Cooper posted 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, giving Stafford a solid number 3 option right away. As a draft approaches, all eyes stay on how the Rams use these high picks to chase another title while planning ahead.