Let’s break it down:
The Rams' secondary held up better than expected last season, but it’s still full of young, unproven players and mid-tier veterans. Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick have flashed but haven't locked down CB1 status, and there’s no true shutdown corner on the roster. If a talented CB like Cooper DeJean, Kool-Aid McKinstry, or Nate Wiggins is still on the board at 26, that’s a logical move.
So yes — corner is very much in play, and probably the most likely position if they go defense.
This one’s more of a stretch. It’s not that the Rams don’t need a linebacker — Ernest Jones is a stud, but they lack depth and athleticism next to him. Still, in today’s NFL, teams don’t tend to spend first-round picks on off-ball linebackers unless they’re freak athletes or elite scheme fits.
Jihaad Campbell is explosive and rangy, and the Rams could fall in love with his traits, especially since he played at Alabama (a pipeline for pro-ready defenders). But at 26? It might be a little rich, depending on who’s still on the board. Also: the Rams don’t tend to value ILB that highly in Round 1.
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Cornerback as a Need? Absolutely.
The Rams' secondary held up better than expected last season, but it’s still full of young, unproven players and mid-tier veterans. Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick have flashed but haven't locked down CB1 status, and there’s no true shutdown corner on the roster. If a talented CB like Cooper DeJean, Kool-Aid McKinstry, or Nate Wiggins is still on the board at 26, that’s a logical move.
So yes — corner is very much in play, and probably the most likely position if they go defense.
Middle Linebacker as the Top Need? That’s debatable.
This one’s more of a stretch. It’s not that the Rams don’t need a linebacker — Ernest Jones is a stud, but they lack depth and athleticism next to him. Still, in today’s NFL, teams don’t tend to spend first-round picks on off-ball linebackers unless they’re freak athletes or elite scheme fits.
Jihaad Campbell is explosive and rangy, and the Rams could fall in love with his traits, especially since he played at Alabama (a pipeline for pro-ready defenders). But at 26? It might be a little rich, depending on who’s still on the board. Also: the Rams don’t tend to value ILB that highly in Round 1.
What’s Missing From Their Analysis?
- Offensive Line: Simms brushing off the offensive line as a “future” need is kind of wild. The Rams need youth and depth now. Yes, the unit was decent in 2023, but Alaric Jackson is a free agent in 2025, and Joe Noteboom is likely a cap cut. Grabbing a potential LT or swing tackle at 26 would be smart.
- Edge Rusher: Even with Byron Young’s emergence, they could use another pass-rushing threat. They were in the bottom half of the league in sacks. A player like Darius Robinson or Chop Robinson might still be there.
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