Cornerback Mansoor Delane is projected to be an early first-round selection coming out of LSU, with two primary teams identified as his best potential fits.
The Los Angeles Rams are high on that list due to their urgent need for an upgrade in the secondary. With two first-round picks in 2026, obtained from the Atlanta Falcons trade, the Rams hold the 13th overall pick and are heavily considering their cornerback options.
While the team might retain one of them, losing all three is a possibility.
If the Cowboys pass on Delane, the Rams are expected to select him.
There's also significant movement in the quarterback room in Los Angeles.
Recent reports from Jeremy Fowler indicate that backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is strongly linked to the Cardinals ahead of free agency.
So, the Rams need reinforcements, and here are some alternatives that could help the team in their quest for a new title run this season, made in the PFF simulator.
Round 1, Pick 13: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Mansoor Delane is exactly the type of high-IQ playmaker the Rams need to stabilize a secondary in flux.
He demonstrated at LSU that he can effectively mirror top-tier SEC receivers without solely relying on recovery speed, utilizing his positioning to disrupt passing lanes.
While scouts have debated his arm length, his production as a Unanimous All-American and Thorpe Award candidate speaks volumes.
In a Rams system that values intelligent, versatile defenders, Delane would step in as a day-one starter. He is a sticky cover man who rarely gets out of position, and his willingness to contribute in run support makes him a complete prospect.
For a team potentially losing three of its top corners, Delane is the perfect foundational piece to build around.
Round 1, Pick 29: T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Landing Kadyn Proctor at the end of the first round would be a tremendous steal for Sean McVay’s offense. Proctor is a physical anomaly who made history at the Combine by recording a 32-inch vertical jump at over 350 pounds.
This level of explosiveness in a 6-foot-7 frame is truly rare.
In my view, Proctor offers the unique flexibility to play both tackle and guard at an elite level. While he was a dominant force on the blind side for Alabama, his quickest path to impact in Los Angeles might be inside at guard, where he can use his massive power to create running lanes.
He is a powerful player who consistently looks to finish blocks and flatten defenders.
Round 2, Pick 61: QB Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
With the future beyond Matthew Stafford in question, Diego Pavia is an intriguing choice in the second round. Pavia was a Heisman finalist for a reason, leading an SEC offense with both his arm and legs.
He is a natural leader whose maturity and grit were evident throughout his time at Vanderbilt. While he may not possess the prototypical height or elite arm strength of a top-ten pick, he is a winner who understands how to manipulate defenses.
With this, Pavia is the perfect high-upside backup who could eventually develop into a creative starter. His ability to extend plays and make accurate throws on the run aligns perfectly with the modern NFL landscape.
Round 3, Pick 93: WR CJ Daniels, Miami
CJ Daniels is the ideal chain-mover who would excel in the Rams' intermediate passing game. Scouts describe his hands as being “made of glue,” highlighting his exceptional ability to catch contested passes and difficult targets in traffic.
I view Daniels as a safe and reliable option who knows how to exploit soft spots in zone coverage, because he is a big, strong receiver who effectively uses his frame to shield defenders, making him an excellent security blanket on third downs.
Although he may not possess elite vertical speed, his body control and focus at the catch point are top-notch.
Round 5, Pick 167: T Aamil Wagner, Notre Dame
In the fifth round, the Rams focus on depth and developmental potential by selecting Aamil Wagner. A team captain at Notre Dame, Wagner brings exceptional character and a high football IQ to the team.
He is a long, powerful blocker who tested impressively at the Combine, achieving a Relative Athletic Score that indicates he still has significant upside. I believe Wagner has the physical skills to develop into a high-quality swing tackle.
He effectively uses his 34.5-inch arm length to keep pass rushers at bay and demonstrates good discipline in his blocking sets. While he needs to work on his pad level and consistency against power rushes, his athletic foundation is precisely what teams look for in a mid-round developmental prospect.
Round 6, Pick 206: DI Zxavian Harris, Mississippi
Zxavian Harris is a massive presence in the interior of the defensive line. Weighing over 320 pounds with a robust frame, he is a natural nose tackle capable of holding his ground against double teams.
I appreciate Harris's high-effort motor and his background as a special teams contributor, where he has blocked multiple kicks during his college career.
He possesses an explosive first step for his size and has a developing pass-rushing skill set. He would provide the Rams with much-needed strength in their run defense.
Round 6, Pick 209: CB Andre Fuller, Toledo
To complete the secondary depth, the Rams select Andre Fuller, a sleeper prospect who impressed at the Combine with his elite speed. Fuller is a versatile cornerback with experience in both man and zone schemes, making him a flexible fit for a modern NFL defense.
I believe he is a competitive, high-IQ defender who plays with a chip on his shoulder. Securing a player with his athletic profile and schematic versatility in the sixth round is a significant value.
He would immediately contribute on special teams while developing into a potential rotational player in the nickel defense.
Round 7, Pick 232: TE Riley Nowakowski, Indiana
Riley Nowakowski is a versatile hybrid player who can function as both a tight end and a fullback. As a former walk-on who earned a starting role, Nowakowski is a gritty, physical blocker who enjoys the tough work in the trenches.
He possesses reliable hands and can act as a safety valve in the passing game. His value lies in his versatility and toughness, and he is a player who understands blocking angles and can contribute across multiple personnel groupings.
Round 7, Pick 250: FB Eli Heidenreich, Navy
Eli Heidenreich is a unique athlete who transitioned from the Navy’s Wing-T offense into a legitimate NFL prospect. He set school records for receiving yards and touchdowns, demonstrating that he is much more than a traditional fullback.
He is a tough, determined runner who consistently falls forward and has the vision to find lanes in a zone scheme. I see Heidenreich as a versatile weapon who can contribute as a third-down back, a special teams ace, and a lead blocker.
Round 7, Pick 255: ED Eric O'Neill, Rutgers
With the final pick, the Rams take a chance on Rutgers edge rusher Eric O'Neill. O'Neill is a high-motor player who excels in stack-and-shed situations against the run. He has a reasonable frame and uses his leverage effectively to disrupt the line of scrimmage.
Although he needs to develop a more refined pass-rush plan for the NFL level, his productivity in the Big Ten shows he has the foundational IQ to compete.
