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Rams 2026-2027 schedule prediction
The Rams should be prioritized with primetime games in 2026…

by Steven Ridings
May 1, 2026, 5:10 PM CDT


5757
Comments (All New)

A broken leg didn't stop T.O. from the Super Bowl

Anticipation is building across the NFL as fans eagerly await the official release of the Los Angeles Rams’ 2026–2027 schedule, one of the most exciting moments of the offseason. While the league has not confirmed an exact date, reports indicate the full schedule is expected to drop in mid-May—likely between May 12 and May 14—continuing a recent trend of prime-time announcements that generate league-wide buzz.

For Rams fans, the reveal will provide the first complete look at how a highly anticipated season will unfold. The team is coming off a strong campaign and enters 2026 with high expectations, led by head coach Sean McVay and a roster built to contend. Even before the full schedule is announced, several key details are already known—such as a historic international matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia on Thursday Night Football for Week 1, marking the NFL’s first regular-season game on that continent.

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The upcoming schedule will also confirm dates for marquee matchups against top opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and Denver Broncos, adding intrigue to an already competitive slate. As fans circle the expected release window, excitement continues to grow for what promises to be a defining season in Los Angeles.

Everyone loves a good prediction, so here’s my crack at what the Rams will face coming this season…

Week 1 vs. San Francisco 49ers - TNF (Australia)

Week 2 @ Arizona Cardinals
Week 3 vs. New York Giants
Week 4 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 5 @ Denver Broncos
Week 6 vs. Buffalo Bills - SNF
The 2024 NFL MVP vs. the 2025 NFL MVP. It makes sense that the league will get these two franchises on primetime again.

Week 7 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Week 8 @ Washington Commanders
Week 9 @ Philadelphia Eagles - MNF
The Rams and Eagles didn’t play on primetime in 2025 but the game was on FOX America’s Game of the Week. With it being a growing “rivalry” between LA/PHI, I think a Monday Night game in Philadelphia happens.

Week 10 - BYE
Week 11 vs. Green Bay Packers
*The league is exploring a Thanksgiving Eve game. The Rams haven’t played on Thanksgiving since November 27, 1975. The other option I could see is the Rams hosting the Packers on Black Friday which just so happens to be November 27th…

Week 12 @ Seattle Seahawks - TNF
It seems all too likely that the Rams-Seahawks play again on Thursday Night Football again. Hopefully this time it does not entail a controversial 2 pt play…



Week 13 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Week 14 vs. Kansas City Chiefs - SNF
It has been 6 years since the Monday Night Football 54-51 shootout in Los Angeles. The league should wait to have this game late in the year so that Patrick Mahomes is healthy.

Week 15 @ San Francisco 49ers
Week 16 @ Las Vegas Raiders
Week 17 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week 18 vs. Seattle Seahawks]]> ScRAM RamsFootballFans.comSun, 03 May 2026 22:10:55 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239757,1239757#msg-1239757 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239757,1239757#msg-1239757
Kam also opens up about his journey through the Washington Commanders era, including the transition from the Washington Football Team, playing under Ron Rivera during his cancer battle, witnessing Alex Smith’s comeback, and what it was like experiencing a full ownership change from inside the locker room.



]]> RamBill RamsFootballFans.comSun, 03 May 2026 19:40:58 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239748,1239748#msg-1239748 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239748,1239748#msg-1239748
The Philadelphia 76ers are doing just that to try and stop the opposing teams fans from taking over in Philly...

76ers restrict ticket access to fans in Philadelphia to keep out Knicks fans in second-round playoff series

link

Traveling Knicks fans have made themselves heard on the road and the Sixers are trying to keep home court theirs

By Jasmyn Wimbish
2 hrs ago
• 2 min read

The Philadelphia 76ers are trying their best to avoid a Knicks fan takeover at their home games for their upcoming second-round playoff series. After overcoming a 3-1 series deficit in the first round of the playoffs against the Boston Celtics to win Game 7 and advance to the next round, the Sixers will face a Knicks team whose fanbase is known for invading Philadelphia's arena.

In order to avoid that, the Sixers announced on their ticket purchasing website that they'll be restricting ticket sales to fans who live in the "greater Philadelphia area." The billing address will have to be within the Philadelphia area for fans to buy tickets, and those outside the zone will have their purchases canceled.

This isn't the first time the Sixers have done something like this when playing against the Knicks. In 2024, the Sixers ownership group bought more than 2,000 tickets during a first-round playoff series between these two teams to keep them out of the hands of Knicks fans.

Sixers superstar Joel Embiid knows Knicks fans travel well, and pleaded with Philly fans following the team's Game 7 win against the Celtics.

"Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like this was Madison Square Garden East," Embiid said Saturday night. "We're going to need the support, don't sell your tickets. This is bigger than you. We need you guys. The atmosphere that we've had the last couple games in Philly, especially the last one, pushing it to Game 7, we need all of it."

Embiid continued: "I don't care if it's 70-30. Knicks fans, they travel, they're going to buy the tickets. There's going to be some people that need the money, and are probably going to sell tickets. But don't do it. We need you guys. We got a pretty good chance. We're going to need that support. We're going to need them to be extremely loud. If you need money, I got you."

While the Sixers are hoping that their method of restricting access will keep the orange and blue at a minimum at Xfinity Mobile Arena, Knicks guard Josh Hart has faith the fans will find a way to support them.

"The good thing about New Yorkers, they're persistent," Hart said Sunday when asked about the Sixers' plans to restrict ticket sales. "They don't care. They're gonna do it. For a lot of people, everything revolves around money, so if they can get a good price for those tickets, they're gonna sell them."

The Sixers aren't the only team to deploy this type of ticket sale restriction to Knicks fans. During the 2024 playoffs, the Detroit Pistons used geo-fencing to limit ticket sales to those within the Michigan area. But, like Hart said, that doesn't necessarily work when fans sell tickets on secondary markets. Knicks fans can find a way if they want to.

But at least the Sixers are trying something to maintain a homecourt advantage. The Knicks just finished a series against the Atlanta Hawks during which you could hear Knicks forward OG Anunoby getting positive chants from Knicks fans on the road. That's what the Sixers are trying to avoid.]]> Ramsdude RamsFootballFans.comSun, 03 May 2026 20:06:09 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239746,1239746#msg-1239746 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239746,1239746#msg-1239746
After the trade, he turns pale and says ATL just gave the Rams their 2026 1st rounder and says that the Rams are going to get their QB of the future!



]]> RockRam RamsFootballFans.comMon, 04 May 2026 02:41:40 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,1239742,1239742#msg-1239742 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,1239742,1239742#msg-1239742And he is PISSED!

Started this new thread because the other one was getting kind of long]]> ScRAM Bucky's PubMon, 04 May 2026 01:07:29 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239736,1239736#msg-1239736 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239736,1239736#msg-1239736
]]> RamBill RamsFootballFans.comMon, 04 May 2026 01:00:04 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1239734,1239734#msg-1239734 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1239734,1239734#msg-1239734www.si.com]]]> BerendsenRam Rams ChroniclesSun, 03 May 2026 15:58:07 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1239713,1239713#msg-1239713 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1239713,1239713#msg-1239713
[ramblinfan.com]

Bret Stuter

images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F54%2F01kqn3kjs6g528j4nx9k.jpg

From the smallest drafted rookie class in franchise history, the Los Angeles Rams have a very difficult task ahead. Somehow, the front office and coaching staff must distill five drafted rookies into depth to manage the need for 23 player extensions at season's end. That is something that not even the wizardry of general manager Les Snead can manage.

Of course, there is plenty of football and roster moves ahead. At some point, the team must pare down the active roster to 53 players. After that, the team must add 16 players to its practice squad. That works out to 86 current players working down to 69 players.

While some players from their last year may be among the cap and roster slot casualties, the majority of partings will likely be last year's practice squad and this year's undrafted collegiate signings.

Still, making an NFL roster right now is a very significant step one. Now, it will be up to the rookies to persuade coaches and teammates that they deserve to remain an integral part of LA's plans. So the question now becomes, which rookie might shock fans and make the roster? Here are four rookies worth keeping on your radar.

4 of the Rams most promising UDFAs who could blow fans away

The LA Rams are not the type of team to give away roster slots or playing time to experiment. But this is a team that openly starts undrafted players. Left tackle Alaric Jackson and inside linebacker Nate Landman never heard their names called out during the NFL draft.

1. Houston running back Dean Connors

The LA Rams were probably not looking for a rookie running back, but the qualities of Houston running back Dean Connors were so promising that they could not resist adding him. He was projected as a draftable rookie on some boards, but no lower than a priority free agent.

A rugged running back who can run, catch, and block, Connors is a full-throttle guy who could impress coaches with his willingness to do anything to help the team. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds, which is not overly fast. But he is a never-say-die player who finds a way to get the job done. He has an uphill battle ahead, but that's just how he likes it.

2. Edge rusher Wesley Bailey

Beyond the trio of outside linebackers, Byron Young, Jared Verse, and Josaiah Stewart, the pass rush feels like open competition. The team is bringing back edge rusher Keir Thomas and DE/OLB Desjuan Johnson, but so far neither has claimed a fixed rotational role in this defense. And that is concerning.

Well, here comes rookie athletic freak Wesley Bailey to power up the depth chart. A four-year contributor at Rutgers, he played his fifth and final season with the Louisville Cardinals. At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, he is built to play with a hand in the dirt or in a two-point stance. But his raw athleticism ensures he is something special:


While a pass rusher, he can set the edge, stuff the run, collapse the pocket, and defend the pass. He is a defensive superhero who simply needs to perfect his techniques. He could evolve into something very special. All that is needed is patience, coaching, and opportunity.

3. Syracuse tight end Dan Villari

A former Michigan quarterback who cross-trained to tight end for Syracuse, Dan Villari has to be one of the most fascinating rookies from 2026. During his transition, he was a deft runner. But at 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, he opens new chapters to an offense. After all, he can catch, pass, and run. And he cost nothing in terms of draft picks.

While he is a bit raw coming out of college, don't discount his upside. His resume of quarterbacking gives him great analysis instincts as to how to create the greatest separation and the biggest target for his quarterback. And his size creates mismatches all over the defense. If LA can unlock his potential, he will be indispensable.

4. Wake Forest safety Nick Andersen

The team broke with tradition by extending both safety Quentin Lake and Kam Curl. They are backed up by Kam Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough, Tanner Ingle, and Nate Valcarcel. Still, they found reason to sign Wake Forest safety Nick Andersen.

It could be the fact that he was a tackling machine, recording 228 tackles in his final two seasons. It could be his 6.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 quarterback sacks, and 7 deflected passes in 2025. It could even be his ball- hawking skills that allowed him to pick off four passes in his first college season.

Whatever the reason, LA's secondary just got better. Andersen is a defensive back who fights on every play and gets stronger as the game wears on. He has strong pass coverage skills, making him a strong option for either straight safety or slot corner. His ability to remain close to his assignment even makes him a viable option in nickel and dime packages.

There may be plenty of football ahead, but keep these names on your radar. And as always, thanks for reading.
]]> Rams_43 Rams ChroniclesSun, 03 May 2026 09:58:37 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239708,1239708#msg-1239708 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239708,1239708#msg-1239708
The Rams just drafted Puka's back-up. If we get anything close to Puka out of Daniels, the Rams have drafted another gem in the later part of the draft.]]> RockRam RamsFootballFans.comSun, 03 May 2026 19:38:56 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1239693,1239693#msg-1239693 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1239693,1239693#msg-1239693 BerendsenRam Rams ChroniclesSun, 03 May 2026 15:41:57 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239682,1239682#msg-1239682 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239682,1239682#msg-1239682
Or is everything about him pure speculation?]]> Classicalwit RamsFootballFans.comSun, 03 May 2026 14:16:50 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,1239680,1239680#msg-1239680 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,1239680,1239680#msg-1239680 SeattleRam Bucky's PubSun, 03 May 2026 14:47:28 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,1239677,1239677#msg-1239677 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,1239677,1239677#msg-1239677


]]> IowaRam Bucky's PubSun, 03 May 2026 00:23:36 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239657,1239657#msg-1239657 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239657,1239657#msg-1239657


]]> RamBill RamsFootballFans.comSun, 03 May 2026 14:46:22 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239656,1239656#msg-1239656 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239656,1239656#msg-1239656
]]> RamBill RamsFootballFans.comSat, 02 May 2026 14:56:05 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,1239636,1239636#msg-1239636 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,1239636,1239636#msg-1239636

Ultra_Duster_400x451.jpg

$3.19 for a bottle of water , my grandfather would have said , if you paid 3 dollars for a bottle of Smart water , then it really isnt working

smart-water-158208_480x.jpg

]]> IowaRam Bucky's PubSat, 02 May 2026 12:47:05 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239631,1239631#msg-1239631 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239631,1239631#msg-1239631
]]> RamBill RamsFootballFans.comSat, 02 May 2026 13:53:22 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239630,1239630#msg-1239630 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239630,1239630#msg-1239630ramsrule.com] as a guide, QBs could go at picks 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 25 in the first round.

If the Rams had waited until next year to draft their heir apparent at QB they would have had a few options.

But first, assumptions:
- the Rams will be picking 32nd next year as the Mock suggests
- 6 QBs will be drafted in the spots indicated but which QB is selected at each of those 6 spots is not locked in for this exercise. (Do not look at the names - the assumption is that the first 6 QBs taken are better prospects than the 7th.)
- trading up to 1, 2, or 3 is not a realistic option
- if the Rams wanted one of the QBs selected at 7, 14, or 25 they would have to jump in front of that team (i.e., they would have to trade up to 6, 13, or 24 respectively
- the draft value trade chart found here [www.drafttek.com] is suitable for this exercise


Option 1: sit at 32 and take the 7th QB in the first round.


Option 2: trade up to 24 (740 points). To get the 6th QB in the first round the Rams would have to do something like this:

2027 1st (590 points), 2027 2nd (270 points), and 2027 4th (40 points) ...
for pick 24 (740 points), a 2027 3rd (150 points), and a 2027 6th (9 points).

(Rams give up 900 points and get 899 back.)


Option 3: trade up to 13 (1,150 points). To get the 5th QB in the first round the Rams would have to do something like this:

2027 1st (590 points), 2027 2nd (270 points), 2028 1st round pick (410 points), and 2028 5th (11.8) ...
for pick 13 (1,150 points), 2027 4th (68 points), and 2028 3rd (60 points).

(Rams give up 1,281.8 and get 1,278 back.)


Option 4: trade up to 5 (1,700 points). To get the 4th QB in the first round the Rams would have to do something like this:

2027 1st (590 points), 2027 2nd (270 points), 2027 4th (40 points), 2027 5th (22.6 points), 2028 1st (410 points), 2028 2nd (185 points), and 2029 1st (185 points) ...
in exchange for pick 5

(The Rams give up 1,702.6 and get back 1,700.)


Does anyone see an option that puts the Rams in a better position at QB for 2027 if Stafford retires after 2026?

Does anyone see an option that puts the Rams in a better position to compete for a Super Bowl in 2028 and beyond if Stafford plays 2 more years?]]> AlbaNY_Ram RamsFootballFans.comSun, 03 May 2026 13:00:06 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239618,1239618#msg-1239618 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239618,1239618#msg-1239618
One can scoff at or mock saying that sending this years 29th pick for McDuffie isn't really "drafting". And, it's not in the orthodox purest traditional sense. But, "drafting" isn't the Rams be-all end-all. It's acquiring the best players by whatever means.

Even if they didn't have that 13th pick, they would have done the same thing by acquireing McDuffie. They knew (as everyone did) they needed a big upgrade to the CB room. Were they going to a get anywhere as good a player as McDuffie at pick 29? Sure, they had to pay him, too. So?? A rookie is rarely an instant upgrade. A 2 time Pro-Bowl player is.

Snead just looks at player acquistion, the criteria for why they choose the college players that they do, and how you spend those draft picks, differently than many (probably most) other teams.

So, while "F them picks" is a sexy tag line, that's not what Snead does. He just thinks of picks in a way that is a bit unorthodox.]]> RockRam RamsFootballFans.comSat, 02 May 2026 07:32:00 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1239609,1239609#msg-1239609 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1239609,1239609#msg-1239609 BerendsenRam Rams ChroniclesSat, 02 May 2026 15:40:12 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239579,1239579#msg-1239579 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239579,1239579#msg-1239579
But a quick look at folks we knew they had contact with give me certainty about a topic.

The club was definitely thinking a trade down was a high possibility, and the names on the list tells me our draft gurus were so close to striking gold.

I'm fine with how it all played out, but I do feel we missed some serious draft fun when the Lions' guy was off the board.]]> leafnose RamsFootballFans.comSun, 03 May 2026 06:34:58 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239575,1239575#msg-1239575 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239575,1239575#msg-1239575

Link


Way-Too-Early 2027 NFL Mock Draft


FantasyPros offers audio versions of articles using Instaread.

1) Arizona Cardinals – Arch Manning (QB – Texas)

While the Cardinals spent a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Carson Beck, that won’t keep them from selecting a quarterback with the top pick next year. Manning will be one of the most talked-about prospects in next year’s draft class, but is the clear favorite to be the top pick in 2027.

2) Miami Dolphins – Dante Moore (QB – Oregon)

Moore would have been the No. 2 pick had he declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead of landing with the New York Jets, the Oregon star ends up in Miami. Unfortunately, the Dolphins have set up Malik Willis to fail, leading to them drafting his successor next year.

3) New York Jets – CJ Carr (QB – Notre Dame)

The last time we had a quarterback class as good as next year’s group was in 2024, where three came off the board in the first three picks and five in the top 10. Carr might wait until 2028 to declare, but he would be a top-five lock next year with a strong 2026 season.

4) Las Vegas Raiders – Jeremiah Smith (WR – Ohio State)

Our run on quarterbacks stops with the team that took one first overall last week. Smith will be the first non-quarterback picked in the 2027 NFL Draft, even if he decides to sit out the upcoming college football season. Fernando Mendoza will approve of this pick after having Jalen Nailor as his top wide receiver as a rookie.

5) Cleveland Browns – Colin Simmons (EDGE – Texas)

Unfortunately, the Browns miss out on the top three quarterbacks and can’t trade up, as none of the teams picking ahead of them are willing to move back. Therefore, they take the best defensive player in the draft class. Pairing Simmons with Myles Garrett and Mason Graham will give every opposing quarterback nightmares.

6) Tennessee Titans – Trevor Goosby (OT – Texas)

Dan Moore Jr. is in a make-or-break year in 2026. The Titans have done well helping out Cam Ward, signing Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency, and spending the fourth overall pick on Carnell Tate. Expect that trend to continue in 2027 by giving Ward the best offensive lineman in the draft class.

7) Atlanta Falcons – Drew Mestemaker (QB – Oklahoma State)

Atlanta surprised everyone when they took Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall in 2024. The new regime isn’t committed to him or Tua Tagovailoa, which means they will likely draft a new starting quarterback after this season. Mestemaker could be the Penix of the 2027 NFL Draft.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

New York Jets receive pick 8. Carolina Panthers receive picks 12, 2027 third-rounder.

8) New York Jets (via Panthers) – Leonard Moore (CB – Notre Dame)

After securing their new franchise quarterback with their first of three Day 1 picks, the Jets trade up to grab the top cornerback in the draft class. Moore has drawn comparisons to Patrick Surtain II and would be the perfect replacement for Ahmad Gardner. He could be a top-five pick.

9) New Orleans Saints – Dylan Stewart (EDGE – South Carolina)

While the Saints traded for Tyree Wilson during the 2026 NFL Draft, the former first-round pick had his fifth-year option declined and is heading into the final year of his contract. New Orleans finally gets their Cameron Jordan replacement in Stewart, making defensive coordinator Brandon Staley a very happy man.

10) New York Giants – A’Mauri Washington (DL – Oregon)

The Giants traded away Dexter Lawrence a few weeks ago and didn’t do much to improve their already subpar defensive line unit. Washington would be an excellent long-term piece in the middle of the defense with New York’s wave of pass rushers behind him.

11) Washington Commanders – Cam Coleman (WR – Texas)

Commanders fans should have high hopes for third-round rookie Antonio Williams. However, Terry McLaurin might be heading into his final season in Washington. Furthermore, the team’s depth at wide receiver is currently next to none. Coleman should have a breakout 2026 season with Arch Manning throwing him the ball.

12) Carolina Panthers (via Jets, Indianapolis) – Jamari Johnson (TE – Oregon)

Rumor has it that the Panthers were all in on Kenyon Sadiq until the New York Jets sniped him. Johnson should be the third consecutive Oregon tight end selected inside the top 50 picks over the past three weeks. He would give Bryce Young a mismatch weapon in the middle of the field.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Minnesota Vikings receive pick 13. Denver Broncos receive picks 20, 2027 second-rounder.

13) Denver Broncos (via Vikings) – Jordan Seaton (OT – LSU)

While the Broncos didn’t have a massive need during the 2026 NFL Draft, that likely won’t be the case next year. Garett Bolles turns 34 later this month and has an out in his contract after the upcoming season. Furthermore, Mike McGlinchey is a free agent after the 2026 season and likely won’t be back in 2027.

14) Pittsburgh Steelers – Darian Mensah (QB – Miami)

Maybe Drew Allar can be the Steelers’ next franchise quarterback. However, the odds are against it, especially if Pittsburgh has a top-15 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Mensah could be this year’s Fernando Mendoza and become a top-five pick with a breakout season.

15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Damon Wilson II (EDGE – Miami)

Tampa Bay had one of the steals of the 2026 NFL Draft, landing Rueben Bain Jr. at 15th overall when most thought he would be a top-10 selection. However, they still need help rushing the passer. Pairing Bain with Wilson would finally solve the Buccaneers’ problem.

16) Jacksonville Jaguars – KJ Bolden (S – Georgia)

Many have criticized the Jaguars’ 2026 draft class, saying the team repeatedly reached for players. While they drafted Jalen Huskey in the third round, Jacksonville still needs help at safety. Bolden would solve that problem and give the Jaguars a long-term starter in the secondary.

dynasty trade value chart fantasy football

17) New York Jets (via Dallas) – Ahmad Hardy (RB – Missouri)

The Jets get the better of the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers first-round pick next year. In this mock draft, they receive the Cowboys’ pick. Breece Hall will likely play the upcoming season under the franchise tag. Therefore, he likely won’t be back in 2027. Don’t be surprised if the Jets give their new franchise quarterback an elite running back next to him in the backfield.

18) Chicago Bears – David Stone (DL – Oklahoma)

While Chicago took care of most of their needs during the 2026 NFL Draft, they waited until the sixth round to add a defensive lineman. That won’t be the case next year, especially if Stone is on the board when the Bears are on the clock.

19) Cincinnati Bengals – Ellis Robinson IV (CB – Georgia)

Cincinnati vastly improved their defense this offseason with the additions of Dexter Lawrence II, Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen, Bryan Cook, and second-round rookie Cashius Howell. However, all three of their starting cornerbacks are free agents after the 2026 season, and retaining more than one is unlikely.

20) Minnesota Vikings (via Broncos) – Zabien Brown (CB – Alabama)

Isaiah Rodgers is a free agent after the upcoming season, while James Pierre and Byron Murphy Jr. have two years left on their contracts. Unfortunately, Minnesota has little cornerback depth behind the starting trio. Unless Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy are total flops this season, expect the Vikings to use their 2027 first-round pick to improve their cornerback unit.

21) Detroit Lions – Matayo Uiagalelei (EDGE – Oregon)

Hopefully, Derrick Moore can become the edge rusher Detroit needs opposite Aidan Hutchinson. However, he had only one year of high-end production and shouldn’t have gotten drafted ahead of Zion Young. Uiagalelei would give the Lions more options rushing the pass besides their superstar edge rusher.

22) Houston Texans – Ryan Coleman-Williams (WR – Alabama)

The Texans did their homework on the 2026 wide receiver draft class, but didn’t select one. However, Houston could use their first-round pick next year on a wide receiver unless Jayden Higgins or Jaylin Noel have a breakout sophomore season. Hopefully, Coleman-Williams has a bounce-back year after struggling in 2026.

23) Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay) – Nick Marsh (WR – Indiana)

Will George Pickens be on the Cowboys’ roster after the 2026 season? At this point, it seems unlikely, as Dallas is in no rush to sign the star wide receiver to an extension. Marsh could have a breakout year after transferring to Indiana and become a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

24) Philadelphia Eagles – Carter Smith (OT – Indiana)

When the Eagles traded up for Makai Lemon, some thought they were moving up for an offensive tackle. Markel Bell was a solid third-round pick as a developmental tackle, but far from guaranteed to become an NFL starter. Smith would start at right tackle as a rookie if Lane Johnson retires after the 2026 season.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Cleveland Browns receive pick 25. New England Patriots receive 2027 and 2028 second-rounders.

25) Cleveland Browns (via Patriots) – LaNorris Sellers (QB – South Carolina)

Assuming the Patriots trade a 2028 first-round pick for A.J. Brown and not a 2027 selection, expect them to try to recoup some capital during next year’s draft. By allowing the Browns to trade up for their franchise quarterback, New England secures a likely top-40 pick in 2027 and 2028. Meanwhile, Cleveland trades back up into the first round to secure one of the highest upside quarterbacks in the draft class.

26) San Francisco 49ers – Charlie Becker (WR – Indiana)

San Francisco added Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and second-round rookie De’Zhaun Stribling to their wide receiver corps this offseason. However, Stribling is the only one guaranteed to be on the roster in 2027. Meanwhile, Ricky Pearsall might be heading into a make-or-break year. Becker could be a first-round pick next year with an impressive season as Indiana’s top wide receiver.

27) Los Angeles Chargers – Cayden Green (OL – Missouri)

The Chargers spent four of their eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft on offensive linemen, including second-round selection Jake Slaughter. However, they still need a long-term starter at guard. Green could play guard and kick out to tackle if Rashawn Slater or Joe Alt misses time with an injury.

28) Kansas City Chiefs – Trey’Dez Green (TE – LSU)

While the Chiefs spent most of their 2026 NFL Draft capital improving their defense, they will have holes on offense to fix next year. Travis Kelce is likely heading into his final NFL season, and Kansas City doesn’t have his replacement on the roster.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Indianapolis Colts receive pick 29, 2027 third-rounder. Baltimore Ravens receive 2027 second-rounder, 2028 first-rounder.

29) Indianapolis Colts (via Ravens) – Julian Sayin (QB – Ohio State)

No one believes Daniel Jones is the long-term answer in Indianapolis. Even the Colts are uncertain, having signed him to only a two-year extension this offseason. Should he struggle in 2026, it would not be surprising if Indianapolis trades their 2028 first-round pick to secure their next franchise quarterback. In this scenario, Sayin becomes the seventh quarterback selected in this mock, breaking the NFL Draft record of six picked in 1983 and 2024.

30) Seattle Seahawks – Quincy Rhodes Jr. (EDGE – Arkansas)

Seattle lost Boye Mafe in free agency a few months ago. Meanwhile, Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall are heading into the final year of their contracts, while DeMarcus Lawrence is a free agent after the 2027 season. Rhodes would help replenish the Seahawks’ edge rusher depth.

31) Buffalo Bills – Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (LB – Notre Dame)

Many were shocked to see the Bills wait until the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft to add a linebacker, especially when CJ Allen and Jacob Rodriguez were on the board when they made their first pick. Dorian Williams is heading into the last year of his contract, while Terrel Bernard has missed nine games over the past two seasons because of injury.

32) Los Angeles Rams – T.J. Moore (WR – Clemson)

Everyone lost their mind when the Rams passed on a wide receiver with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for Ty Simpson. Furthermore, Los Angeles waited until the sixth round to select a wide receiver. With Puka Nacua and Davante Adams both heading into the final year of their contract in 2026, the Rams will likely be forced to draft a wide receiver with their top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.]]> ScRAM RamsFootballFans.comSat, 02 May 2026 12:09:30 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239567,1239567#msg-1239567 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239567,1239567#msg-1239567
By Sam Robinson | Last updated May 1, 2026 7:02 PM ET

[www.yardbarker.com]


The deadline for fifth-year option decisions has arrived, and although the Rams did not make a first-round pick in 2023, they held an option call thanks to their waiver claim of Emmanuel Forbes. As expected, Los Angeles will not provide the cornerback with a 2027 guarantee.

Forbes will see his option declined, per The33rdTeam’s Ari Meirov. The Rams overhauled their cornerback contingent this offseason, importing Chiefs starters Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson into their starting lineup. A record-setting extension followed for McDuffie, while his former Kansas City sidekick signed a three-year, $51MM Rams accord.

It would have cost the Rams $12.63MM to exercise Forbes’ option. The 2020 CBA made options fully guaranteed, after the 2011 CBA allowed teams to pick up options and cut players later free of charge as long as they passed a physical. Although the current CBA has caused teams to be more careful with option decisions, the salary cap’s annual spikes have allowed some flexibility here.

The Commanders chose Forbes 16th overall, one spot in front of Gonzalez, and that regime was removed from power after the ’23 season. The Adam Peters-Dan Quinn duo moved on from the Ron Rivera-Martin Mayhew first-rounder quickly, cutting him in November 2024. The Rams swooped in with a claim and have used him sparingly since.

Coming to Washington after a Mississippi State career that included incredible ball production (14 INTs in three seasons, six pick-sixes), Forbes also entered the league south of 170 pounds. That became an issue for the young ballhawk, who has five interceptions in three seasons. Forbes fell out of favor with Quinn’s staff and played in just two Rams games after being claimed in 2024. Last season, however, brought a much bigger role. L.A. used Forbes as a 14-game starter and deployed him on 73% of its defensive snaps. Pro Football Focus, however, graded Forbes 91st among qualified CB options in 2025.

As cornerback play may have been the Rams’ Achilles heel last season, the team paid up for replacements in McDuffie and Watson. The team also let Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick and 2025 deadline acquisition Roger McCreary walk. Forbes may still have a role in 2026, but a significant snap-share reduction appears in the offing. The 6-foot cover man does represent important depth behind the ex-Chiefs and nickel Quentin Lake, however, and has one more season to boost his free agency stock.]]> RamBill RamsFootballFans.comSun, 03 May 2026 14:50:29 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239566,1239566#msg-1239566 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239566,1239566#msg-1239566


]]> GlacieRam RamsFootballFans.comMon, 04 May 2026 01:25:45 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1239564,1239564#msg-1239564 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1239564,1239564#msg-1239564How the Rams made the bold business decision to draft QB Ty Simpson

By Nate Atkins
April 29, 2026

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The story of the Los Angeles Rams’ 2026 draft class will run through Ty Simpson.

The choice to spend the No. 13 pick on a quarterback, with Matthew Stafford coming off his first MVP season, was a splash that created a ripple. The discourse inside and outside the Rams’ draft headquarters at Hollywood Park took on a life of its own in the phone calls, news conferences and days afterward.

A pick of this type, this year, held an underlying tension that was impossible to avoid.

Coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead felt two forces pulling them at once: an urge to push this team over the top for another Super Bowl it could host in SoFi Stadium in February, and staying power at the game’s most important position that defines whether they’re a contender going forward.

How Simpson became the pick
This was always supposed to be the year the Rams drafted the heir to Stafford’s throne.

It’s why they traded out of the first round last year with the Atlanta Falcons to add an extra 2026 first-rounder. A Rams franchise that expects to be in the playoffs each year needed to forge a path to a pick in the top 20.

As this year’s quarterback class whittled in size and quality with Texas’ Arch Manning, Oregon’s Dante Moore and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers returning to school, the concept of picking late in most drafts still drove the decision to take Simpson at No. 13.

The Rams took the second quarterback in this class behind Fernando Mendoza, who went No. 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders. Had they waited, they likely would have been left looking at the fifth or sixth quarterback available in the 2027 draft.

They weren’t sure where Simpson would go if they didn’t draft him. But they believed the Arizona Cardinals, who owned pick No. 34 in the second round, had heavy interest, a team source told The Athletic. They could either lock in Simpson as their future or risk facing him twice a year within the NFC West.

“Like I’ve mentioned here, the sea is going to shape the 13th pick,” Snead said shortly after the selection. “He had to fall.”

The risk of Simpson going before No. 13 was low, given league expectations and a profile that featured just 15 college starts and average measurables.

But the quote also showed how the Rams handled being on the clock. The available options looked much as expected, as the first 12 picks featured 11 players they projected to be gone before their selection, with the lone exception being Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, who went to the Miami Dolphins one pick earlier.

The trade offers that came the Rams’ way at No. 13 were “soft,” a team source told The Athletic. The Dallas Cowboys traded up to take Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. The Detroit Lions had interest in moving up, a team source said, but the return didn’t excite in a draft that thinned out considerably by Day 3 due to so many college players returning for name, image and likeness compensation.

With a deep roster, the Rams weren’t looking to add late picks, as showcased by their later decision to turn three selections into one to move up 10 spots in the sixth round for Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels. And in the end, they came out with a five-player draft class.

“We’re fortunate that our roster’s in a place where we felt like we didn’t have a ton of glaring needs,” assistant general manager John McKay said. “We were able to take guys that we really felt confident in being contributors right away, but also be starters three, four years or two years down the line.”

The competing messages, the body language and unfolding timelines left people outside the Rams’ facility, as well as some inside, wondering the same question: Who really is Ty Simpson, and why is he the quarterback the Rams felt they had to select in a Super Bowl-or-bust campaign?


FULL ARTICLE- [www.nytimes.com]]]> RamBill Rams ChroniclesFri, 01 May 2026 20:26:58 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239561,1239561#msg-1239561 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239561,1239561#msg-1239561
Perhaps some creative contract structures might make it possible to have our cake and eat it, too.

If Rams can pull this off then there would not be a single legit hole left on this roster and Rams would be best positioned for a SB run since McVay arrived.]]> Rams_43 RamsFootballFans.comSat, 02 May 2026 22:00:30 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1239552,1239552#msg-1239552 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1239552,1239552#msg-1239552
[ramblinfan.com]

BretmStuter

images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F54%2F01kqjf0tm33s0yv7n685.jpg

Protests linger over the Los Angeles Rams decision to select Alabama rookie quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Some fans who were disgruntled with the pick pointed out that both tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Makai Lemon were on the board as more worthy selections.

Why didn't the team trade back? Reportedly, the phone did not ring. So the team had to make it's best selection. So why aren't more pleased wtih the pick?

After all, the consensus argument goes, Los Angeles is all-in and needed an immediate impact player. Everyone understands that Simpson will spend all of 2026 on the bench, and perhaps longer. So they conclude that Sadiq or Lemon would give LA's offense a burst of rookie energy this season.

But there is one flaw in that thinking. LA seldom dilutes its offense to work in rookies if there is a capable veteran on the roster.


And so it goes. The same success enjoyed in 2025 has all but shut the door to rookie opportunities in 2026. After all, running back Jarquez Hunter sat on the bench all season, and he had a significantly promising college track record. Even tight end Terrance Ferguson, who added three touchdowns in his rookie season, was only targeted 25 times, resulting in 11 receptions.

No rookie will get playing time in 2026 in this offense

While some fans may be aware and even concerned over the departure of veteran wide receiver Tutu Atwell this offseason, the team still has wide receivers Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, and Xavier Smith seeking targets in 2026. Would a rookie slot receiver knock all three out of the running?

The prospects for Kenyon Sadiq are even more remote in 2026. The LA Rams have found that 13-personnel works. But the team has solidified the package with tight ends Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and, in some regards, Terrance Ferguson. While the team did add Max Klare in Round 2, Klare has a far more extensive college football resume that positions him far more likely as a plug-and-play rookie.

The roster held plenty of opportunities for rookies in 2023, and many drafted players took full advantage of the opportunity. But the 2026 rookie class simply does not have that luxury. And so, it's far better to draft a quarterback who can develop for a season (or two) than an offensive rookie who will wilt on the bench.

As always, thanks for reading.
]]> Rams_43 Rams ChroniclesFri, 01 May 2026 17:38:56 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239546,1239546#msg-1239546 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239546,1239546#msg-1239546
I would think that shorter legs would provide a more stable base, making an RB harder to tackle.

OTOH,longer legs would allow WRs and RBs to hurdle tackles, or to cover more yardage per stride.

What do you guys think?]]> Hawaii Rams Fan RamsFootballFans.comSun, 03 May 2026 16:13:15 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1239545,1239545#msg-1239545 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1239545,1239545#msg-1239545Rams post-NFL Draft roster analysis: How the rookies fill out the depth chart

Nate Atkins
By Nate Atkins

May 1, 2026Updated 7:46 am PDT


The Los Angeles Rams didn’t take the approach to this year’s NFL Draft that many were expecting. After a narrow loss in the NFC Championship Game, a joyous return for an 18th NFL season for Matthew Stafford and an all-in push in free agency, they went to the draft to fill out their depth and plan for the future.

That started with the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 and continued with a class of just five players, the smallest general manager Les Snead has ever had. But that doesn’t mean they didn’t fill some important spots, as the Rams needed to add depth and lock in some cost-controlled deals while balancing re-signing a handful of key players entering contract years.

With offseason practices starting soon, this is a good time to take an updated look at the depth chart.


Quarterback
Starter: Matthew Stafford
Top backup: Ty Simpson
Depth: Stetson Bennett

Simpson was the Rams’ big splash in this draft, but he will arrive to a competition with Bennett to replace Jimmy Garoppolo as Stafford’s backup. The Rams were prepared to take Simpson even if Garoppolo returned, a team source told The Athletic, so this will be an opportunity to let him compete and earn something early; the starting role is blocked until Stafford retires. It doesn’t completely shut the door on a Garoppolo return, but that’s considered unlikely at this point.

The time on the bench could be beneficial to Simpson, who started just 15 games at Alabama. He stood out to the Rams, particularly in their secret pre-draft meetings, as someone as excited to learn as he is to play after becoming the rare college quarterback to sit before his chance to start one season at Alabama.

He’ll enter a lab of learning behind Stafford and from coach Sean McVay, offensive coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase, quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone and assistant head coach Kliff Kingsbury, a former NFL quarterback who helped develop Kyler Murray and Jayden Daniels as rookies. The giant question of when Simpson will see the field remains a mystery, but the Rams are confident that the longer he sits, the better he will be when that chance arrives.

FULL ARTICLE-[www.nytimes.com]]]> RamBill Rams ChroniclesFri, 01 May 2026 19:12:06 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239535,1239535#msg-1239535 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1239535,1239535#msg-1239535x.com]


NFL@NFL

From Easter egg hunts to the football field, @ty_simpson06 has always been competitive...

Now he’s taking it to the highest level @RamsNFL]]> RamBill RamsFootballFans.comFri, 01 May 2026 14:35:31 -0400