The 2026 NFL draft is a long way away, but the Los Angeles Rams will undoubtedly be preparing to add some serious firepower with their two first-round picks. That is, if they keep them both by season’s end.

Quarterback will be the best position to watch for L.A. as Matthew Stafford heads closer to retirement, and CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson has the Rams taking one with one of their first-round picks. While Texas quarterback Arch Manning is the likely No. 1 overall pick, he still may return to school following the 2025 college season. So, Wilson made selections based on that potential scenario.

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In this mock, the Rams have the No. 11 pick from the Atlanta Falcons and their pick at No. 27. Wilson predicted the Rams will go defense with the No. 11 selection and take Duke cornerback Chandler Rivers before taking Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik at No. 27.

“Rivers can play inside or in the slot, he’s a physical player despite his size and he is consistently in the right place,” Whilson wrote. “Reminds me of Max Hairston in his style of play/size/ferocity. He plays the run like he’s an old-school middle linebacker: he will get off blocks, come downhill with his hair on fire and look to lay the ball-carrier out. He has a nose for the ball and for making big plays.

“Klubnik got better as the ’24 season progressed. While he’s not the biggest QB, he has a big arm and is one of the best deep-ball passers in this class. Good athlete who can win with his feet, he throws accurately to all three levels. If he continues to progress, he’ll be a first-rounder next April.”

These selections would immediately solve the Rams’ two biggest potential issues heading into the 2026 season. Stafford is effectively on a season-by-season contract and will be 38 next season, while the secondary is full of mediocre players who might not be long for the roster. Ideally, Klubnik would get at least one season to learn under Stafford, but he could very well learn under Jimmy Garoppolo as well if needed.

The Rams have a lot of options with two first-rounders and could easily package both picks to move up in the draft or get a veteran elsewhere. There’s a lot of time before they’ll need to start thinking about that seriously, though.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Rams still take QB in Arch Manning-less mock draft