ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. stayed consistent with his picks for the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. While he’s said the Rams would be the “best fit” for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at the end of the first round, Kiper Jr. remained steadfast in how he picked for L.A. in his second mock draft.

In his previous mock draft, Kiper Jr. went with Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy with the No. 13 pick before taking Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling at No. 29. In his most recent mock draft ahead of the NFL Combine, Kiper Jr. stayed with McCoy at No. 13 but pivoted to Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller at No. 29.

No change for the Rams’ first pick from my last mock draft. McCoy didn’t play at all in 2025 after tearing an ACL last January, and the medical checks this week in Indianapolis will be key for him. But there’s no arguing his on-the-ball production. He had four picks and nine pass breakups in 2024.

The Rams have the sort of roster that can go to the Super Bowl, and quarterback Matthew Stafford is set to return for another season. But cornerback is a definite weak spot; GM Les Snead has to make that position a priority this offseason.

Rob Havenstein retired, and Warren McClendon Jr. is entering the final year of his deal. That means there could be a big hole at right tackle. Miller has 54 career starts, and his game just keeps growing on me. In pass protection, he stays square and handles most pass-rush moves with ease. And as a run blocker, he can get to the second level to spring big gains. The blocking is so important to the Rams’ excellent run game, and having a savvy right tackle is key.

The Rams’ first pick in this mock draft went to the defense (Jermod McCoy), but I really like the idea of L.A. adding to the offensive line with its second one.

McCoy is often mocked to the Rams specifically because he is considered one of the top cornerbacks in the class and L.A.’s biggest need is in the secondary. Despite missing the 2025 season, McCoy would have a chance to start right away if he’s healthy for Week 1. Miller is a borderline Day 1 pick, but someone who has a lot of experience blocking for a big-time program. He wouldn’t be expected to take over right away, either, if Warren McClendon Jr. remains the starting right tackle.

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There is still plenty of time to go between now and April’s draft, but the consensus around who the Rams should pick is finally coalescing.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Mel Kiper Jr.’s new mock draft repeats same positions for Rams