March 2, 2026, 8:15 a.m. PT

Defense will be a top priority for the Los Angeles Rams this offseason after seeing it struggle a few times down the stretch last season. The secondary, in particular, is a weakness, with the Rams needing major help at cornerback and potentially safety if Kamren Curl leaves in free agency.

With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine concluding on Sunday, it’s time for another seven-round mock draft. In this projection, the Rams trade up four spots for an electric defender who will help them at multiple spots right away. And even after moving up, they come away with two starting-caliber cornerbacks with their next two picks.

Here’s our latest seven-round mock using PFF’s simulator.

Round 1, No. 9: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio StateTrade: Rams receive No. 9, Chiefs receive Nos. 13 and 167Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

Reese is a unique defender in that he can line up anywhere in the front seven. He played off-ball linebacker and edge rusher at Ohio State, excelling in both roles. And for a team like the Rams, that’s a perfect blend of talent to fit in Chris Shula’s scheme. On early downs, Reese can line up as an inside linebacker alongside Nate Landman. On third down and in obvious passing situations, he can move to the edge or rush up the middle.

It’s a bold move to trade up for Reese, but he’s a cornerstone, blue-chip defender that the Rams can build around for years. And moving up four spots only cost a fifth-round pick.

Round 1, No. 29: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

Even after trading up for Reese, the Rams come away with one of the best cornerbacks in the class at No. 29. Hood is a pitbull at corner, playing with outstanding physicality at the line of scrimmage, whether in press coverage or as a run defender. He checked all the athleticism boxes at the combine, too, running a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash and jumping 40.5 inches in the vertical. It’s possible he won’t even be around at No. 29 overall but whether the Rams have drafted a corner or not before then, they should sprint to turn their card in.

Round 2, No. 61: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

Johnson already had impressive tape and stats from his college career, and at the combine, he proved he has the long speed to hang with faster receivers on the outside by running a 4.40 in the 40. He also posted a 10-foot-6 broad jump, evidence of his physical explosiveness. Johnson only gave up 18 catches on 43 targets last season, picking off four passes and allowing zero touchdown catches in coverage. His inside-outside versatility only adds to his value, giving Shula the option to move Quentin Lake around the secondary as needed.

Round 3, No. 93: WR Antonio Williams, Clemson

Williams ran a strong 4.41 in the 40, showing some vertical speed that will improve his stock. He’s a smaller receiver at 5-11, but his quickness in the slot makes him a weapon. The Rams could use a slot receiver to complement Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, giving Matthew Stafford another run-after-catch playmaker in the middle of the field. His 39.5-inch vertical shows he can elevate and high-point the ball, too.

Round 6, No. 206: OT Diego Pounds, Mississippi

Pounds didn’t test very well at the combine, ranking near the bottom of the offensive tackle group in several testing categories. However, he has the potential to be a future swing tackle for the Rams, who already have Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr. penciled in as their starters.

Round 6, No. 209: TE Dae’Quan Wright, Mississippi

Wright is a vertical receiving threat, who would give the Rams yet another target at tight end to go with Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen and Terrance Ferguson. If Sean McVay is committed to 13 personnel, it’d be wise to add some depth to the position, especially if Tyler Higbee isn’t back. He caught 39 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns last season.

Round 7, No. 232: S Lorenzo Styles Jr., Ohio State

Styles ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash of anyone at the combine last week, only 0.01 slower than Brenen Thompson. A 4.27 for a safety is outstanding, especially for someone who’s bound to contribute on special teams. He will need time to develop into an all-around safety but the athletic traits are clearly there.

Round 7, No. 250: QB Sawyer Robertson, Baylor

With Stafford back, the Rams can be patient at quarterback for another year. A seventh-round pick is a low cost to pay for a potential future starter at the position, and Robertson has enough potential to warrant a Day 3 pick. He’s mobile enough to evade pressure and has a strong enough arm to push the ball downfield, boasting a 6-4 frame with 4.64 speed.

Round 7, No. 255: DL David Gusta, Kentucky

Gusta ran a fantastic 4.88 in the 40 at 308 pounds, with the second-fastest 10-yard split (1.68) of any defensive lineman. He doesn’t have great size at 6-foot-2 and 31 1/8-inch arms, but his burst off the line is above average and makes him worth a shot in the seventh round. The Rams could use some defensive line depth behind Kobie Turner, Poona Ford and Braden Fiske.