Feb. 21, 2026, 7:00 a.m. PT

The 2026 NFL draft offers two distinct roads for the Los Angeles Rams. On one side, the Rams could go for win-now players that shore up positions of need and maximize the team’s contention window in 2026. On the other side, the Rams could draft players who solve long-term problems while giving some depth at certain positions for the upcoming season.

NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice went with door No. 1: Win-now. And, oddly enough, Filice didn’t draft a cornerback with either of the team’s two first-round picks. He picked Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate at No. 13 and then Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at No. 29.

Having just missed out on the top two cornerbacks in this simulation, Los Angeles adds more firepower to its top-ranked offense. With Matthew Stafford back under center in 2026, the reigning MVP is rewarded with an acrobatic vertical threat for his ageless arm to exploit. Sean McVay can tenderize defenses with heavy personnel, then flash-fry them with a three-receiver set of Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and Tate.

A cornerback would make a lot of sense here. But seeing how the Rams have only used one top-100 pick on the position over the last 11 drafts — David Long at No. 79 overall in 2019 — it feels like Les Snead’s famous motto needs a slight tweak: F— THEM CB PICKS! And with Kam Curl on the verge of free agency, safety is another need in the secondary. McNeil-Warren isn’t a household name coming out of Toledo, but the buzz is building in the pre-draft process.

Tate and McNeil-Warren technically fill positions of need, just ones that are little less flashy. Tate would fill in nicely as the Rams’ third receiver who could slide into the No. 2 role once Adams leaves, while McNeil-Warren could become the team’s second safety with Curl’s likely departure in free agency.

Tate caught 52 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns this past season for the Buckeyes. He finished his college career with 121 receptions for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns in 39 games. McNeil-Warren finished his college career with 214 combined tackles (106 solo), 11 tackles for a loss, five interceptions and 13 defended passes.

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This would be a fun one-two punch in the first round for the Rams. It would also set them up for success in 2026 and down the line.