Rams' early-round target is position that might not be viable at 13th overall

The Los Angeles Rams had a few needs coming into the 2026 offseason, but through trades and free agency, they've resolved their two biggest issues, both in the secondary.

Now, with the 13th pick in the draft, the Rams and general manager Les Snead will have the ability to go best player available. But, there is still a need or two the team has in mind.

According to Matt Miller of ESPN, one of the Rams' positions of interest, according to sources around the league, is one that likely won't have any viable options with the 13th pick. That position is linebacker, with pick 13 being a bad spot for such a need.

Rams in a bad spot for reported early-round need

"The Rams don't do top-30 visits or workouts, which makes it harder to discern a draft direction," Miller writes, "but sources around the league have pointed at linebacker as an early-round target."

With the Rams showing interest in adding linebacker help in the 2026 NFL Draft, there are a few players who stand out as options in the first two days of the NFL Draft.

The top option is obviously Ohio State's Sonny Styles, but unfortunately, it looks increasingly likely he'd be selected before the Rams pick at 13th overall.

But, if he somehow were to fall a bit to the 13th pick, or if the Rams could trade up for Styles, it's a move that the Rams should seriously consider.

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While they need wide receiver depth, this is a good WR draft, and they could use the second and/or third rounds to pick up a solid No. 3 WR.

Because if they don't go Styles at 13 or in a trade-up, Georgia's CJ Allen or Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez are not good options with the 13th pick. It's a bit too early for both.

They own the 61st and 93rd picks, and both of those linebackers will likely go off the board before their pick. So, the Rams might need to trade up in Round 2 or get aggressive for Styles to resolve this linebacker need.

This is a sneaky big issue for the Rams, as, if they want one of these top options instead of someone down the board, Snead and Sean McVay might need to get creative.

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