The 2026 Los Angeles Rams OffSeason, Draft, and FA Thread.

[ANGELAKERAMS]

Ok, I guess I am the lone wolf on the TE bandwagon.

So, let me lay this out. The Rams used 13 personnel more than any other team last season, and it was pretty effective and a different wrinkle to an offense where innovation is the name of the game.

Present something that defenses haven’t seen and make them adjust to what you are doing, thus putting them in more vulnerable situations personnel wise.

With 13 personnel, you need 3 solid TE’s at minimum. But, what if you had more than just solid TE’s? What could McVay and Co dial up then?

Parkinson is solid, but he’s not a game changer and doesn’t scare defenses. Higbee is older and injury prone and basically the same as Parkinson. Davis is meh. That leaves Ferguson. While he did show flashes last season, his catch % was terrible ( under 50% ), meaning, even if he gets separation and open, it’s less than 50% chance it’s getting completed.

Maybe that improves, maybe it doesn’t. Thus, the need for a TE that can actually be a game changer. One with size and speed, who is a de facto WR playing TE. A guy teams will have to put a LB or nickel corner on and pray they can either keep up ( LB ) or defend the pass ( Nickel corner ) against a faster, taller TE.

The WR’s in this draft available at #13 aren’t game changers. They are replacement guys for either Adams ( most likely ) or Nacua ( depending on his legal trouble ).

There isn’t a Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss type of WR that can change the offense the way Sadiq can change the offense from the TE position.

And, let’s not forget, McVay has been looking for that type of TE for several drafts now. They tried to trade up for Bowers and Kincaid ( I believe that who they wanted- could be wrong ).

Ferguson is not the TE he wanted. He was the one still available.

Just my opinion on the matter.

 

[shopson67]

The article stated for fields he's a solid, classic boundary option with a lower ceiling than Tate, Lemon or Tyson. It also mentioned that since he's 6'4 and 218 that he could take over the outside role that Adams runs.
Agree about the TE. I think there are more pressing needs early on than taking a TE (mostly OT and WR in my opinion).

I'm familiar with Fields. Calling a likely 2nd or 3rd round selection a trade back option is just a bit exaggerated IMO.

1st round I'm all in for a WR unless huge value falls to 13. I'd wait to day 2 for the OT, especially since the top of the OT class like Mauigoa and Fano are often being projected inside.

 

[shopson67]

Ok, I guess I am the lone wolf on the TE bandwagon.

So, let me lay this out. The Rams used 13 personnel more than any other team last season, and it was pretty effective and a different wrinkle to an offense where innovation is the name of the game.

Present something that defenses haven’t seen and make them adjust to what you are doing, thus putting them in more vulnerable situations personnel wise.

With 13 personnel, you need 3 solid TE’s at minimum. But, what if you had more than just solid TE’s? What could McVay and Co dial up then?

Parkinson is solid, but he’s not a game changer and doesn’t scare defenses. Higbee is older and injury prone and basically the same as Parkinson. Davis is meh. That leaves Ferguson. While he did show flashes last season, his catch % was terrible ( under 50% ), meaning, even if he gets separation and open, it’s less than 50% chance it’s getting completed.

Maybe that improves, maybe it doesn’t. Thus, the need for a TE that can actually be a game changer. One with size and speed, who is a de facto WR playing TE. A guy teams will have to put a LB or nickel corner on and pray they can either keep up ( LB ) or defend the pass ( Nickel corner ) against a faster, taller TE.

The WR’s in this draft available at #13 aren’t game changers. They are replacement guys for either Adams ( most likely ) or Nacua ( depending on his legal trouble ).

There isn’t a Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss type of WR that can change the offense the way Sadiq can change the offense from the TE position.

And, let’s not forget, McVay has been looking for that type of TE for several drafts now. They tried to trade up for Bowers and Kincaid ( I believe that who they wanted- could be wrong ).

Ferguson is not the TE he wanted. He was the one still available.

Just my opinion on the matter.

I just don't see Sadiq necessarily as that guy.

 

[ANGELAKERAMS]

I just don't see Sadiq necessarily as that guy.

That’s fair if you think so.

I will just point out that Sadiq’s numbers are similar to Calvin Johnson.

CJ- 6’5” ran 4.35 and had 42.5 vert at 241 lbs
Sadiq- 6’3” ran 4.39, had 43.5 vert at 243 lbs

So, imagine having a CJ at the TE position and think what that can do to an offense.

 

[shopson67]

That’s fair if you think so.

I will just point out that Sadiq’s numbers are similar to Calvin Johnson.

CJ- 6’5” ran 4.35 and had 42.5 vert at 241 lbs
Sadiq- 6’3” ran 4.39, had 43.5 vert at 243 lbs

So, imagine having a CJ at the TE position and think what that can do to an offense.

College production however.....far different stories.

 

[Jermaine133]

Is he going to be TE1 off the gate, can he block?? If those other tools are a work in progress then he will be further down the depth chart in the beginning.

 

[shopson67]

The Rams drafted Oregon's top TE the year prior (Ferguson), who had about double Sadiq's numbers that year (2024). Sadiq definitely improved this year but arguably wasn't even the most explosive TE on his own team in 2025 (Jamari Johnson had similar yardage but about 5 yards more per catch).

He's very impressive athlete. He can catch and block. He just hasn't been that guy yet. His blocking is more dependent on his physical strength thus far than on form. He'd be a great seam threat for Stafford and McVay, but is that how you spend #13? To me, he seems to be more of a shiny toy than proven weapon to this point. McVay could very well unlock him, will be interesting to see.

 

[LongtimeRamsFan42]

Is he going to be TE1 off the gate, can he block?? If those other tools are a work in progress then he will be further down the depth chart in the beginning.

Sadiq is a physical blocker who doesn't shy away from contact. Ferguson was never known to be a good blocker, he's more of a Kyle Pitts type TE.

 

[shopson67]

Sadiq is a physical blocker who doesn't shy away from contact. Ferguson was never known to be a good blocker, he's more of a Kyle Pitts type TE.

If you want a blocker, there are better options (not why they took Freguson, btw). Kyle Pitts type is an exaggeration IMO.

For me, if they were going to add a TE, it would be a stronger blocking type like Boerkircher later in the draft.

 

[Jermaine133]

I'm okay ultimately with whomever they pick, i just want pick #13 to see the field early so it will be justified. Those are impact players that can help in the top 15, rams just need the right one.

 

[ANGELAKERAMS]

If you want a blocker, there are better options (not why they took Freguson, btw). Kyle Pitts type is an exaggeration IMO.

For me, if they were going to add a TE, it would be a stronger blocking type like Boerkircher later in the draft.

They have other blockers at TE with Higbee and Parkinson. What they don’t have at TE is a difference maker. They have run of the mill TE players and a young TE who doesn’t catch well.

They don’t need another blocker. They need a Pitts type TE that McVay can unlock and create new schemes with.

No WR at #13 is going to be a difference maker and one you can run new schemes with. Lemon is a huge ? at thus point. And there are other WR’s who can be had later than offer similar traits to the 1st round guys ( outside of Tate who won’t last till 13 ).

 

[Retroram52]

We may already have a Pitts type TE but we haven't seen much of him but what I have seen of him, I like. Sure Sadiq would a be a step up over Redman but if Redman continues on his present trajectory, than Sadiq at 13 wouldn't be necessary.

Since we have other needs the follow scenario exists at 13. Trade up for a guy like LB Styles on Defense. Trade up on Offense fir a guy like Love at RB. Trade Down for an OT or QB, or a big inside O-lineman and def a WR. We shall see what happens in a couple of weeks.

 

[DJ Fieri]

That’s fair if you think so.

I will just point out that Sadiq’s numbers are similar to Calvin Johnson.

CJ- 6’5” ran 4.35 and had 42.5 vert at 241 lbs
Sadiq- 6’3” ran 4.39, had 43.5 vert at 243 lbs

So, imagine having a CJ at the TE position and think what that can do to an offense.

The NFL game is a lot faster paced than college.

I like him but comparing him to a TE version of CJ is a bit optimistic, friend.

 

[DJ Fieri]

College production however.....far different stories.

 

[ANGELAKERAMS]

We may already have a Pitts type TE but we haven't seen much of him but what I have seen of him, I like. Sure Sadiq would a be a step up over Redman but if Redman continues on his present trajectory, than Sadiq at 13 wouldn't be necessary.

Since we have other needs the follow scenario exists at 13. Trade up for a guy like LB Styles on Defense. Trade up on Offense fir a guy like Love at RB. Trade Down for an OT or QB, or a big inside O-lineman and def a WR. We shall see what happens in a couple of weeks.

Wait, so we don’t need a game changer at TE, but we need to trade up for a 5th RB when they have invested a ton at the position already?

And what we saw from Ferguson last year is he misses over 50% of his targets.

 

[Retroram52]

There is discussion the Rams should not select a QB at 13 especially a Nussmeier or even Simpson but wait until the 3rd Round and select Carson Beck who is who they should take anyways!!

 

[LongtimeRamsFan42]

So I'm reading a mock draft and they are saying we take Spencer Fano at #13 and this is why...

"To summarize another pick that featured greater detail in my last mock, Spencer Fano is an encouraging tackle prospect with legitimate potential to evolve into the caliber of center that the quarterback of the future is happy to have."

Wtf did he say??? So we should take Fano, a top tackle prospect and play him at Center? Or am I reading that wrong???

Why the HELL would we do that???

 

[Retroram52]

No you are reading things correctly, LTRF. Sometimes these sports pundits I think are drunk or stoned when they put our these articles.

Why would we take Fano at 13 to play him at Center when we can get a National Championship true Center like Pat Coogan in Rounds 3-5??!!

 

[Jermaine133]

that part, the idea of taking a lineman at 13 so his ass can sit and learn for a year?? That logic is stupid...again i don't understand some of these analyst.

 

[shopson67]

There is discussion the Rams should not select a QB at 13 especially a Nussmeier or even Simpson but wait until the 3rd Round and select Carson Beck who is who they should take anyways!!

#13 should not be a QB seems obvious. Beck should be later than 3rd round IMO, career backup at best. I'd prefer to take a dart throw on Klubnik on day 3, he had Mendoza level stats last year but the entire Clemson team fell off this year.