6 positions the Rams should watch the closest at the NFL combine
· Yahoo Sports
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine takes place this week in Indianapolis, bringing most of the draft's top prospects together for days of testing and workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Los Angeles Rams won't have their top evaluators in attendance, with Les Snead and Sean McVay once again staying back home to study from afar, but they will still be paying close attention to film of player workouts and their all-important measurements.
The Rams are set up well heading into free agency and the draft, boasting a championship-caliber roster already, but the draft offers them a chance to build and develop it further for the long haul.
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Here are six position groups they should be watching closest this week.
Cornerback
Cornerback is without question the Rams' biggest need in the draft. It's a position Les Snead said they will "attack" this offseason, whether it's in free agency or the draft. Regardless of whether Cobie Durant, Ahkello Witherspoon or Roger McCreary return as free agents, the Rams are almost certain to draft a cornerback or two this year.
Fortunately, it's a strong class at the position. This week, the Rams should pay close attention to players such as Mansoor Delane, Jermod McCoy (assuming he participates) and Colton Hood. Delane may not be a burner, but his 40 time will be worth checking. We'll likely get an update on McCoy's injured knee and Hood should test well enough to lock himself in as a first-round pick.
Wide receiver
There may not be a position that garners more attention at the combine than the wide receivers. The Rams could use a No. 3 option behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams in 2026, and more importantly, a young guy to align alongside Nacua for years to come after Adams' time in L.A. ends eventually.
Like cornerback, the wide receiver class is also strong. Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State is someone who could interest the Rams with his bigger frame and excellent catch radius. KC Concepcion of Texas A&M is another exciting player who could thrive at the combine, being a quick and speedy wideout.
The Rams would be wise to invest in a rookie wide receiver this year and the incoming class has plenty of intriguing players.
Linebacker
Nate Landman isn't going anywhere, but the Rams could stand to upgrade from Omar Speights. He's a fine run stopper but when it comes to playing in space, he struggles a bit. While it's rare for Los Angeles to invest much in the position in the draft or free agency, taking a rangy linebacker in the middle rounds would make sense.
Pitt's Kyle Louis is a fluid mover at the position but there could be some size concerns; his measurements and testing numbers could impact his stock significantly. Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech is another undersized linebacker who fits what the Rams might be looking for in a complement to Landman.
Offensive tackle
Los Angeles might already be set with Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr. at the tackle spot, but even after re-signing David Quessenberry, the Rams need a swing tackle. Quessenberry is an experienced veteran who barely played last season behind the starters and D.J. Humphries, so the Rams could use a young tackle to develop as the No. 3 option at either tackle spot.
It's not a sexy position and tackles typically don't wow at the combine, but measurements and on-field movement can help or hurt a tackle.
Safety
Kamren Curl is a pending free agent and after the Rams re-signed Quentin Lake during the season, they may not want to spend big at the position again. Even with Kamren Kinchens, Quentin Lake and Jaylen McCollough under contract, with how frequently Chris Shula uses dime and three-safety sets, it wouldn't be a bad idea to nab another in the draft.
It doesn't have to be a high priority but even a Day 2 or 3 pick at the position would add some valuable depth. If the Rams do want to add a versatile DB early, though, Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a standout prospect in the first round or early second.
Tight end
Tyler Higbee's future is up in the air and whether he returns, leaves or retires could affect the Rams' plans at tight end. Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen and Terrance Ferguson give Los Angeles plenty of depth regardless, but with Sean McVay's desire to run 13 personnel, a fourth tight end could be needed.
Again, it doesn't have to be a high priority but watching how some of these tight ends move in space and test in combine drills will give the Rams a better idea of which prospects might fit what they're looking for. Maybe it's a guy like R.J. Maryland of SMU in the final rounds who gives the Rams another developmental player at tight end.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2026 NFL combine: 6 positions for LA Rams to watch closely