The Los Angeles Rams have been taking one step at a time towards another Super Bowl after winning it all in 2021. However, with quarterback Matthew Stafford nearing his retirement, the time is running out for the Rams, and they are predicted to go all-in on offense in the 2026 NFL Draft to select a potent RAC threat.
Rams Predicted To Select Oregon Receiver in Second Round of 2026 NFL Draft
Breaking up is hard, but that’s what the Rams did with one of their self-described “load-bearing walls” in wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Even though he was one of their “load-bearing walls,” the piling up of injuries, missed games, and declining production made him replaceable.
While he did an admirable and professional job of mentoring Puka Nakua, he was replaced by the well-traveled Devante Adams, a slight upgrade for the Rams, considering the form of the two in recent years.
The third receiver spot, however, is a little weaker for the Rams. Tutu Atwell has been retained on a one-year deal, leaving room for an upgrade in the 2026 NFL Draft. And PFSN’s Joe DeLeone predicts that the upgrade will come in the form of Evan Stewart with the No. 56 pick.
Stewart is a former five-star recruit and recorded 48 catches for 613 yards and a career-high five touchdowns last season following his transfer from Texas A&M to the Oregon Ducks. The 21-year-old was primed for a breakout season in 2025 but suffered a knee injury this last month, which could force him out of the entire season.
He might spend another year in college if he misses the entire season, but if he does declare for the draft, the Rams could take a shot at his long-term upside. Even before this season, injuries and inconsistent quarterback play (at Texas) hindered Stewart from playing to the best of his potential, but he is bristling with upside. And in two of the most important categories for WR play, separation and catch conversion, he passes with flying colors.
Hate to see Evan Stewart go down for the season. When you play a big game versus a good U, you want to play them at their best.
Wish Evan a speedy recovery. ✌🏼 pic.twitter.com/c2GJr5dIp3
— Nico (@USC_Nico) June 6, 2025
Athletically, Stewart is a supercharged mover whose explosiveness and speed are only surpassed by his electric lateral mobility and effervescent foot speed. Stewart can weaponize his quickness and burst as a separator, and it makes him a potent RAC threat as well.
Despite being just 175 lbs, he is an equally potent catch-point threat. His length and body control allow him to compete in tight situations more often than not, and he has the hand-eye coordination and hand technique to compete in any situation.
Stewart has room for improvement in physicality, contact balance, and run-blocking utility, but the biggest issue is the injuries, and it remains to be seen whether he sees the field in 2025 or not.
Having said all this, the Oregon standout has proven he can be a weapon both on the boundary and in the slot and can be schemed for touches. He has impact starter potential as a dynamic movement-Z receiver with three-level proficiency, and if he can feature in some games and put up good numbers, the Rams may well have a lethal passing attack in 2026.
