The Los Angeles Rams pulled off what appeared to be one of the best trades of the 2025 NFL Draft. They traded the Nos. 26 and 101 picks to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for the No. 46 pick and a 2026 first-rounder.
Atlanta used the No. 26 pick to double down on edge rushers, selecting James Pearce Jr. after already grabbing Jalon Walker at No. 15. Many analysts criticized the steep price paid by the Falcons but praised the Rams for picking up a valuable future first-round pick.
The big question now is how the Rams will use that extra selection.
Rocket Arm, Famous Name: Could Los Angeles Rams Target Arch Manning in 2026?
CSN released its way-too-early mock draft, with one intriguing projection: The Rams could use that pick to grab a top quarterback, selecting Arch Manning out of Texas at No. 10 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Arch Manning hasn’t played a lot of significant football, but he’s already being projected as a first-round pick in 2026. Manning has all the traits you want in an NFL quarterback. He stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 223 pounds, has a rocket arm, and good mobility,” wrote CSN’s Max Dorsey.
Dorsey also acknowledged the uncertainty around Manning’s future plans. “If Manning is as good as he’s expected to be in 2025, there’s no reason why he can’t be a top-10 pick next season. However, that’s a big if, and I think there’s a chance that he doesn’t declare after this season.”
Arch Manning is going to be GREAT🔥
Just ask Todd McShay😤 pic.twitter.com/ZuZXYq5x8W
— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) May 19, 2025
Manning has the kind of pedigree NFL teams dream about. His grandfather, Archie Manning, was the No. 2 overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft. His uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, were both selected No. 1 overall.
Though Manning will be eligible for the 2026 draft, many analysts believe he could return to Texas for another season. With limited experience, having sat behind Quinn Ewers, another year of development in the college system might boost his stock.
Rams Pivot to Protection, Select Big Utah Tackle in 2026 NFL Mock Draft
PFSN released its own 2026 mock draft simulator, generating a range of possible outcomes. In a recent three-round mock draft, the Rams took a different route.
Instead of landing Manning, who goes one pick earlier to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 9, the Rams address the offensive line. They select Caleb Lomu, a tackle from Utah, to help protect whoever ends up under center.
“As long as Rob Havenstein has been a reliable starting tackle for the Los Angeles Rams—dating all the way back to their days in St. Louis—they may eventually need a successor for the 33-year-old,” wrote PFSN in the mock.
“Caleb Lomu is a smooth offensive tackle who only allowed two sacks on 425 pass-blocking snaps in 2024. His hand timing, balance, and range in pass protection make him a top tackle prospect, especially if he continues to bulk up.”
Utah boasts two standout offensive tackle prospects expected to be first-rounders: Lomu and Spencer Fano. Like Manning, Lomu will be a redshirt sophomore, and it’s still unclear if he’ll declare for the 2026 draft.