A potent offensive attack has become the calling card of the Los Angeles Rams with quarterback Matthew Stafford.
In order for that to remain the case, the Rams will have to infuse their offense with some young talent, especially with veteran pass-catcher Davante Adams, 34, entering the final year of his contract. This is something that they could address in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
Rams land USC WR Makai Lemon in first round of ESPN mock draft
In the first round of his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Peter Schrager has the Rams selecting USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the No. 13 overall pick in the draft. The Rams receive that pick as a result of a prior trade with the Atlanta Falcons.
Lemon is widely considered as one of the best receiver prospects in the draft class. He was named a Unanimous All-American after the 2025 season and he also won the Fred Biletnikoff Award, which is awarded to the most outstanding wide receiver in college football.
“Lemon fits with a lot of what the Rams do on offense. And taking the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner would be a sign that the Rams are truly all-in to win in 2026, potentially Matthew Stafford’s final season,” Schrager wrote.
“But this pick would also have the long term in mind, with Davante Adams entering the final year of his deal and turning 34 in December.”
Lemon would make a nice addition for a Rams team that should still be in the thick of the contender conversation in the NFC in 2026.
Given Adams’ age and Puka Nacua’s off-field issues, it makes sense that the Rams would look to reload the position, especially if there’s any veracity to the report that the Rams could move on from Nacua.
However, the Rams have other major needs to address in the draft, too. So, there’s no guarantee that they’ll look to snag a receiver in the first round. Those other areas of need include cornerback, linebacker and on the offensive line.
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