Best- and worst-case scenarios for the Rams in Round 1 of the draft

It's incredibly difficult to predict how the NFL draft will go in any given year. This year, it feels even more unpredictable than usual. Outside of Fernando Mendoza going No. 1, there's no clear indication of which direction any teams in the top 15 will go.

The Los Angeles Rams have undoubtedly run through countless scenarios for how the first 12 picks will go before they're on the clock, theorizing the best and worst cases for themselves at No. 13.

Best-case scenario

In an ideal world, there would be a run on edge rushers in the first 12 picks. Even a run on offensive linemen would help push a wide receiver or top defensive playmaker down the board to the Rams.

The Rams would like to see Rueben Bain Jr., David Bailey and Arvell Reese go early. It's unlikely, but Akheem Mesidor sneaking into the top 12 would be great, too.

If safety Dillon Thieneman were to somehow land in the top 12, as well as guard Olaivavega Ioane, the Rams would be in really good shape. Could Kayden Proctor go earlier than expected and wind up as one of the first-drafted tackles? The Rams wouldn't mind.

The further down Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon fall, the better. The same goes for Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs and Mansoor Delane, all players the Rams could potentially snag if they were to fall to 13 – or potentially trade up for.

You'd have to think that if Tate falls to even No. 7, the Rams would make some calls about moving up. The same might be true of Tyson if he drops closer to No. 10.

The best-case scenario would be one of the top three receivers being available at No. 13, allowing the Rams to stick and pick if they want to.

Worst-case scenario

Even as early as the Rams are picking, there's a chance the board won't fall the way they hope. Given the team's focus on wide receivers and offensive tackles, it's reasonable to think many of the top players at those positions will be gone.