Rams a top team to watch for a draft-day trade-up, per NFL insider
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Rams are a top contender for a draft-day trade-up in the 2026 NFL Draft, holding a top-13 pick and no clear needs. NFL insider Charles Robinson suggests they may target a big-play receiver.
Key points
- Los Angeles Rams hold a top-13 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
- They have no clear needs and are Super Bowl favorites
- NFL insider Charles Robinson names them a top team for a trade-up
- Potential targets include Makai Lemon and Carnell Tate
- General manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay are influential
Mentioned in this story
The Los Angeles Rams are one of the most intriguing teams in the 2026 NFL draft for a couple of reasons. Firstly, they have a top-13 pick, which is always an interesting place to start. They also have no clear needs as one of the Super Bowl favorites before the season even begins. And, finally, they're run by general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay — two men who've never been afraid to shake things up in the draft.
As such, Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson thinks L.A. is one of the top three teams that could trade up in the first round of the draft (along with the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars). With so much ambiguity around the receiver prospect hierarchy, Robinson wrote that he wouldn't be surprise to see the Rams move up to secure the player they wanted in the first round.
The seemingly endless Puka Nacua drama and depth chart void after Davante Adams has me convinced they’ll target some kind of big-play weapon at No. 13 overall. It depends who is on the board or whether they might sacrifice some future draft capital to move up a few spots. I think other teams are forecasting the Rams for an offensive skill position pick, too. So things could get spicy on the draft board in the Nos. 7-12 range.
Many mock drafts have the Rams taking USC receiver Makai Lemon at No. 13, but there is a world in which the Rams see a player like Carnell Tate fall or want to move up and make sure they get their guy. Whether that's Lemon, Tate, or someone else, the Rams have the firepower and the history to pull off a move.
Now, Snead has already come out and said the team will likely stay at No. 13 rather than move up, but when have words ever stopped Snead from pulling off a major move before?
With Matthew Stafford entering a potential final year, Adams on the final year of his current contract and Nacua's long-term future (at least, off the field) in question, the Rams might want to leave no stone unturned in perhaps the most important draft of the Stafford-McVay era.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams a top team to watch for a draft-day trade-up, per NFL insider
Q&A
Why are the Rams considered a top team for a draft-day trade-up in 2026?
The Rams have a top-13 pick and are seen as having no clear needs, making them likely candidates to trade up for a desired player.
Who are the key figures influencing the Rams' draft strategy?
General manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay are the key figures, known for their willingness to make bold moves during the draft.
Which players are the Rams likely to target in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Rams are expected to target offensive skill positions, with potential picks including USC receiver Makai Lemon or Carnell Tate.
