Rams make huge trade to snag top WR prospect in new mock draft

It's anyone's guess what the Los Angeles Rams will do in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. L.A. owns the No. 13 pick from a 2025 trade with the Atlanta Falcons, but the team has no clear need and could go in a litany different directions at this spot.

While general manager Les Snead said a trade-up is unlikely, other reports indicate a move by the Rams is at least possible. And if they want to secure a blue-chip prospect, it might take an aggressive trade to get him.

That's the direction that Rams reporter Nate Akins went in The Athletic's final mock draft. He traded the Nos. 13 and 61, plus a 2027 fifth-round pick, to move up to the Cleveland Browns' No. 6 pick. The Rams took Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate with the selection.

The Rams are often trying to trade up into the top 10, but too often have to go too far to pull it off. This year is different. They move from No. 13 to No. 6 to get ahead of a potential receiver run. Tate is the one option in this draft who projects as a future No. 1 without injury concerns. And that matters if the Rams are unsure about paying Puka Nacua. I might not have done this if I knew Makai Lemon would be available at 13, but this trade lands them a future past Davante Adams and potentially Nacua, if needed. That security was worth parting with a second-rounder this year and a fifth-rounder next year.