The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching, with the Los Angeles Rams focusing on their top needs, particularly at wide receiver. Experts predict that USC's Makai Lemon is a leading candidate for their first pick at No. 13.
The 2026 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, which means teams are putting the final touches on their boards and analysts are putting together the last of their mock drafts. The Los Angeles Rams' top need has become clear from the outside looking in, with wide receiver jumping to the forefront after the team's big additions at cornerback.
That doesn't mean it's certain the Rams will take a wide receiver with their first pick, though. Offensive tackle is on the table, and cornerback remains an option, too. No matter which direction the Rams go, they're going to add a talented rookie to their offense or defense in Round 1.
With just over a week to go until the main event, we rounded up the latest mock draft projections from experts. While there isn't a unanimous prospect for the Rams, one player has become the most popular at No. 13: Makai Lemon out of USC.
Here are the latest mock draft projections from NFL draft experts.
A one-year starter who's probably still a bit of a project, Freeling might not necessarily make sense for a Rams team looking to cash in its chips for another title push with Matthew Stafford at the helm. Yet with both of the top receivers off the board, Los Angeles might have to make the best of things. Freeling could take over at some point for right tackle Warren McClendon Jr., who is entering the final year of his deal.
Many a mock draft has paired Makai Lemon with the Rams, and we'll continue that here. A Puka Nacua/Davante Adams/Lemon trio would be a tremendous advantage for Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay in 2026, and Lemon could step into a bigger role in 2027, should Adams leave after this year.
Tyson’s draft slot feels difficult to pinpoint, even at this stage in the cycle. Although injuries could cause a fall, his twitchy releases, wide catch radius and clutch playmaking will attract a slew of teams. The Rams seem likely to add another dynamic playmaker in what could be Matthew Stafford’s final season, and Tyson would assemble a ludicrous trio next to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Let me be clear: Any receiving corps that includes Puka Nacua and Davante Adams is not actually in need. Inside linebacker and right tackle qualify better in the traditional sense of "need." But Les Snead has attacked this offseason with a Super Bowl-or-bust mentality. Concepcion scored 28 touchdowns in 38 college games. He drops the ball more than he should, but the ones he holds onto have a way of making it into the end zone, whether as a receiver, runner or returner. I think he could give the Rams a similar jolt to the one Rashid Shaheed provided the Seahawks last year.
Mauigoa brings an intriguing blend of size, strength, and versatility that would immediately bolster the Rams’ offensive line. Whether it’s at tackle or potentially sliding inside depending on the team’s needs, he has the tools to compete for a starting role right away. His physicality in the run game, paired with his ability to anchor in pass protection, makes him a valuable addition for a team looking to stay balanced offensively.
This is a clean fit for both parties involved. Longtime right tackle Rob Havenstein retired this offseason, opening the door for the Rams to grab a talented right tackle prospect in Lomu. He would be a perfect fit in Sean McVay’s running game, routinely showing off ideal power and athleticism that prototypical tackle prospects possess in the NFL.
This is a clean fit for both parties involved. Longtime right tackle Rob Havenstein retired this offseason, opening the door for the Rams to grab a talented right tackle prospect in Lomu. He would be a perfect fit in Sean McVay’s running game, routinely showing off ideal power and athleticism that prototypical tackle prospects possess in the NFL.
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. 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.
SB Nation didn't provide a write-up of its selection but in this mock, the Rams pass on Kenyon Sadiq and Jordyn Tyson in favor of Lemon, who's becoming the clear-cut favorite for Los Angeles in mock drafts.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL mock drafts: Latest expert projections for LA Rams
The Rams' top needs are at wide receiver, offensive tackle, and cornerback.
Makai Lemon from USC has emerged as the most popular prospect for the Rams at No. 13.
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in less than two weeks.
The Rams might consider selecting a wide receiver, offensive tackle, or cornerback with their first-round pick.
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