Rams Take USC's Makai Lemon in Schrager's First Mock Draft

Receiver selection highlights team's long-term plans despite Matthew Stafford's potential final season

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:33pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players and draft prospects, with bold colors and sharp, overlapping shapes conveying the energy and unpredictability of the NFL draft process.The Rams' selection of Makai Lemon in the first round reflects their desire to win now while also planning for the future.Los Angeles Today

In his first mock draft of the season, ESPN's Peter Schrager has the Los Angeles Rams selecting USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 13th overall pick. Lemon, the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner, would provide the Rams with a talented young receiver to complement veteran Davante Adams, who is entering the final year of his contract.

Why it matters

The Rams' selection of Lemon signals their commitment to both winning in the short term with Matthew Stafford and building for the future, as Adams turns 34 in December. However, the pick may not be the best fit for the team's immediate needs, as other receivers like Jordyn Tyson and Carnell Tate were already off the board by the time the Rams were on the clock.

The details

In Schrager's mock, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Tyson at 9th overall, and the Miami Dolphins took Tate two picks before the Rams. With those top receivers gone, Los Angeles opted for Lemon, who Schrager says 'fits with a lot of what the Rams do on offense.' The pick could be a sign that the Rams are 'truly all-in to win in 2026,' potentially Matthew Stafford's final season, while also keeping an eye on the long term with Adams nearing the end of his contract.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.

The players

Peter Schrager

An ESPN analyst who released his first mock draft of the 2026 NFL Draft season.

Makai Lemon

A wide receiver from the University of Southern California who won the 2025 Biletnikoff Award.

Matthew Stafford

The veteran quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams who may be entering his final NFL season.

Davante Adams

The star wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams who is entering the final year of his contract and will turn 34 in December.

Jordyn Tyson

A wide receiver prospect selected 9th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in Schrager's mock draft.

Carnell Tate

A wide receiver prospect selected 11th overall by the Miami Dolphins in Schrager's mock draft.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Peter Schrager, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Rams will continue to evaluate their options leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, which will take place in late April. They may look to trade up to secure a top receiver prospect if one of their preferred targets is not available at 13th overall.

The takeaway

The Rams' selection of Makai Lemon in Schrager's mock draft highlights the team's desire to win now with Matthew Stafford while also planning for the future, as veteran receiver Davante Adams nears the end of his contract. However, the pick may not be the ideal fit for the Rams' immediate needs, as other top receiver prospects were off the board by the time they were on the clock.