Rams Poised to Maximize Stafford's Window with 13th Overall Pick

GM Les Snead likely to address key needs at wide receiver and offensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:38pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football game or NFL Draft scene, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in vibrant blue, gold, and red colors, creating a dynamic and energetic visual representation of the Rams' strategic approach to the upcoming draft.The Rams' aggressive approach to roster-building will be on display as they look to add an impact player at 13th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Rams have the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and general manager Les Snead seems poised to actually use the selection to address some of the team's few remaining needs. After years of trading away first-round picks, Snead appears ready to add another high-impact talent to a roster that fell just short of the Super Bowl last season.

Why it matters

The Rams have been one of the NFL's most aggressive teams in recent years, trading away first-round picks to acquire veteran talent and maximize their Super Bowl window. With quarterback Matthew Stafford entering the latter stages of his career, the team is focused on fielding the best possible roster in 2026 to give them their best shot at another championship.

The details

Los Angeles has the 13th overall pick after trading down from 26 last year. The Rams are expected to target a wide receiver or offensive lineman with the selection, as they look to bolster an offense that was already among the league's best in 2025. The team has been linked to prospects like USC's Makai Lemon, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, and Texas A&M's KC Concepcion at receiver, while they could also look to find a long-term replacement for retired right tackle Rob Havenstein.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026.
  • Rams general manager Les Snead acquired the 13th overall pick in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons last year.

The players

Les Snead

The veteran general manager of the Los Angeles Rams, known for his aggressive approach to roster-building through trades and free agency.

Matthew Stafford

The Rams' starting quarterback, who is entering the latter stages of his NFL career and looking to win another Super Bowl with the team.

Makai Lemon

A wide receiver prospect from the University of Southern California who could be a target for the Rams with the 13th overall pick.

Jordyn Tyson

A wide receiver prospect from Arizona State University who has been linked to the Rams in pre-draft speculation.

KC Concepcion

A wide receiver prospect from Texas A&M University who is also considered a potential option for the Rams at 13th overall.

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What they’re saying

“After years of trading draft picks for veteran assets with a boldness that was soon copied around the league, Snead seems poised to address his title-contending team's few serious deficiencies with a high selection.”

— Greg Beacham, Author

What’s next

The Rams will make their 13th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 24, 2026.

The takeaway

The Rams' aggressive approach to roster-building under GM Les Snead has paid dividends with a Super Bowl title and consistent contention, but the team is now focused on maximizing the window with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. Their 13th overall pick in the 2026 draft represents a rare opportunity for Snead to add an impact player on a rookie contract to complement the team's star-studded roster.