The Los Angeles Rams are a franchise known for not holding back during the offseason, especially when there is an opportunity to add a star-level player. Whether trading for Matthew Stafford or bringing in Davante Adams, the pattern is a team trying to maximize its championship window right now.
In 2026, the Rams have already traded for Trent McDuffie to address issues in the secondary and also attempted to trade for A.J. Brown, in what would have been one of the most disruptive moves of the year. With that deal not happening, the Rams are now projected to select wide receiver Makai Lemon in the draft to give the offense a new boost.
Why the Rams Are Projected to Select Wide Receiver Makai Lemon in the 2026 Draft
If there is a general manager who does not hold back when it comes to strengthening his team, that general manager is Les Snead. Even with the best offense in the NFL in 2025 according to the PFSN Offense Impact Meter, the Rams continue to pursue additions with both the present and the ongoing renewal of the roster in mind.
Looking at a group with Puka Nacua and Adams, it is fair to ask why the team would be pursuing Brown, as reported by multiple insiders, but the answer lies in the team’s philosophy of remaining competitive in the medium term, especially with Adams’ contract set to expire at the end of this season.
Since Brown does not appear to be leaving the Philadelphia Eagles, the solution for the Rams may lie in the draft. Holding the 13th overall pick, Los Angeles is in a premium position to select a playmaker, and that name could be Lemon from USC, who shined in 2025, earning All-American honors with 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 12 games.
“The Los Angeles Rams are in the market to add to their already tremendous receiving corps. If you thought Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were fun, buckle up! Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, and Makai Lemon are going to be pure rocket fuel as the Rams load up on a last-ditch effort to maximize their championship window with Matthew Stafford at the helm,” Reese Decker wrote.
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In this three-round mock draft, Lemon fell into the Rams’ lap as the new offensive weapon in Sean McVay’s system, and the fit is intriguing. Lemon is a dynamic receiver who would fit well in lighter personnel packages, even though the team used more heavy packages in 2025, while historically operating out of 11 personnel under McVay.
There is a rumor that Lemon could slide in the draft due to reportedly poor interviews with teams, potentially falling toward the end of the first round, but with the Rams so well positioned, it is hard to imagine they would pass on a talent like this with the chance to maintain the identity of their offense for the coming years.
