In the NFC Championship round of the NFL playoffs, the Los Angeles Rams fell to the Seattle Seahawks, 31-27, in a closely fought battle.
In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Rams are slated to have two first-round picks: their own at No. 29 and the Atlanta Falcons’ first-round pick acquired in the 2025 NFL Draft, which will be No. 13. Analyst Daniel Jeremiah predicts the Rams will add an offensive threat with
the 13th pick.
Rams Predicted to Draft Dynamic Wide Receiver from the Big Ten Conference
Jeremiah projects the Rams to select Makai Lemon, a wide receiver from USC, with the 13th pick. Regarding the selection, Jeremiah said, per NFL.com:
“The Rams value tough, rugged receivers who are also playmakers. It would almost be unfair to add Lemon to an offense that already includes Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.”
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In his collegiate career, Lemon played from his freshman through junior years with the Trojans. In 33 career games, he caught 137 passes for 2,008 receiving yards, 14 receiving touchdowns, and 2 rushing touchdowns. He was named an All-American in the 2025 season.
In PFSN’s CFB Wide Receiver Impact Metric, Lemon ranked as the top Big Ten wide receiver. Across college football overall, he ranked No. 4 with an impact score of 85.1 and a letter grade of B.
As Jeremiah noted, this is strictly a value pick by the Rams. With Puka Nacua due to sign an extension soon and Davante Adams in the twilight of his career, Lemon would immediately give the Rams a top receiver trio. He would join what PFSN’s NFL Offense Impact Metric rated as the league’s best offense, with an impact score of 92.3 and a letter grade of A-.
2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0https://t.co/JKMB8ui1Bs
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) January 26, 2026
He would also join one of the league’s best wide receiver rooms. In PFSN’s NFL WR Impact Metric, Nacua and Adams were the only Rams receivers who qualified. Adams ranked 52nd with an impact score of 74.2 and a letter grade of C, while Nacua ranked No. 1 overall with an impact score of 98.2 and a letter grade of A+.
The trade to acquire the Falcons’ first-round pick could prove well worth it for the Rams. Lemon is certainly in play, but given that they already have the league’s best offense, a defensive pick such as a cornerback should not be ruled out.
