Guessing at Rams' top draft target has rival teams polarized

The crystallizing consensus is that the Los Angeles Rams will most likely take a receiver in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. In mock drafts, Makai Lemon of the USC Trojans is increasingly recognized as the top fit for the Horns, and there are NFL teams who feel the same way. 

But not all front offices agree. As far as position, receiver it is. As to which one, however, The Ringer's Todd McShay indicates that there is a polarized split in opinion on which prospect Los Angeles likes best.

On an episode of The McShay Show, the draft analyst revealed that, opposite the Lemon camp, other teams believe the Rams will take Washington receiver Denzel Boston instead. That certainly puts a bit of space between where teams believe the Blue and Yellow will make their first selection. Interesting.  

Outside believe Rams will go one of two routes in 2026 NFL Draft

Whereas mocks and big boards frequently pin Lemon anywhere from 13th to 16th overall, Boston is projected to be a late first-round or even an early second-round selection. That implies a difference of about 15 to 20 spots. To select Boston, then, the Rams would inevitably trade back from No. 13. 

That's a viable route, if not the one gaining the most attention. Lemon is the high-ranked prospect, the more explosive one, and a native of Southern California. He would slide right into the Rams' offense as their desperately needed WR3, a playmaker all over the field. 

Boston could also step in as a capable No. 3 receiver, but in a different way. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, he is a contested-catch machine Matthew Stafford would no doubt love to have at his disposal. Boston doesn't have Lemon's all-around versatility, but like Lemon, he has a high rookie floor.

While both are appealing prospects, it's intriguing to observe the polarization in what other teams think the Rams will do. Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr., who profiles similarly to Lemon and is often mocked only several spots lower, reliably ahead of Boston, would be an alternative choice with less of a chasm between picks. 

Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson is one name the Rams can't seem to shed as a potential target. True, he and Lemon could end up going fairly close together if teams aren't scared off by his injuries. McShay, however, specifically distances the Horns from Tyson as a potential destination, linking them instead to Lemon or Boston based on intel from around the league.

Whichever side is right (if either), it would be hard to go too wrong with either one. More than anything else, the decision could depend on how the Day 1 board breaks. Is Lemon there? Grab him. Gone? Trade back for Boston. Win-win. 

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