Mel Kiper's latest mock draft seems air tight, but something seems missing

ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper is the godfather of the NFL draft pomp and ceremony. And he has offered up a two-round mock draft that seems to make a great deal of sense for the Los Angeles Rams. But that's what seems off kilter. It's safe, it's popular, and it's exactly what many fans expect.

The thing is, general manager Les Snead rarely checks those boxes in any draft. And this draft is unlikely to follow suit for many reasons, not the least of which is LA's need to brace for the potential exodus of many starters in 2027. In short, Kiper's projected picks address the present and not the future.

There are reasons to suspect a different strategy.

Even as the team committed to an All In strategy, the lessons of the past remain fresh. Los Angeles won Super Bowl LVI, but at the expense of a chaotic 2022 season. Victorious players want to leverage success to significant paydays, and rightfully so. But general manager Les Snead is already hard-pressed to pay everyone.

And Mel Kiper's draft does nothing to carry over into 2027.

Kiper follows a safe but suspicious Rams draft strategy

Will the LA Rams adhere to the script? Well, the first hurdle to overcome is the expectation for other NFL teams to do so. And as this draft appears to be so up in the air, chances for surprising draft day trades seem inevitable. If another team loves a player, their willingness to trade up instantly shakes up the board.

But let's examine the prospects Mel Kiper mocks to LA.

WR Makai Lemon

There's nothing wrong with Kiper projecting USC wide receiver Makai Lemon to Los Angeles. But as with any consensus or trend, as soon as the news hits mainstream media, it's time to grow suspicious. Any NFL team interested in Lemon has been placed on alert to trade up to at least the 12th pick to land him.

That's quite possible in this draft.

LB Josaiah Trotter

Yes, the team needs a more suitable counterweight to starting inside linebacker Nate Landman. But Shaun Dolac was outstanding as a rookie last season, and he may be the ideal fit as Landman's partner. And that puts some uncertainty over LA's interest in a Round 2 linebacker.

Trotter is talented. But can he overcome his rookie status to make an impact on this defense in 2026? If not, then perhaps Les Snead will seek help elsewhere. After all, this team has not drafted a linebacker who is currently on the roster. Investing a second-round pick in the position seems unlikely.

Ultimately, this team must forge a plan to address expiring contracts for 23+ players. While Snead may view Lemon or Trotter as an upgrade, he may be more interested in resolving depth questions for the future as well.

As always, thanks for reading.

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