Rams' pick at 13th overall appears clearer after NFL's first week of free agency

The Los Angeles Rams have made significant improvements to the roster already. But there are places on the roster that, if held up to the light at the right angle, continue to beg for more attention. For example, LA's offensive line appears to be in great shape for 2026, but spinning ahead to 2027 reveals that four starting offensive linemen's contracts will expire.

And so, does general manager Les Snead draft now for results later? Therein lies the rub, and it's not an easy task to resolve. But one area that seems to have the consensus among fans and analysts alike is the need for this team to address the need for a wide receiver behind veterans Puka Nacus and Davante Adams.

Los Angeles has talented players on the roster, and someone may step up in 2026. But the absence of a true heir of targets behind Nacua and Adams has become even more convoluted with the emergence of tight ends Colby Parkinson and Terrance Ferguson.

Rams seem likely to draft Makai Lemon or Jordan Tyson in 1st round

It's not a stretch to claim that the LA Rams want more wow from the wide receiver room. After all, the team was willing to place a $10 million wager to add more oomph to the offense in 2025. That gamble didn't pay off, but it illustrates the desire for explosive plays.

While the team loves what it has in Nacua and Adams, their strength is in precision route running and creating separation, not in burning opposing secondaries for huge gains.

Option 1 - Wide receiver Jordan Tyson

At 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, Arizona State's Jordan Tyson gives NFL teams the prototypical size for a plug-and-play starter. Of course, some fans are rightfully concerned about Tyson's durability concerns, and they are wise to question multiple injuries. But if Los Angeles can clear Tyson's medical flags, it could land a superb rookie.

Tyson knows how to line up at any wide receiver position, giving his offense unequalled versatility. And you know how head coach Sean McVay loves to create plays to emphasize that versatility. Tyson is a high-energy receiver whose every move is packed with power. No defensive back will enjoy covering a guy who runs 100 percent on every play.

Tyson packs enough speed, coming in at 4.45 seconds in his 40-yard dash. But his arrival would allow other backup receivers to remain niche contributors.

Option 2 - Wide receiver Makai Lemon

So many fans and analysts expect USC wide receiver Makai Lemon to be selected at 13th overall that the likelihood of it happening is shrinking. After all, any team that covets Lemon in the draft has the opportunity to trade up; they have every reason to do so. But why would they want to do so?

At 5-foot-11 and just 192 pounds, Lemon does not jump off the page as a durable NFL wide receiver. But he has an incredibly versatile collegiate football background that includes wide receiver, running back, cornerback, and returner for kickoffs and punts. Lemon is not the swiftest receiver, but his 4.48-second 40-yard dash time is fast enough.

The expectation of Snead naming Lemon at 13th overall is so common that some NFL experts have created contingency plans to trade back if Lemon is not still on the board.

As always, thanks for reading.