With the trade for cornerback Trent McDuffie, the Los Angeles Rams signaled their willingness to go all-in for the 2026 season.
With quarterback Matthew Stafford having turned 38 in February, the Rams need to maximize their window to win another Super Bowl with the 2025 NFL MVP.
Los Angeles made a deep run in the 2025 postseason, losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game. The Rams appear poised to make another deep run based on their offseason moves so far.
Los Angeles focused heavily on their defense during the first wave of free agency. Now, the Rams need to think about adding some firepower on offense to get the most out of Stafford in 2026.
Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports recently projected USC wide receiver Makai Lemon to land with the Rams at the No. 13 spot in the 2026 NFL Draft. Los Angeles is set to have an official 30-visit with the star Trojans receiver who is receiving a lot of interest.
“There's a buzz building over receiver Makai Lemon, who did not test at the combine,” Pauline wrote. “Even before pro day, Lemon has seven official-30 visits scheduled, including the Tennessee Titans, ClevelandBrowns, Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Rams.
“In my most recent mock draft, I had the Rams selecting Lemon with the 13th overall pick.”
Lemon spent all three of his seasons in college football at USC. He had a breakout year in 2025, recording 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s leaving the Trojans having caught 137 passes for 2,008 yards and 14 touchdowns.
In addition to receiving, Lemon served as a kickoff returner for the Trojans, returning 32 kickoffs for 752 yards. He returned six punts for 71 yards. All of his punt returns came in the 2025 campaign.
Lemon, a five-foot-11, 195-pound athlete, has plenty of familiarity with Los Angeles. He’s from Los Alamitos, California.
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