When we did [our first Rams mock draft in February](https://www.ocregister.com/2026/02/23/first-2026-rams-mock-draft-who-can-help-nfc-title-game-team-take-next-step/), the team still had 10 total picks and two first-rounders to play with, not to mention a glaring hole at cornerback that needed to be filled. So in February, we mocked a receiver to the Rams at No. 13, with the expectation that we could look at the possibility of drafting a cornerback in that slot and the repercussions of such a decision the next time around.
But here we are a month later, and the Rams’ need for cornerback has suddenly been satiated. With the trade of one first-round pick – No. 29 overall – and two Day 3 selections and a 2027 third-rounder, the Rams added All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. Then in the opening hour of free agency, they added his former Chiefs teammate, Jaylen Watson.
Suddenly a weakness is starting to look like a strength, and the need to use a premium pick on a cornerback has all but been eliminated. Which brings us back to the Rams’ need for a third receiver to team with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
It’s the most all-in move the Rams could make, to use a first-round pick on a third receiver for quarterback Matthew Stafford. And in what has clearly been an all-in offseason, it makes too much sense for it not to happen, right? Right?
Here’s our second stab at a Rams mock draft, using Pro Football Focus’ draft simulator:
#### Round 1 (13th overall)
**The pick:** WR Makai Lemon, USC
**Measurables:** 5-foot-11, 195 pounds
In this exercise, Lemon and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson fall to No. 13 for the Rams to pick between. You could make the argument for why both would be a good fit in the offense, but last time around we went with Tyson, so let’s examine Lemon now.
The former Trojan really exploded onto the scene during the 2025 season, topping his career high in receiving yards by nearly 400 with 1,156. His 3.13 yards per route run were among the best in college football, as were his 66.7% contested catch rate and 2.5% drop rate. Lemon returned kicks for all three of his seasons at USC, averaging 27.1 yards per return as a sophomore. He plays with a physicality that belies his size and speed, having run a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at USC’s pro day.
Speaking of his pro day, Rams general manager Les Snead was in attendance, taking a break from the free agency phones to see Lemon run routes in person. It might ultimately mean nothing, but it does seem notable for now.
#### Round 2 (61st overall)
**The pick:** LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri
**Measurables:** 6-foot-2, 237 pounds
The Rams will have to be deliberate with their two Day 2 picks, because after their third-rounder – No. 93 overall – they will have to wait 113 picks until they draft again in the sixth round.
Linebacker is probably the last spot where the Rams could find someone who could win a starting job in 2026. Trotter would be someone who could give Omar Speights some really competition for that second inside backer job. He is reliable in the run game with an above-average 11% missed tackle rate. He is not a very good coverage linebacker, but the Rams would rather bring out safety Jaylen McCollough as the backer in dime packages, anyways.
#### Round 3 (93rd overall)
**The pick:** OT Markel Bell, Miami
**Measurables:** 6-foot-9, 345 pounds
With receiver and linebacker addressed, this pick will be about providing depth for the rest of the roster. Offensive line, cornerback and receiver all could stand for some help, and the Rams could stand to see if they can’t improve the backend of their defensive front. So this will likely come down to the best player available.
In this scenario, that is Bell, the giant left tackle from Miami. And no, his height listed above is not a typo. Bell might be a physical freak, but he’s got the stats to go with the size. In 1,034 snaps in 2025, he allowed zero sacks and one quarterback hit. He’s effective in the run game, too, and would provide the Rams with a definitive backup for Alaric Jackson at left tackle.
#### Round 6 (206th overall)
**The pick:** CB Domani Jackson, Alabama
**Measurables:** 6-foot-1, 196
After taking a long nap to start Day 3 of the draft, the Rams stir in the sixth round to add some depth to the cornerback room, which as of right consists of only three players who saw the field in 2025. Inconsistency plagued Jackson’s career, whether at USC or Alabama. His senior year was a down one as he particularly struggled in man coverage. But his ability to defend the zone would add some balance to the room given McDuffie and Watson’s preference for man.
#### Round 7 (232nd overall)
**The pick:** RB Robert Henry Jr., UTSA
**Measurables:** 5-foot-9, 205 pounds
It’s time for the Rams’ annual running back selection, a tradition that stretches back either eight or nine years, depending on if you count 2017 fullback Sam Rogers or not. Henry provides some physicality and elusiveness to the position, with 646 yards after contact and 16 carries of 15-plus yards in 2025.
That combination of physicality and speed would serve him well on special teams, which is where he would get most of his playing time in 2026 given Kyren Williams’ and Blake Corum’s hold on the offensive snap share. But with Ronnie Rivers currently a free agent and the Rams’ lack of trust in Jarquez Hunter in 2025, it would make sense for the Rams to add a back who could contribute in that way.
#### Round 7 (250th overall)
**The pick:** CB Ahmari Harvey, Georgia Tech
**Measurables:** 6-foot, 195 pounds
Another depth add at the cornerback position. Opposing quarterbacks had a 59.4 passer rating and 44.1% completion rate when targeting Harvey in 2025. A second corner in the draft would make the Rams’ CB room whole ahead of OTAs.
#### **Round 7 (255th overall)**
**The pick:** WR Trebor Peña, Penn State
**Measurables:** 6-foot, 186 pounds
Drafting a receiver this late isn’t with the expectation that he necessarily makes the final 53-man roster. But it would provide some competition for the back half of that receiver room and see if Peña can’t beat out someone for what could prove to be the final roster spot ahead of cut day in September. Peña isn’t particularly explosive, but he’s solid, reliable and has a history in the end zone.