Matthew Stafford Los Angeles Rams Seattle Seahawks Leonard Williams
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Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams could be star hunting in the 2026 NFL Draft.
NFL Insider Peter Schrager’s latest mock draft has the Rams selecting wide receiver Makai Lemon with the No. 13 overall pick — a sign that the franchise is prioritizing the support for its MVP quarterback.
“This is more Matthew Stafford-related and getting him another weapon for his potential last run,” Schrager said on The Pat McAfee Show. “Makai Lemon is everything that Les Snead and Sean McVay love.”
The USC standout has been one of the most commonly selected players to the Rams in recent weeks. And with the draft quickly approaching, the odds are looking strong.
Rams Eager To Add WR Next To Puka Nacua
After addressing key areas across the roster this offseason, wide receiver is starting to stand out as a priority.
The offensive line stabilized late last season, and the defense has been reinforced through multiple additions. That’s shifted attention toward maximizing what remains of Stafford’s window.
Adding another pass catcher fits that direction.
Puka Nacua has already established himself as a cornerstone piece, while Davante Adams provides short-term production. But Adams is entering the final year of his deal and will turn 34 in December.
That leaves a clear opening for a long-term solution. Similar to how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers operated last year — drafting Emeka Egbuka to carve out a role alongside veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin — the Rams could find a similar result.
“To me, Makai Lemon to the Rams makes a ton of sense,” Schrager added. “If we’re going all-in and pushing everything toward winning with Stafford, this fits.”
Drafting a receiver in this spot would make one of the NFL’s top offenses even more dangerous. Not to mention, solidify a future at the position.
Makai Lemon’s Draft Profile
Lemon brings a different type of skill set compared to what the Rams currently have.
A Biletnikoff Award winner (the nation’s top wide receiver), he can line up both in the slot and outside, operate in traffic, and consistently work the middle of the field.
“He’s tough as nails. He’s never met a middle of the field he doesn’t like,” Schrager said. “He’s one of those guys that’s just a dog.”
That toughness shows up in contested situations and after the catch. Lemon’s route running, and willingness to take hits are rare. And those traits align with what Sean McVay has historically valued.
Another factor in Lemon’s draft range could come down to Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson.
Tyson has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his college career, including issues with his knee, collarbone, and hamstring. If teams are comfortable with his medicals, he could come off the board early.
If that happens, Lemon becomes a more realistic option at No. 13. If Tyson slides, there’s a chance Lemon doesn’t reach the Rams at all.
That’s where the board could shift quickly. The Rams are positioning themselves to maximize their offensive potential. Whether that ends up being Lemon or another talented receiver will depend on how the draft unfolds.
But the direction is hard to ignore. It’s becoming increasingly likely this team will continue building around its passing game while Stafford is still under center.