After an incredible 2025 season, the Los Angeles Rams were quick to go full steam ahead for what could be quarterback Matthew Stafford’s final season. The Rams covered their offseason must-fixes by trading for cornerback Trent McDuffie and trading for his other-half, Jaylen Watson.
Head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead have made it clear that they are drafting for now. The Rams’ plan is to be more than just Super Bowl ready for 2026.
With the 2026 NFL Draft only a week away, speculation of who the Rams will target for pick no. 13 has been swirling. The most common prospect targeted in recent mock drafts is USC wide receiver Makai Lemon.
“Makai Lemon is everything Les Snead, Sean McVay and wide receivers coach Eric Yarber love,” ESPN’s Peter Schrager said on the Pat McAfee Show. “He is tough as nails, he has never met a center of the field that he doesn’t like. One of these guys that is absolutely a dog.”
Les Snead and the Rams have shown interest in Makai Lemon after attending USC’s Pro Day, claiming that Lemon “makes watching football feel fun.”
However, a recent bold claim from ESPN analyst Ben Solak, the Rams may be shifting their focus away from Lemon.
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ESPN’s Ben Solak Says Rams Should Move On From Makai Lemon
On April 16, ESPN analyst Ben Solak, crafted a ‘rubric’ for all 32 team’s 2026 draft plan. When curating the Rams, Solak decides to go down a different route than what is normally laid out:
“I’d like to see the Rams spend their first-round pick on a tackle to replace [Rob] Havenstein,” Solak stated. “Warren McClendon Jr. has been strong in spot starts. But why elevate him to full-time starter when you can draft one of many talented tackles in this class, several of whom (Spencer Fano from Utah, Francis Mauigoa from Miami, Blake Miller from Clemson) have right tackle experience?”
The Rams’ right tackle Rob Havenstein announced his retirement shortly into the offseason after 11 seasons. He was a key contributor on the Rams dominate 2025 offensive line.
“Many pundits are pushing receivers to the Rams at No. 13 (namely, Makai Lemon from USC), but I think that luxury is better served in the later rounds with a different style of player,” Solak said. “Matthew Stafford doesn’t need a high-volume slot to check the ball down to… Yes, a receiver is a must-get, as any long-term injury to Davante Adams (33 years old) or Puka Nacua (takes approximately 100 hits per game) would scupper the offense. I just don’t think it elevates to the level of first-round need.”
Solak highlights that drafting a “big-bodied” wide receiver in the middle rounds–like Bryce Lance or De’Zhaun Stribling–will serve the Rams better for their draft for the now mentality.
“Don’t draft for the future. Draft for the now,” Solak stated. “Trade up aggressively. Find the last infinity stone. Every year with Stafford might be your last. Eventually the Rams will need a quarterbacking heir, but coach Sean McVay is well-compensated and regarded for a reason — he’ll help solve that problem when it comes. For now, just win.”
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Rams Could Target Utah Utes Offensive Tackle Spencer Fano
With the 2026 NFL draft only a week away, the Rams are running out of time when it comes to preparing for their first round pick. Coming into the offseason with a nearly untouched offense, the Rams may look at bolstering the position group that protects their star quarterback.
Utah Utes offensive tackle Spencer Fano currently ranks first amongst offensive line prospects and 13th on Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 prospect list. He has experience at both left and right tackle as a three-year starter with the Utes.
Fano ran a 4.91-second 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Scouting combine.
While the Rams have yet to hint at their first-round draft plan, one thing is for certain, nothing is out of the picture. The Rams are known to make crazy draft day trades and may end up surprising a lot of people with their final decision.
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