Rams Get Star WR Makai Lemon in Schrager's New NFL Mock Draft amid Davante Adams, A.J. Brown Rumors

The Los Angeles Rams may be turning to the 2026 NFL draft for a wide receiver after missing out on a potential trade for the Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown.

The Rams are projected to select former USC wide receiver Makai Lemon at No. 13 in the latest 2026 NFL mock draft from ESPN's Peter Schrager.

"Lemon fits with a lot of what the Rams do on offense," Schrager wrote, noting that drafting him would signal "that the Rams are truly all-in to win in 2026."

The Rams could decide to focus on building for the future in the upcoming draft with both quarterback Matthew Stafford (age 38) and top wideout Davante Adams (age 34) entering the 2026 season on expiring contracts.

Adams' future with the organization after that deal expires is especially in question after Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed in March that the franchise had listened to trade offers for him this offseason.

Rams general manager Les Snead said the following day he had talked with the Eagles about a trade for Brown, but that "nothing worked out."

Los Angeles could now potentially pivot to targeting Lemon, who is listed as the No. 14 overall prospect and No. 3 wide receiver on the latest Bleacher Report big board after racking up 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his final season with USC.

B/R NFL scout Damian Parson wrote that Lemon "plays both in the slot and outside as the Z-receiver but projects best as a predominant slot target and chain mover in the NFL."

"His toughness, spatial awareness, and tackle-breaking prowess allow him to consistently gain yards after the catch," Parson wrote.

Schrager projects both of B/R's highest-ranked wide receivers, Jordan Tyson and Carnell Tate, coming off the board earlier to the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 9 and Miami Dolphins at No. 11, respectively.

In that case, Lemon could be the highest-rated receiving prospect left on the board by the time the Rams get on the clock at No. 13.

Should the Rams ultimately target Lemon, the team could acquire a third receiver who could slot in behind Puka Nacua and Adams in the short-term while potentially top WR2 option alongside Nacua the future.

The Rams have 16 days remaining to evaluate Lemon before the 2026 draft kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh.