New Rams NFL Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

After nearly making it to the Super Bowl last season, the Los Angeles Rams are ready to make another championship push.

They will look to maximize the value of Atlanta's first-rounder, acquired when the Falcons moved up to grab James Pearce Jr. last year. It's highly unlikely the Rams will be picking this high again under Sean McVay.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Rams to do with the No. 13 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (4/15)

Selection (No. 13): OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

The Los Angeles Rams fielded the NFL's No. 1 offense last season. But the unit did lose a significant piece of the puzzle with right tackle Rob Havenstein's retirement.

Havenstein played 11 seasons with the Rams organization (dating back to the St. Louis days). Miami's Francis Mauigoa can instantly anchor the vacated strong side, while giving the Rams exactly what they need from the position in their scheme.

"The Rams have a serviceable option at right tackle in Warren McClendon Jr.," B/R scout Brandon Thorn said. "If Mauigoa is available, they would be hard-pressed to pass up the opportunity to upgrade the position.

"The 2025 Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner is an ideal fit for the Rams' downhill, vertical run game to form a potentially dominant duo with right guard Kevin Dotson in the team's Duo-based scheme."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/15)

Selection (No. 13): WR Makai Lemon, USC

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 13): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 13): OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 13): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 13): WR Makai Lemon, USC

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (4/15)

Selection (No. 13): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 13): CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Summary

A Super Bowl-caliber team without any significant needs can either look for an immediate starter at a position that could use an upgrade or a long-term replacement. Although drafting a tackle would be ideal, it wouldn't be surprising to see Sean McVay identify a prospect to be the long-term replacement for Davante Adams. The Rams could use another offensive piece to strengthen one of the league's top units.