Los Angeles, CA—-Uncertainty is shaping the outlook for the 2026 National Football League Draft.
Outside of the widely expected selection of quarterback Fernando Mendoza by the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1, very little across the board feels locked in. That unpredictability extends to the Los Angeles Rams, who enter draft night with flexibility—and plenty of options.
Originally, Los Angeles held two first-round picks, something the franchise hadn’t done since its St. Louis days. But general manager Les Snead made a bold move early in the offseason, dealing the No. 29 selection to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for standout cornerback Trent McDuffie. The team then reinforced that commitment by signing McDuffie to a long-term extension.
Now holding the No. 13 pick, the Rams find themselves in a position where multiple paths are on the table.
Options at No. 13
One possibility is adding a wide receiver, especially with an eye toward the future as veteran Davante Adams approaches the later stages of his career. Another direction could be the offensive line, particularly after the retirement of longtime tackle Rob Havenstein.
But what the Rams ultimately do may depend entirely on how the draft unfolds ahead of them.
Snead made it clear that flexibility will be key.
The team is comfortable picking at No. 13, but is equally prepared to move up for a higher-rated player or trade back if the board doesn’t fall their way.
Draft-night trades, he noted, often depend on real-time developments—making it difficult to predict any move in advance.
What analysts are projecting
With so many variables in play, mock drafts have offered a wide range of possibilities for Los Angeles:
USA TODAY: Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana)
ESPN: Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
The Athletic: Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State), with a projected trade up
NFL.com: Monroe Freeling (OT, Georgia)
CBS Sports: Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
The big picture
The Rams enter the draft without a single glaring need, but with several areas they could strengthen. That balance gives them the freedom to prioritize value over urgency—a hallmark of Snead’s approach.
Whether they stay put, trade up, or move back, one thing is certain: in a draft defined by unpredictability, the Rams are positioned to adapt to whatever comes their way.
