USC star wide receiver Makai Lemon is just what the Los Angeles Rams are looking for to take their offense to another level.
The Los Angeles Rams hold the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Rams have a chance to draft a highly touted player, regardless of the position.
This year’s draft is deep with talent, allowing the Rams to find a dynamic player in any round. Still, with the 13th overall pick, their odds are even better of landing a near-certain contributor who can make an immediate impact.
One player whom they should draft with no hesitation if he remains available is USC star wide receiver Makai Lemon.
Lemon is slated to be a high first-round pick and has been mocked to the Rams for the past few months. More recently, ESPN NFL insider Peter Schrager did his mock draft and had Lemon remaining in Los Angeles with the Rams.
In Schrager's mock draft, Lemon is the third wide receiver taken, but he may be the best. If 12 teams pass up on Lemon, the Rams could end up with the best pass catcher in the draft and, more importantly, one that fits with them the best.
Lemon's versatility is one of the few reasons why he would be a great fit for the Rams. His ability to line up on both the outside and the slot gives an offense like the Rams flexibility.
Rams head coach Sean McVay has relied on dynamic formations; however, the potential addition of Lemon could create mismatches against linebackers and safeties, which would open the field for both short and deep passes.
Lemon's ability to create yards after the catch would also do wonders for the Rams. Puka Nacua made an immediate impact in that department in his rookie season, but he has turned himself into a vertical threat as well. Lemon has the ability at the start of his career to excel in turning short passes into big gains and be a vertical threat. The 21-year-old's agility and field vision can immediately add value in that role.
As for a cultural fit, Lemon knows what it is like to be in Los Angeles. He's spent the last three seasons playing for the USC Trojans, where he was awarded the Fred Biletnikoff Award, presented annually to the most outstanding wide receiver in the nation in 2025.
Lemon is already familiar with the pressures that come with playing in Los Angeles, a familiarity that could help him transition smoothly to the NFL and thrive in one of the league’s most high-profile markets.
The former Trojan's blend of physicality, versatility, and playmaking ability perfectly aligns with McVay's offense, which could take them to another level.