{"id":794272,"date":"2026-03-05T17:59:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T17:59:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/794272\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T17:59:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T17:59:21","slug":"rams-target-multiple-positions-needs-with-13th-overall-pick-in-2026-nfl-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/794272\/","title":{"rendered":"Rams target multiple positions, needs with 13th overall pick in 2026 NFL Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Rams<\/p>\n

FILE – Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half of a preseason NFL football game in Cincinnati on Aug. 27, 2022. McVay and general manager Les Snead have agreed to contract extensions announced Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, keeping the defending Super Bowl champions’ brain trust in place with lucrative new deals through the 2026 season. (AP Photo\/Joshua A. Bickel, File)<\/p>\n

Never shy about using draft capital to reel in proven veterans, the Rams surprised absolutely no one Wednesday by perching themselves on the doorstep of a trade for\u00a0Chiefs Pro Bowl cornerback\u00a0Trent McDuffie<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The deal\u00a0won\u2019t be official\u00a0until the start of the NFL\u2019s new league year next Wednesday, but the linchpin is the first-round pick<\/a> the Rams are sending the Chiefs, the No. 29 pick overall in next month\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n

In addition, they are trading a fifth- and sixth-rounder this year and a third-round pick in next year\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Rams surprised absolutely no one Wednesday by perching themselves on the doorstep of a trade for Chiefs Pro Bowl cornerback Trent McDuffie. AP<\/p>\n

Just like that, the Rams<\/a> shored up their biggest weakness with a 25-year-old cornerback just entering the prime of his career.<\/p>\n

It also adds tremendous intrigue to the asset they managed to hang onto. Remember, the Rams also have the 13th pick overall in next month\u2019s draft, which they can now use in any number of ways after proactively addressing their greatest need by acquiring McDuffie<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here are some options:<\/p>\n

\"USC<\/p>\n

USC wide receiver Makai Lemon might be a good fit for the Rams. Getty Images<\/p>\n

Makai Lemon, USC WR<\/p>\n

After taking care of the cornerback spot, the Rams could turn their attention to offense, where\u00a0they need\u00a0another wide receiver to slot alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.<\/p>\n

Adams turns\u00a034 years old\u00a0next December and is heading into the last year of his contract. So his time in Los Angeles comes with an expiration date. Lemon easily projects as the eventual replacement for Adams\u00a0in the Rams\u2019 receiver pecking order, while also making an immediate impact\u00a0alongside\u00a0Adams and Nacua.<\/p>\n

Lemon isn\u2019t the biggest or fastest wide receiver, but he\u2019s virtually unguardable out of the slot as an intelligent and precise route runner with immaculate ball skills. He wins battles, flat out, whether it\u2019s getting open or fighting for the ball.<\/p>\n

The Rams are in win-now mode, which makes Lemon the perfect pick as a\u00a0Day 1\u00a0contributor and a massive part of their future.<\/p>\n

\"Oregon<\/p>\n

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq might be off the NFL draft board when the Rams pick at No. 13 in the first round. Getty Images<\/p>\n

Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon TE<\/p>\n

For the same reason the Rams might want Lemon, so too might one or two teams drafting ahead of them.<\/p>\n

In other words, he might be long gone\u00a0when their turn arrives at No. 13.<\/p>\n

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Sadiq would be a great pivot as a freakishly athletic tight end capable of making plays at every level of the defense. Two years ago, the Rams tried to trade up with the Raiders to select Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, believing he could be a game-changer in their pass game.<\/p>\n

Sadiq has a similar profile and would fit perfectly in and around Nacua, Adams and the other tight ends on the roster.<\/p>\n

\"Alabama<\/p>\n

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson might be a possible long-term replacement for Rams QB Matthew Stafford when he retires. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Ty Simpson, Alabama QB<\/p>\n

The trade for McDuffie sent a clear signal that the Rams want to maximize their remaining future with Stafford. It would make sense, then, that they would use No. 13 to further fortify their present by adding a player who can help as early as this season.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why Lemon feels like the guy, if he\u2019s still on the board.<\/p>\n

However, if GM Les Snead and the Rams have any inclination that Simpson has the goods to eventually be a franchise-caliber quarterback, he makes sense, too.<\/p>\n

The Rams can\u2019t afford to be stuck without a replacement for Stafford when he ultimately calls it quits. That day could be as soon as this time next year or the next.<\/p>\n

While Simpson doesn\u2019t help the club immediately, the investment could pay off massively in a year or two when he\u2019s ready to take over.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s something to think about, at least.<\/p>\n