8 most realistic targets for the Rams in Round 1

There are probably a lot of players the Los Angeles Ramswould love to land in the NFL draft this week. Arvell Reese? Certainly. Sonny Styles? Definitely. Carnell Tate? Absolutely. But those players are highly unlikely to fall to No. 13 overall.

There's a group of players who would still be great picks for the Rams in the first round who also have a much higher probability of being available. We'll call these prospects more realistic options for Los Angeles.

From Makai Lemon to Jermod McCoy, these eight players are the most realistic targets for the Rams in the first round.

WR Makai Lemon, USC

Lemon has been projected to land with the Rams by many draft experts, linking the USC prospect to Los Angeles for his playmaking ability after the catch and toughness as a middle-of-the-field receiver. There are certainly better fits when it comes to all-around wideouts who can play outside, but Lemon is elusive with the ball in his hands and can rack up the YAC like Puka Nacua.

There's a decent chance he'll be available at No. 13, too, especially with Jordyn Tyson's stock seemingly on the rise.

WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Speaking of Tyson, his stock has improved since his workout on Friday, with some predicting he could go as early as No. 5 to the Giants as the No. 1 receiver in the class. Smoke screen? Maybe. But even with his outlook getting better, the Rams could still have a realistic chance at drafting him in the first without trading up.

He's a terrific outside receiver who can win jump balls, beat cornerbacks down the field and get open on intermediate routes. If the Rams want someone who can take Davante Adams' place, Tyson should be their guy.

OT Spencer Fano, Utah

The sensible pick at No. 13 would be an offensive tackle. Warren McClendon Jr. is in the last year of his contract and isn't guaranteed to be a long-term solution on the right side. If the Rams draft someone like Fano, they'll not only give themselves a quality No. 3 tackle, but also some leverage in negotiations with McClendon – or simply a cheaper option at right tackle.

Fano is one of the best tackle prospects in the class and has experience on both the left and right side, making him (at worst) a natural swing tackle right away and a long-term starter.

OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

The Rams reportedly spent "extended time" with Freeling in the pre-draft process, showing he could be a fit for them in the first round. He's got ideal length at 6-foot-7 and moves fluidly, giving him a high ceiling as a prospect. He has a better chance to be available for the Rams than some other tackles but he's still someone who could compete for a starting job right off the bat as a rookie.

TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Sadiq should be a real option for the Rams in the first round, either at No. 13 or after trading down. He's one of the most athletic tight ends ever to come out of college, testing off the charts at the combine. Sadiq isn't the biggest tight end, but he's remarkably fast and can line up just about anywhere on offense.

A receiving corps of Sadiq, Nacua, Adams and Terrance Ferguson would give Matthew Stafford an abundance of weapons.

G/C Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Ioane is the unanimous top interior lineman in the class and as set as the Rams look at guard, neither Kevin Dotson nor Steve Avila is signed beyond 2026. Ioane would be a long-term solution, similar to the way any of the top tackles could be in the event that the Rams don't sign McClendon to an extension.

If Los Angeles wants to save money by letting Dotson or Avila walk in free agency next year, having a guy like Ioane waiting in the wings would put them in a great spot.

WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Cooper could be in consideration at No. 13 overall, especially if Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson are gone (and if the Rams don't love Lemon). After Tate, the receiver class is pretty open and undecided, which could push Cooper up the board.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network called him the "Ramsiest" receiver in the draft, fitting exactly what the Rams look for at the position. Ideally, Los Angeles would find a way to move down and still pick up Cooper.

CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Mansoor Delane and McCoy could both be off the board by the time the Rams get on the clock, but if one is more likely to be available, it's McCoy. He has some injury and durability concerns after missing all of 2025 with a knee injury but if the Rams are OK with his medicals, he could be an option at No. 13.

He's a terrific athlete and plays with great physicality on the outside, checking some of the boxes the Rams prioritize at corner.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' 8 most realistic targets in Round 1 of 2026 NFL Draft