With draft week approaching, theRams.com will be doing a big-picture overview of the positions linked to the Rams externally via mock drafts, covering names to know and what experts are saying about each class overall.
We kick off the series with wide receiver.
The basics
Ever since the Rams doubled-down at cornerback, wide receiver has been the most popular projection for pick No. 13. According to the website Grinding the Mocks, which aggregates mock draft results from across the web, 31.4% of published mocks as of April 7 have Los Angeles using that pick on a receiver, the most of any position.
These analysts often cite a combination of maximizing quarterback Matthew Stafford's window and finding a potential long-term successor to wide receiver Davante Adams, who is entering the final year of the two-year deal he signed in March 2025 and turns 34 this December.
There are a few receivers that are projected to fall in the Rams' first-round range that are worth keeping an eye on.
Outlook
"The 2026 wide receiver class lacks a true WR1, but there are several explosive pass catchers with the potential to earn Pro Bowl honors within their respective roles," wrote NFL Network's Bucky Brooks in his latest top five prospects by position.
Five names to know
Makai Lemon – USC – Prospect Preview
Measurables: 5-11, 192
Snapshot: 2025 Biletnikoff award winner (given to the best wide receiver in the FBS) who is a tough runner after the catch, can manipulate leverage against man and zone coverage and has reliable hands. He's been the most common projection for the Rams recently at No. 13.
Big board rankings:
Daniel Jeremiah Top 50 4.0 (NFL.com - April 1): No. 12 overall (No. 2 WR)
Dane Brugler Top 100 (The Beast, The Athletic - April 8): No. 13 overall (No. 2 WR)
Matt Miller Top 50 (ESPN – March 5): No. 8 overall (No. 1 WR)
Pro Football Focus: No. 15 overall (No. 2 WR)
Quoteworthy:
"Given the USC connection, the Amon-Ra St. Brown comparisons feel too on the nose — but they also fit like a glove. Lemon lacks top-tier physical traits, but there are multiple throws on each USC tape when the quarterback makes a "my guy is better than your guy" decision and puts the ball in a spot for Lemon to go get it. More times than not, he proves the QB right." - Brugler
Carnell Tate – Ohio State – Prospect Preview
Measurables: 6-2, 192
Snapshot: Considered the best receiver in the draft, Tate is a deep ball threat who runs precise routes and high points the ball consistently. He's a complete receiver with the ability to stretch the field as well as win in the short and intermediate areas.
Big board rankings:
Daniel Jeremiah Top 50 4.0 (NFL.com - April 1): No. 6 overall (No. 1 WR)
Dane Brugler Top 100 (The Beast, The Athletic - April 8): No. 10 overall (No. 1 WR)
Matt Miller Top 50 (ESPN – March 5): No. 9 overall (No. 2 WR)
Pro Football Focus: No. 10 overall (No. 1 WR)
Quoteworthy:
"Tate is a tall, long wideout with better play speed than timed speed and outstanding production. He has excellent suddenness to defeat press coverage, and he covers ground quickly with his long stride. He attacks the defender's leverage when they play him in off coverage. He has strong/reliable hands in traffic and tracks the ball beautifully over his shoulder down the field. He can access an extra gear when the ball is in the air. He is a loose athlete and that shows up when he adjusts to balls thrown on his back shoulder. He is efficient with his footwork when working back to the quarterback. He's not exceptionally dynamic with the ball in his hands. Overall, Tate should provide an immediate impact in the vertical passing game." - Jeremiah
Jordyn Tyson – Arizona State – Prospect Preview
Measurables: 6-2, 203
Snapshot: A freak athlete with elite ball skills and absurd quickness for his size, Tyson could be one of the most gifted playmakers at the receiver position for years to come. Medical concerns are the only thing holding him back.
Big board rankings:
Daniel Jeremiah Top 50 4.0 (NFL.com - April 1): No. 21 overall (No. 4 WR)
Dane Brugler Top 100 (The Beast, The Athletic - April 8): No. 10 overall (No. 3 WR)
Matt Miller Top 50 (ESPN – March 5): No. 15 overall (No. 3 WR)
Pro Football Focus: No. 19 overall (No. 3 WR)
Quoteworthy:
"Tyson has WR1 ability and versatility. His explosiveness is not just NFL-caliber but has the potential to be top-tier at the next level. If he continues to refine his technique — particularly his releases and route running — and can stay healthy despite a consistent injury history, he has the upside to develop into a Pro Bowl- and even All-Pro-caliber player." - PFF
Omar Cooper Jr. – Indiana – Prospect Preview
Measurables: 6-0, 199
Snapshot: A speedster who doesn't need to rely on that speed to get open and is tough to bring down after the catch. Cooper could bring a Deebo Samuel-like presence as someone who can stretch the field, get open at all levels and run the ball.
Big board rankings:
Daniel Jeremiah Top 50 4.0 (NFL.com - April 1): No. 18 overall (No. 3 WR)
Dane Brugler Top 100 (The Beast, The Athletic - April 8): No. 22 overall (No. 5 WR)
Matt Miller Top 50 (ESPN – March 5): No. 17 overall (No. 4 WR)
Pro Football Focus: No. 24 overall (No. 4 WR)
Quoteworthy:
"Cooper made the catch of the year with his acrobatic toe-tap in the back of the end zone for the winner touchdown against Penn State, but he's much more than that highlight. Cooper is an elite route runner who moves well through traffic and dominates the middle of the field. His ability to pick up yards after the catch is equally impressive, which allowed him to rack up 937 yards and 13 touchdowns on 69 catches last season. Cooper has slot and outside alignment experience and versatility, making him an ideal No. 2 receiver." - Miller
Denzel Boston – Washington
Measurables: 6-4, 212
Snapshot: An athletic player with elite ball skills and impressive burst at 6-foot-4. Boston dominates on deep routes and can snag balls out of the air no matter how deep his route takes him.
Big board rankings:
Daniel Jeremiah Top 50 4.0 (NFL.com - April 1): No. 27 overall (No. 5 WR)
Dane Brugler Top 100 (The Beast, The Athletic - April 8): No. 26 overall (No. 6 WR)
Matt Miller Top 50 (ESPN – March 5): No. 22 overall (No. 5 WR)
Pro Football Focus: No. 31 overall (No. 5 WR)
Quoteworthy:
"A good-sized athlete, Boston plays big and balanced, and he has vacuum hands (3.1 percent drop rate). He treats the catch point like a power forward in the paint, boxing out and using his rangy frame and focus to secure the football. He doesn't have the juice to simply run by NFL man coverage, but he is a proven chain-mover." - Brugler
