The Los Angeles Rams enter the 2026 NFL Draft in one of the best positions for wide receiver help, a dangerous combination for the rest of the league. With a strong roster foundation, quality draft capital and a historically deep receiver class, the Rams are well positioned to land an impact pass catcher in the first three rounds this April.
Start with Draft Capital. Los Angeles owns the 13th overall pick, as well as picks Nos. 61 and 93. That alone gives them three legitimate opportunities to find a difference-maker. What’s more, they’re not drafting out of desperation. The Rams have addressed some roster needs, which allows them to focus on value and strengths rather than filling positional needs.
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That flexibility is key — as wide receiver is not only a need, but an opportunity to make the Rams offense even better than the 2025 version.
Even with a strong core led by Pukanacua, the Rams are clearly looking for another dynamic weapon to round out their offense. This is where roster construction and scheme matching come into play. Led by head coach Sean McVay, the Rams offense thrives on versatility, route discipline and the ability to stretch the defense laterally and vertically. While slot receivers are valuable in this system, Los Angeles already has Nakua who can operate effectively inside. What they’re more likely to prioritize in this draft is “X” or “Z” receivers — players who can win on the outside, beat press coverage and create explosive plays downfield.
The Rams tried to trade up to select Te’Taeroyah McMillan in the 2025 draft, but they were unsuccessful. They are expected to show a sense of urgency to add a wide receiver in this year’s draft after failing to nab one.
The “X” receiver typically lines up at the line of scrimmage and handles physical cornerbacks, while the “Z” receiver sits slightly off the line of scrimmage and is often used to create favorable matchups in motion. Both roles will be crucial in McVay’s offense, especially as the Rams look to expand their vertical passing game and take pressure off existing playmakers. Adding an outside receiver with size, speed or elite route running ability would bring a new dimension to this offense — and this draft class has those exact traits.
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Which brings us to the most important factor: the 2026 wide receiver class is deep — especially deep.
This is not a top-heavy team with just a few elite players — from round one to day three. That depth greatly increases the Rams’ margin for error. Even if they give up the No. 13 receiver, they still have a good chance of landing a starter in the second or third round.
Rising stars like Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon are at the top of the class, leading a diverse group of receivers. Tate, in particular, fits the mold of a prototypical “X” receiver with his size, physical tools and perfect route tree. Tyson offers similar perimeter versatility, while Lemon—albeit more of a slot machine-leaning option—still brings improved technique and separation ability. However, the focus for the Rams will likely remain on those boundary receivers who can consistently win one-on-one matchups.
What really makes this class a desirable option for Los Angeles is the strength of the second and third levels. After the consensus top three, there’s still a starting-level “X” or “Z” receiver at the end of Day 1 and throughout Day 2. These prospects may not be ranked in the top 15, but could quickly surpass their draft position – which is exactly the type of value the Rams have had success with recently.
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With the class being so deep, there’s a good chance quality receivers will make it to day two as well. This is where the Rams’ extra picks at Nos. 61 and 93 become very valuable. They can be patient and let the board fall on them but still walk away with a player who fits their system perfectly.
Another underrated strength of Los Angeles is organizational clarity. They knew exactly what kind of receiver they wanted. This isn’t a case of front office guessing at traits, but a team with a clearly defined offensive identity for a specific role. That clarity could steer them away from purely slot-centric receivers and toward outside threats that can complement their existing weapons.
If they identify the real changemakers early on, they have the flexibility to be proactive. The Rams have never been shy about making bold moves on draft day, and this year will be no different if the right “X” or “Z” receiver starts sliding in striking distance. If the Rams don’t target/land a top pass catcher in the first round, here are three receivers they will consider.
Elijah Zarate (Indiana)
Zarate and Mendoza, a 6-foot-2 “X” receiver projected to be a second-round pick, have mastered the back-shoulder throw at the college level in 2025. Here are Zarate’s physical threat indicators.
Zarate’s biggest weakness is his speed, but there are plenty of receivers who struggled in 40 games but ultimately found success. See Davante Adams.
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NFL Draft Buzz’s scouting report summed him up like this…
When you watch Zarate at work, you see a receiver who clearly understands his abilities and maximizes every tool in his arsenal. He’s never going to be that guy slanting 70 yards toward the goal or running over the edge. All he has to do is catch everything thrown to him, find the soft spots in third-and-seven zone coverage, and knock down contested balls in the red zone when the quarterback needs a rescue option. That last part is more important than people realize. His 44 career touchdown catches lead all active FBS receivers, which tells you he knows how to finish on drives. Despite missing two games, he scored 15 points in 2025 alone, suggesting he’s become more dangerous through 20 games.
The fit of the scheme is important here. Zarate is part of an offense that emphasizes timing and precision, characterized by back-shoulder passes, digging routes and concepts designed to attack the middle of the field. His value soars in the red zone, where his body control, strong hands and ability to overwhelm defenders at the catch point make him a go-to target when real estate shrinks. He could serve as a traditional X-receiver in a system that values contested catching ability over speed separation, although some teams may view him as a significant option based on how well he tests this spring. A lack of explosiveness will limit his role in an offense built on vertical shooting and after-the-catch play, but coordinators who want a reliable link-up man and touchdown scorer with size and toughness will find a lot to like.
USC Jacobi Lane
Makai Lemon has attracted most of USC’s attention, but Ja’Kobi Lane provides plenty of intrigue for teams looking for a long and explosive “X” receiver. Heading into April, his performance at the Senior Bowl, combine and pro day continued to boost his stock.
Ryan’s game is built around the catch point, and that skill translates. He wins at the rim, takes control of contested situations and knows how to use his body to create advantages in tight coverage. His best role at the next level is as a boundary-X receiver in a scheme that values isolation routes, action shots and designing red zone targets. The combine helped his stock. His vertical and broad jump numbers confirm the explosive athleticism you see on film when he gets up to catch the ball, and his 40-rep performance was quicker than expected, which should quell some speed concerns.
Development issues remain. His route tree needs real work before he can assume full-time starting duties, and NFL coordinators will test whether he can win with accuracy rather than just length. Adding weight without losing athleticism will be crucial as media coverage at the next level will be more physical than what he saw in the Big Ten. Dropping issues also need to be cleaned up. His four sacks in each of the past two seasons is a pattern, and inconsistent hand positioning on tape confirms it.
Ryan could see his name called out as early as the end of the second round and will likely be gone before day three rolls around.
Ted Hurst, Georgia
The Rams value players who “upgrade” or transfer, with Ted Hurst transferring from Division II Valdosta State to Georgia State after two seasons. Hurst provides intrigue as a “Z” receiver and could be something Sean McVay would like to add given the heavy use of movement in his offense.
Here’s what NFL Draft buzz has to say about Ted Hurst…
Hurst is best suited as a “Z” receiver in an offense that utilizes movement and formation versatility to create free releases. That’s important early in his career as media coverage remains a real issue and NFL corners will be stronger and more disciplined than anything he’s seen in the Sun Belt. But what matters is what happens after launch. He changes speed through the stem, drops his hips on the break, finds zone windows with rare fluidity for his frame, and feels like the average depth of his target moves from 17.2 yards to 12.6 yards between 2024 and 2025 is confirmation that he’s already developing. In that same window, his receiving grades rose significantly. The route tree is further out than his college offense needs.
6-4 with 206 FPS, 99% long jump, and encouraging physical shooting. He also has room to add 10 to 15 pounds without losing athletic skills, a development that directly addresses two of his biggest limitations: surviving pressure and completing contested catches, and despite the length, his numbers are only average. He’s quick enough to be a vertical threat, but he separates through acceleration and timing rather than breaking out of coverage. If the body keeps up, this style will transform.
Whether they grab a first-round wide receiver or a Day-2 player, the Rams will likely add a starter to the offense; giving Matthew Stafford another option.
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Eventually, everything was adjusting to Los Angeles.
