Andrew Buller-Russ
The 2026 NFL Draft gets underway on Thursday night with the first round of action, where the Los Angeles Rams have the 13th overall pick. Rams general manager Les Snead hasn’t made a selection that high since 2016, when they made a blockbuster move up to No. 1 for Jared Goff.
Many Rams mocks have them selecting a wide receiver, despite the presence of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, who led the NFL in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2025. Yet, Adams is 33 and headed into the final year of his contract.
Adding another pass-catcher could certainly be in play at No. 13, but the Rams are a wild card; they’re not anywhere close to having to force a receiver in the first. In other words, they could deliver one of the draft’s biggest surprises.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s NFL insider Dan Graziano suggests that “some people are even watching to see if they make a big move up for Love, who would be a very exciting cherry on top of their offensive sundae.”
Trading up for Love, which could require launching up to the third pick via a trade with the Arizona Cardinals (who are open for business), would require a big investment from Los Angeles. But this is Les Snead we’re talking about here. The Rams haven’t been afraid to trade a collection of draft picks for the player they want, such as for Jalen Ramsey or even Trent McDuffie.
This time, they’d be doing so for a prospect, but someone who many regard as the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Though, the Rams already have a Pro Bowl running back in Kyren Williams, who’s still just 25? Would they really go all out for another Notre Dame running back? It would certainly be a surprise, but a fun one.
Related: Final 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Round 1 With Trades
