The last time the Los Angeles Rams picked as early as they’re slated to this year was in 2016 when they traded up to No. 1 overall to select Jared Goff. They have a chance to add a true blue-chip talent and former NFL general manager Mike Mayock sees them targeting one of two positions.
In a recent interview with Betway, Mayock shared his thoughts on the position the Rams are in at No. 13. After addressing their biggest need at cornerback with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, he believes Los Angeles should consider drafting a wide receiver or offensive tackle.
When it comes to wide receiver prospects who fit the Rams, Makai Lemon would be a great match, Mayock says. He thinks Sean McVay “would have a field day” with him alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
“They’ve got the 13th pick and there’s been a lot of conversation about wideouts there,” Mayock said. “Had they gotten A.J. Brown, I think they would have moved Davante Adams in another trade to get rid of his salary to make it work, but now we already know they want a wideout.”I think at 13, you’re looking at one of two offensive positions to support Stafford. I’m a huge Makai Lemon guy, and if you put him with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, Sean McVay would have a field day. I love that fit for the coaching staff and for the kid, but if Lemon’s not there, it doesn’t mean they won’t take someone like Jordan Tyson.”
Lemon is an extremely talented slot receiver but there are concerns about his limitations as being just that: a slot receiver. He’s also on the smaller side at around 5-foot-11 and at his pro day, he was timed between 4.48 and 4.53, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
The Rams don’t care much for 40-yard dash times so that may not bother them in their evaluation of Lemon, but it could hurt his stock.
On the subject of offensive linemen, Mayock thinks Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling would be a good fit
“And the other potential one is offensive tackle,” Mayock said. “Rob Havenstein retired, and they’ve got a fifth-round pick pencilled in to play there. I’m a huge fan of Monroe Freeling, the tackle from Georgia. He’s a one-year starter, athletically he’s more of a left tackle, but he could slide in at right, learn how to play and make his way to left tackle eventually.”
The Rams appear set with Alaric Jackson at left tackle and Warren McClendon Jr. on the right side, but that doesn’t mean they can’t stand to upgrade. McClendon is a former fifth-round pick with less than a full season of starting experience. He’s also in the final year of his rookie deal.
Adding a lineman like Freeling would give the Rams a long-term solution at a prime position for less than what McClendon will likely cost them on a multi-year deal. Plus, they could use a reliable swing tackle.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Ex-NFL GM Mike Mayock names 2 perfect draft fits for Rams in Round 1
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
