Mel Kiper Jr. goes with familiar picks for Rams in 2-round mock draft

[ASFN Admin]

At this point in the draft season, experts have all but exhausted their predictions for what teams will do. They've heard all the rumors, seen all the tape and have a pretty clear understanding of who they believe teams will select with their early-round picks.

Now, things can change over the next week, but ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. stayed pretty in line with the consensus for the Los Angeles Rams in the first two rounds. He selected USC receiver Makai Lemon with the No. 13 pick and Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter with the No. 61 — two players who've been widely connected to L.A. recently.

On Lemon:

You might see Puka Nacua and Davante Adams on the Rams' depth chart and question them using a top-15 pick at receiver. But Adams turns 34 late in the 2026 season and is in the last year of his deal, and the receiver depth falls off dramatically after those two standouts. Besides, the Rams are again in win-now mode with quarterback Matthew Stafford on a year-to-year status at this point. General manager Les Snead has never shied away from going for it, and adding a tough-as-nails competitor with sure hands out of the slot could put this offense over the top in the team's quest for another Super Bowl.

On Trotter:

Offensive line could be worth consideration. Maybe Florida center Jake Slaughter? Perhaps Iowa lineman Gennings Dunker? The value might be better in Round 3. Instead, let's get defensive coordinator Chris Shula another linebacker behind Nate Landman. Trotter had 183 tackles over the past two seasons.

This would be an ideal haul for the Rams in the first two rounds, though. Both players fill the small needs on the roster and give the Rams both Day 1 contributors and long-term developmental players. Lemon is a highly productive slot receiver who'd own a clear role in Sean McVay's offense, while Trotter gives the Rams depth at linebacker and potential starter down the line.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Mel Kiper Jr. goes with familiar picks for Rams in 2-round mock draft

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