The Los Angeles Rams have a surprising link to top first-round prospect that could sway 2026 NFL Draft choice
Could a link to Sean McVay be the difference-maker for the Rams’ 2026 NFL Draft plans?
With the 2026 NFL Draft quickly approaching, the Los Angeles Rams’ avenues with the 13th overall pick feel wide open. Truly, nobody has any clue as to what the Rams will do with that pick, and that’s just the way Les Snead and Sean McVay would like it. The roster is set to be the best in years, but the draft could define the ceiling of the team.
However, there is an unsuspecting link between the Rams and a top prospect in the upcoming draft, and it’s one that could play a part in the Rams selecting him at No. 13 overall in just a few short weeks.
When life hands the Rams Lemons…
USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon has been a frequent flyer with the Rams in just about every mock draft you’ll read. That buzz was only heightened when general manager Les Snead personally attended USC’s pro day, and so far, it’s the only reported sighting of Snead anywhere.
I personally have my concerns about Lemon’s fit with the Rams, as I believe he’s a slot-only wide receiver who isn’t a particularly good blocker and the Rams need an outside presence to serve as the replacement for Davante Adams, but alas, he is a wide receiver, and that’s all that matters for most when making mock drafts.
There is a surprise link to McVay with Lemon, however, and it’s one that nobody has yet to mention so far.
Back in his days as a player, Sean McVay worked alongside a speed trainer named Tony Villani, and has kept up that relationship into his days as a coach. Reportedly, Villani has played a key role in the development of the Rams’ own internal athletic testing models under McVay, and McVay has consulted with Villani throughout his years in the league.
Nowadays, Villani is one of the top speed trainers in the NFL, working with dozens of players and prospects in the offseason with his company, XPE Sports. One of those prospects happens to be Makai Lemon. From an article in The Athletic, courtesy of Bruce Feldman, we can see how enthralled Villani is with Lemon.
“While in Indy, I spent some time with Tony Villani of XPE Sports, a combine preparation gym in Florida, who has worked with a range of NFL stars, from Cris Carter and Randy Moss to Darrelle Revis to Travis Kelce. When we talked about Lemon, he showed me a freeze-frame from a video of the USC star doing a shuttle run. Villani was almost in awe of Lemon’s ability to be in a position — crouched so low while changing direction without losing much speed — that it helps explain why he’s so gifted at getting open and making people miss. Lemon didn’t test in Indy, but he shone in the on-field workout, effortlessly getting in and out of his cuts.”
If McVay trusts Villani so much as to have him play a role in developing their athletic models and frequently consult with him on players, it’s safe to say that Lemon is one that Villani will no doubt stand on the table for in this draft process.
With so much uncertainty about the Rams’ process, we’re left trying to divine through little nuggets like this. However, these personal relationships and connections are sometimes bigger in the draft process than many anticipate, and this could be a deciding factor for the Rams come the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
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