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The Los Angeles Rams' 2025 NFL Draft plans could do in a litany of directions. While the Rams don't have any obvious holes in their roster, there are a few positions they could add depth to this offseason to strengthen the entire team.
Linebacker, cornerback, receiver and offensive line are the biggest areas general manager Les Snead could address, but the team could also bring in players at other positions with a forward-thinking approach.
With less than a week before the draft begins, The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue went through her seven-round mock draft. She used Pro Football Network draft simulator to make a bevy of moves, including trading out of the first round to pick up a ton of Day 2 draft capital.
Here's how the draft went for the Rams:
L.A. sends the Nos. 26 and 127 picks to the Chargers in exchange for Nos. 55, 86, 125 and both a 2026 second- and a 2026 third-round pick.
An unconventional pick considering the rest of the needs for L.A., but Noel fills a long-term need on the receiver depth chart with Davante Adams, Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell as the projected trio of starters. Noel finished the 2024 season with 80 receptions for 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns.
Paul gives the Rams much-needed linebacker depth behind Omar Speights, Nate Landman and Troy Reeder. He played in 40 collegiate games and finished with 225 combined tackles and 9.5 sacks.
Howard has been a trendy pick for the Rams lately because of his potential role as a mentee under Matthew Stafford. He certainly has the pedigree and experience and could become a solid franchise player if he develops well under Sean McVay.
Lundt would be drafted as the team's next right tackle once Rob Havenstein departs. He played in 48 college games and could also kick inside to guard if necessary.
Waiting this long for a cornerback could be an issue, but Riley is a solid player to go for with an early Day 3 pick. The Rams' secondary isn't great and they brought back the same unit, so the hope would be for Riley to grow into a potential starter in 2025 or 2026.
Smith shouldn't push Kyren Williams or Blake Corum for snaps, but he could turn into a nice third running back ahead of Ronnie Rivers. Smith finished with the 2024 season with 1,332 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Tight end is a lowkey need for the Rams with Tyler Higbee getting older and the depth pieces underperforming in his absence. Fidone isn't a threat to take over for Higbee anytime soon, but his a solid-enough pass-catcher and blocker to add some youth to this unit.
It makes sense for the Rams to double up on linebackers in this draft. King is another experienced player with 200 combined tackles in 46 games of experience.
The Rams have a good core of defensive linemen but it's never a bad idea to add more later in the draft. Smith has a lot of college experience at a good program. While he won't be anything more than a rotational linemen, that's good enough for a late-round pick.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2025 NFL mock draft: 'The Athletic' predicts Rams trade back for a WR
Continue reading...
Linebacker, cornerback, receiver and offensive line are the biggest areas general manager Les Snead could address, but the team could also bring in players at other positions with a forward-thinking approach.
With less than a week before the draft begins, The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue went through her seven-round mock draft. She used Pro Football Network draft simulator to make a bevy of moves, including trading out of the first round to pick up a ton of Day 2 draft capital.
Here's how the draft went for the Rams:
Round 1: Rams trade back with the Los Angeles Chargers
L.A. sends the Nos. 26 and 127 picks to the Chargers in exchange for Nos. 55, 86, 125 and both a 2026 second- and a 2026 third-round pick.
Round 2, Pick No. 55: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
An unconventional pick considering the rest of the needs for L.A., but Noel fills a long-term need on the receiver depth chart with Davante Adams, Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell as the projected trio of starters. Noel finished the 2024 season with 80 receptions for 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns.
Round 3, Pick No. 86: Chris Paul Jr., ILB, Ole Miss
Paul gives the Rams much-needed linebacker depth behind Omar Speights, Nate Landman and Troy Reeder. He played in 40 collegiate games and finished with 225 combined tackles and 9.5 sacks.
Round 3, Pick No. 90: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
Howard has been a trendy pick for the Rams lately because of his potential role as a mentee under Matthew Stafford. He certainly has the pedigree and experience and could become a solid franchise player if he develops well under Sean McVay.
Round 3, Pick No. 101: Chase Lundt, OT, UConn
Lundt would be drafted as the team's next right tackle once Rob Havenstein departs. He played in 48 college games and could also kick inside to guard if necessary.
Round 4, Pick No. 125: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
Waiting this long for a cornerback could be an issue, but Riley is a solid player to go for with an early Day 3 pick. The Rams' secondary isn't great and they brought back the same unit, so the hope would be for Riley to grow into a potential starter in 2025 or 2026.
Round 6, Pick No. 190: Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
Smith shouldn't push Kyren Williams or Blake Corum for snaps, but he could turn into a nice third running back ahead of Ronnie Rivers. Smith finished with the 2024 season with 1,332 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Round 6, Pick No. 195: Thomas Fidone, TE, Nebraska
Tight end is a lowkey need for the Rams with Tyler Higbee getting older and the depth pieces underperforming in his absence. Fidone isn't a threat to take over for Higbee anytime soon, but his a solid-enough pass-catcher and blocker to add some youth to this unit.
Round 6, Pick No. 201: Kobe King, ILB, Penn State
It makes sense for the Rams to double up on linebackers in this draft. King is another experienced player with 200 combined tackles in 46 games of experience.
Round 6, Pick No. 202: Tim Smith, DL, Alabama
The Rams have a good core of defensive linemen but it's never a bad idea to add more later in the draft. Smith has a lot of college experience at a good program. While he won't be anything more than a rotational linemen, that's good enough for a late-round pick.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2025 NFL mock draft: 'The Athletic' predicts Rams trade back for a WR
Continue reading...
