Rams take FBS' leading tackler with first pick in new mock draft

[ASFN Admin]

Linebacker is arguably the biggest need for the Los Angeles Rams after the first wave of free agency spending. The Rams didn't sign anyone yet to replace the departed Christian Rozeboom, and Troy Reeder remains on the open market.

While there are some options left for them to sign, the Rams could solve their issues in the 2025 NFL Draft. The No. 26 pick is prime position to snag a coveted player who drops or someone who could immediately become a starter in Chris Shula's defense.

One such player is UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler predicts will land in Los Angeles at pick No. 26.

"A name that has consistently popped, Carson Schwesinger is a bowling ball with knives in the middle of a defense and projects as a green dot for a long time," Fowler wrote. "Considering the youth movement up front for L.A. over the last few drafts, adding a player like Schwesinger fills a need at the position while plugging in one of the draft's elite triggermen and one-on-one tacklers. He'd play off the likes of Braden Fiske, Jared Verse, Byron Young, and Kobie Turner extremely well."

Schwesinger's 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame is ideal for the middle of Los Angeles' defense alongside Omar Speights. He was also incredibly productive at UCLA in 2024, with an FBS-leading 90 solo tackles. Schwesinger also finished the year with four sacks and nine tackles for a loss. He tallied 163 combined tackles, five sacks and two interceptions in 38 career collegiate games.

Using a first-round pick on Schwesinger might seem a bit high (Pro Football Focus has him as the 54th prospect and fourth linebacker on their big board), but the Rams need to make sure they come out of the draft with one of the better linebackers if they don't sign someone in free agency. Schwesinger could either immediately or eventually become the team's starter, so it doesn't make sense to wait if the team likes him as a prospect.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL mock draft: Rams take FBS' leading tackler in first round

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