Tag: la rams

3 TEs the Rams could target on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft

In a strong class for tight ends, the Rams could target these three prospects on Day 2 of the draft

The Los Angeles Rams nearly traded up for Brock Bowers during the 2024 NFL draft. That obviously didn’t come to fruition, and though the Rams’ rookie class was fantastic this past season, the offense didn’t receive much production from the tight end position; Bowers, meanwhile, went on to shatter rookie receiving records.

General manager Les Snead is entering the offseason needing to add a difference maker.

Snead could add a pass-catching tight end via a selection during the 2025 NFL draft. The Rams are scheduled to own two third-rounders (Nos. 90 and 100). We’ve identified three tight end prospects Snead could target in that range.

Mason Taylor, LSU

Mason Taylor was a big-time weapon for the LSU Tigers in 2024, finishing third on the team in receptions (55) and receiving yards (546). Taylor is an athletic pass catcher and well-rounded prospect who also doubles as an effective in-line blocker. That alignment versatility should appeal to Sean McVay throughout the pre-draft process. The general consensus among scouts was that he was the second-best tight end at this year’s Senior Bowl.

Elijah Arroyo, Miami

Few prospects improved their pre-draft stock at this year’s Senior Bowl like Miami tight end Elijah Arroyo did. The Frisco, Texas native created consistent separation at practice, displaying advanced route-running ability. Arroyo caught everything thrown his way, displaying the potential to be an elite pass catcher at the next level. The quick-footed pass-catcher hauled in 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven touchdowns for the Hurricanes this past college football season.

Gunnar Helm, Texas

Gunnar Helm took advantage of Texas’ high-scoring offense this campaign by hauling in 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns. Helm might be the most sure-handed TE in this entire class, with occasional flashes of above-average athleticism. He’ll be the fifth or sixth tight end drafted in April.

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3 offensive tackles the Rams could target on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL draft

With the Rams needing offensive tackle help, they could target these three prospects on Day 3 of the draft

The Los Angeles Rams are entering the offseason with arguably two needs at the offensive tackle position. Starting blindside protector Alaric Jackson is slated for free agency, and right tackle Rob Havenstein is an aging asset who isn’t guaranteed to return in 2025. That means general manager Les Snead may draft multiple offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL draft.

Snead has done an outstanding job finding value in late-round tackles. After all, Jackson was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2021, and Havenstein was a 2015 second-rounder. With a need for at least one developmental tackle on the roster, we’ve identified three prospects Snead could target in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL draft.

Hollin Pierce | Rutgers

Hollin Pierce was one of the most intriguing tackle prospects on the all-star circuit this year. Pierce checked into the East-West Shrine Bowl as a 6-foot-7, and 342-pound specimen with historically impressive arm length (nearly 37 inches). There are some technical warts to work through, but the Rutgers standout possesses all of the required tools.

Logan Brown | Kansas

Kansas’ Logan Brown got somewhat lost in the Senior Bowl hype, but he quietly enjoyed a productive week in Mobile. Brown is an outstanding athlete with plus-level mobility on tape. That always appeals to Sean McVay and his creative offensive scheme.

Gerard Christian-Lichtenhan | Oregon State

Gerard Christian-Lichtenhan was probably the most impressive tackle at this year’s East-West Shrine. He’s a legit 6-foot-8 towering prospect with nearly 36 inch arms. Christian-Lichtenhan moves incredibly well for a tackle prospect with intimidating size.

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Former Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner projected to play for NFC West rival in 2025

Former Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner projected to play for NFC West rival in 2025

Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner was outstanding for the Washington Commanders in 2024. The future Hall of Famer recorded 132 tackles en route to helping the Commanders shockingly qualify for the NFC Championship Game. Wagner is now scheduled to reach free agency for a fourth consecutive offseason.

Wagner played for the Seahawks from 2012 to 2021. He then joined the rival Los Angeles Rams for a season after being released from his contract in Seattle. Wagner reunited with the Seahawks in 2023 before joining the Commanders in 2024.

Pro Football Focus is projecting Wagner to rejoin the Rams via free agency. We’re not sure we can handle that again!

“The Rams are quite familiar with the mercenary linebacker, as they’ve seen him ball out for this defense in 2022, where Wagner earned an impressive 90.7 overall grade (at 32 years old),” Mason Cameron wrote. “Los Angeles finds itself in need of both help at linebacker – only have Omar Speights under contract next season – and veteran leadership to help develop this young and talented defense.”

The Rams could enter the market for a veteran off-ball linebacker after trading Ernest Jones IV to the Tennessee Titans last offseason. Of course, Jones eventually ended up in Seattle, where he’d help transform Mike Macdonald’s defense down the stretch. Jones and/or Wagner could be targets for the Rams via free agency. The Seahawks should attempt to prevent that from happening.

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Around the NFC West: Rams lose TE coach Nick Caley

Around the NFC West: Rams lose TE coach Nick Caley

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay possesses one of the most successful coaching trees in the league. Good news arrived for the Seattle Seahawks earlier this week when another McVay assistant chose to depart for a promotion elsewhere. Tight end coach and passing game coordinator Nick Caley has been hired as the Houston Texans’ new offensive coordinator.

Caley joined the Rams in 2023 as tight ends coach and was promoted to double duty as passing game coordinator in 2024. Prior to coaching alongside McVay, he spent eight years as an assistant with the New England Patriots. Caley also coached under Bill Belichick, adding further intrigue to his coaching roots.

Caley isn’t the first Rams assistant to depart this offseason. Game management coordinator John Streicher joined Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots as vice president of football operations and strategy, leaving McVay to reunite with Vrabel after spending time together with the Tennessee Titans.

The Rams captured the NFC West division title in 2024 and upset the Minnesota Vikings in the wild-card round. The Seahawks split the season series and tied the Rams on regular-season wins with 10, but lost the tiebreaker. Any offseason coaching changes that weaken McVay’s organization represents good news for the Seahawks.

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Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV projected to play for NFC West rival in 2025

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV projected to play for NFC West rival in 2025

The Seattle Seahawks do not have many notable free agents this offseason. They’re only scheduled to possess 10 unrestricted free agents in total. The most important one is undeniably linebacker Ernest Jones IV.

Jones arrived in Seattle midseason via a deadline day trade with the Tennessee Titans. He was outstanding for the Seahawks down the stretch, recording 94 tackles in 10 appearances. General manager John Schneider should possess a ton of interest in re-signing Jones to captain Mike Macdonald’s defense in 2025.

Pro Football Focus recently conducted an exercise that projects where the best free agent off-ball linebackers will sign this offseason. Unfortunately, they do not have Jones re-upping with the Seahawks. To make matters worse, they have Jones joining the Arizona Cardinals.

“Despite being traded twice in the last calendar year, Jones still maintains a solid grading profile, highlighted by his 86.2 run-defense grade with the Rams in 2023,” Mason Cameron wrote.

“At just 25 years old, Jones will certainly have his share of suitors in free agency, hoping to play on his upside. Jonathan Gannon’s defense needs more talent and a quality linebacker to pair with Mack Wilson Sr. Armed with the cap space to facilitate the deal and familiarity having faced off with Jones during his time in Los Angeles and Seattle, adding Jones to the mix could pay dividends.”

This would be extremely unfortunate. The Cardinals would represent the third NFC West franchise Jones has played for, joining the Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams. If Jones remains in the division in 2025, it should be via a multi-year extension with the Seahawks.

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3 WR targets for the Rams on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL draft

With the Rams’ receiving corps likely to look much different in 2025, here are three targets on Day 3 of the draft

The Los Angeles Rams selected wide receiver Jordan Whittington in the sixth round of last year’s 2024 NFL draft. Whittington surpassed expectations, recording 22 receptions for 293 yards. He projects as a useful player in Sean McVay’s offense moving forward.

The Rams are expected to enter the market for a receiver again this offseason. Veteran wideout Cooper Kupp isn’t going to return to the Rams, as his contract is structured to carry a bloated cap charge of nearly $30 million in 2025. General manager Les Snead could create significant financial savings by trading or releasing Kupp.

The Rams are slated to make four selections between Rounds 4 and 7 in the 2025 NFL draft. Snead should prepare to draft another receiver in that range after nailing the Whittington decision. We’ve identified three potential targets.

Tez Johnson | Oregon

Tez Johnson weighed in at 156 pounds at the Senior Bowl, being one of the lightest pre-draft wideouts since Tutu Atwell. We know McVay sometimes can’t help himself when it comes to undersized playmakers. All kidding aside, Johnson is a tough cover, using short-area quickness to avoid physical contact at the line of scrimmage.

Jaylin Lane | West Virginia

West Virginia’s Jaylin Lane is a versatile offensive weapon who defeats defensive backs in close quarters. Lane can create post-catch opportunities for himself in space. He’s also an experienced special teams contributor, with more than 1,000 career return yards and two touchdowns.

LaJohntay Wester | Colorado

LaJohntay Wester is cut from a similar cloth as Atwell and Johnson, checking in at 177 pounds at the East-West Shrine Bowl. He was dynamic for Shedeur Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes this campaign, totaling 74 receptions for 931 yards and 10 touchdowns. Wester is going to make big-time plays at the next level, even if it’s via manufactured touches.

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3 WRs the Rams could target on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft

With Cooper Kupp on his way out of Los Angeles, the Rams could target these three WRs on Day 2 of the draft

The Los Angeles Rams are set to part ways with veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp this offseason, informing him this week that he’ll be traded in the near future. Scheduled to carry a cap charge worth nearly $30 million in 2025, his inevitable departure will create an immediate need at receiver. General manager Les Snead could search for a replacement via the 2025 NFL draft.

The Rams are slated to possess two third-round selections. Kupp was a former third-rounder himself, proving Snead’s capability to draft a high-upside receiver on Day 2. With that in mind, we’ve identified three receiver prospects the Rams could target in the second or third rounds.

Xavier Restrepo | Miami

If the Rams are searching for a direct replacement for Kupp in the slot, Miami’s Xavier Restrepo fits the bill. Short-area quickness and creativity make Restrepo a threat both pre-and-post catch. The Hurricanes standout recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards this past season, proving he’s ready for a workhorse role.

Jaylin Noel | Iowa State

Jaylin Noel is a twitchy receiver with outstanding short-area quickness. He appears tailor-made to play in the slot at the next level, but also proved capable of playing the boundary at this year’s Senior Bowl, showcasing desirable versatility. Noel was explosive while running the complete route tree at Iowa State.

Jack Bech | TCU

No receiver at this year’s Senior Bowl showcased more toughness than Jack Bech. An excellent route runner who creates separation and catches everything thrown his way, Bech doubles as a physical blocker on the perimeter. That always matters in Sean McVay’s offense.

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3 offensive tackles the Rams could target on Day 2 of 2025 NFL draft

If the Rams don’t want to use their top pick on an offensive tackle, these 3 players could be options on Day 2 of the draft

The Los Angeles Rams are entering the offseason with multiple needs on the offensive side of the ball. With wide receiver and tight end qualifying as additional needs to the expected one at offensive tackle, general manager Les Snead could conceivably wait until the second or third round of the 2025 NFL draft to address the position.

The Rams don’t have a second-rounder but they’re currently slated to possess two third-round selections, giving them the ammo to potentially move around the board as required.

Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson is set for free agency. In case the Rams opt to draft his potential replacement between picks 33 and 100, we’ve identified three intriguing tackle prospects expected to be selected in that range.

Aireontae Ersery | Minnesota

Aireontae Ersery clocked in at a massive 6-foot-5 and 339 pounds with 34-inch arms at the Senior Bowl. Ersery is a physically gifted prospect with the strength and length needed to thrive at offensive tackle. He’s a natural left tackle, which could appeal to the Rams.

Anthony Belton | NC State

Anthony Belton stole the show at Senior Bowl weigh-ins, tipping the scale at 345 pounds, the heaviest offensive lineman in attendance. Belton utilizes that size to be a physically imposing blocker. He won one-on-one reps in Mobile through sheer strength and determination. A right-sided player, he could be viewed as a replacement for the aging Rob Havenstein.

Marcus Mbow | Purdue

Marcus Mbow may be this year’s most unconventional blocker. Instead of preaching patience, Mbow utilizes an aggressive jump-set to dictate the action against defensive linemen. Some scouts believe he’ll kick inside to guard, but the Purdue standout looked comfortable at tackle in Mobile.

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3 TEs the Rams could target at No. 26 overall in 2025 NFL draft

In a strong tight end class, the Rams could target these three prospects in the first round of the draft

The Los Angeles Rams did not receive terrific production from the tight end position throughout the 2024 season. Colby Parkinson led the position group in receiving yards with just 294, ranking fifth on the offense in that category. Tyler Higbee missed the majority of the campaign while recovering from a 2023 torn ACL and MCL injury.

General manager Les Snead could consider using the No. 26 overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft on a tight end. With Cooper Kupp being a potential offseason cap casualty, Sean McVay needs another weapon on offense. That doesn’t necessarily have to be a wide receiver.

We’ve identified three tight end prospects worth targeting with the Rams’ 26th overall pick.

Tyler Warren | Penn State

Tyler Warren might be the Rams’ preference at 26, but the deep postseason run likely takes them out of the running for his services. Warren was outstanding at Penn State this campaign, showcasing an athletic skill-set. It’s worth noting the Rams nearly traded up for Brock Bowers during the 2024 NFL draft, so perhaps Snead will consider getting aggressive in pursuit of the Nittany Lions standout.

Colston Loveland | Michigan

Colston Loveland entered the 2024 college football campaign as the perceived TE1, but Michigan’s lackluster passing attack held him back from reaching expectations. That makes Loveland a complicated evaluation throughout the pre-draft process, but he’s still an intriguing dual-threat tight end, capable of both flexing out wide, and playing in-line. McVay appreciates versatility at the position.

Harold Fannin Jr. | Bowling Green

No. 26 may be considered rich for Harold Fannin Jr., but that’s not necessarily the case when considering his accolades. Fannin Jr. set FBS single-season records for a tight end in receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555). He projects as a pass-catching workhorse.

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3 first-round WRs the Rams could target in 2025 NFL draft

With Cooper Kupp potentially done in LA, the Rams could target these 3 wide receivers in Round 1 of the draft

As painful as it may be to accept, the Los Angeles Rams are could part ways with veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp this offseason. The aging Kupp is scheduled to carry a sizable cap charge in 2025, reaching nearly $30 million. Once his departure is finalized, general manager Les Snead must acquire a replacement at wide receiver.

The Rams are slated to own the No. 26 overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft. Snead could target a pass-catching prospect with that pick. We’ve identified three receivers worth drafting at 26.

Luther Burden III | Missouri

Luther Burden III is the type of receiver who’s done damage in creative offensive schemes like Sean McVay’s. An explosive short-area winner, Burden thrives at winning underneath the coverage and creating post-catch yardage for himself. The Missouri standout would qualify as a like-for-like replacement for Kupp in the slot.

Emeka Egbuka | Ohio State

Emeka Egbuka possesses a skill set that typically falls in line with what McVay and Les Snead crave at the position. The national champion is skilled and nuanced, running advanced routes before engulfing every target thrown in his direction. Egbuka possesses an incredibly high ceiling as a slot receiver at the next level.

Matthew Golden | Texas

Matthew Golden has been a fast riser throughout the pre-draft process. Golden exploded during the College Football Playoff, torching Arizona State for seven receptions, 149 yards, and one touchdown in a thrilling overtime win in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl. He’s incredibly explosive with alignment versatility, capable of playing all three receiver positions in an NFL offense.

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