Tag: rams draft

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

Identifying three offensive tackle prospects the Los Angeles Rams could consider taking at No. 26 overall in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Los Angeles Rams are entering the offseason with a need at offensive tackle. Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson, who played more 82% of the team’s offensive snaps in 2024, is scheduled to reach free agency. Due a sizable raise in pay, general manager Les Snead could opt to draft his replacement with the No. 26 overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft.

If the Rams go that route, we’ve identified three potential left tackles Snead could target at 26.

Kelvin Banks Jr. | Texas

Scouts seem split on Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. Despite being a multi-year starter as a blindside protector, some project Banks Jr. to kick inside to guard at the next level. On tape, the Longhorns standout possesses the high-level athleticism required to stay at his more natural position. The question marks could see him slide to 26th overall.

Josh Simmons | Ohio State

Ohio State’s Josh Simmons may have been the favorite to be the first offensive tackle selected had he not suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury. That makes Simmons a possibility at No. 26 overall for the Rams. They’ll have to be comfortable with his recovery period. The San Diego, California native pairs power with athleticism to be a potential Day 1 starter.

Josh Conerly Jr. | Oregon

The Rams had scouts at this year’s Senior Bowl to observe Oregon left tackle Josh Conerly Jr. Like all tackles in Mobile, Conerly Jr. endured an up-and-down week in pass protection. He established himself as a potential first-round selection through an excellent season for the No. 1 ranked Ducks this past campaign.

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Rams’ trade offers for Brock Bowers and Byron Murphy revealed in new draft video

The Rams called just about every team in the top 10 as they tried to move up for Brock Bowers and Byron Murphy. A new behind-the-scenes video shows what they offered.

There were whispers and reports before the draft about the Los Angeles Rams wanting to trade up for Brock Bowers in Round 1, a player they coveted. Leading up to the first round, they were calling teams to gauge how much it would cost to move up for him but in the end, they never struck a deal to go up from No. 19 overall.

A new behind-the-scenes show from NFL Films and Roku called “NFL Draft: The Pick Is In” just released on Friday and it shows just how hard the Rams tried to trade up for not only Bowers, but also Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II. Les Snead and Sean McVay called just about every team in the top 10 about trading up from No. 19 and were denied each and every time.

The day started with the Rams targeting Bowers, Murphy and Jared Verse in Round 1, as well as Braden Fiske later on.

Les Snead: “If we get Bowers, Murphy or Verse, and even Fiske…”

The offers started with the Jets at No. 10. This was the Rams’ first offer to New York before the Jets traded back one spot to No. 11.

  • Rams get: No. 10
  • Jets get: Nos. 19, 52

After the Jets moved back one spot, Snead and GM Joe Douglas talked about a trade again.

Snead: “Let me ask you this? If we threw in our 99, third round, and then y’all give back 185.”

  • Rams get: Nos. 11, 185
  • Jets get: Nos. 19, 52, 99

The Rams were worried that the Jets were going to take Bowers at No. 11, but Douglas assured Snead that they weren’t.

Snead: “No, he said he’s not taking your guy,” he told Rams scouting director James Gladstone.

McVay was sure that the Colts would take Bowers at No. 15 if he slipped that far, so the Rams kept looking at their options ahead of Indianapolis.

McVay: “If we can’t get ahead of Indy, then we don’t get Bowers. Indy’s going to take Bowers, is what I’m saying. If we can’t get ahead of Indy, there’s no chance.”

The Rams had a feeling the Broncos would take Bo Nix at No. 12, which is exactly what they did – much to the excitement of Snead and McVay – so they turned their attention to the Raiders at No. 13.

Snead: “I was wondering if y’all would like to go to 19. We’d give you our 52, ask for your fourth back, 112,” he told Tom Telesco, Raiders GM.

  • Rams get: Nos. 13, 112
  • Raiders get: Nos. 19, 52

No dice. The Raiders turned down the Rams’ offer and took Bowers.

“We really liked that player, but one of the other 31 liked him as well and they picked him. That’s just the way the draft is,” Snead said.

That’s when the Rams turned their attention to another player: Murphy. With Aaron Donald gone, they loved what Murphy would bring to the table at defensive tackle, so they targeted him in Round 1.

McVay was particularly aggressive in wanting to land the Texas defender.

McVay: “We’ll be reasonable, but try and go up and get Murphy. I would try to get this guy. He makes a huge difference to me. I just don’t think he’ll get past 16. I’m not saying reckless but he’s way better than anyone –“

Snead: “Don’t worry about that. That ain’t in the DNA.”

McVay: “But aggressively smart is.”

The Colts were sitting at No. 15, which was the perfect spot for the Rams to try to trade up to because they knew the Seahawks were likely to take Murphy one pick later.

This was Snead’s offer to the Colts, which was also turned down; Indianapolis then took Laiatu Latu.

  • Rams get: Nos. 15, 191
  • Colts get: Nos. 19, 99, 154

After seeing Murphy come off the board, the Rams stopped trying to move up because both of their primary targets were gone.

McVay: “All right, there we go. Now we sit tight and see how we want to navigate this.”

Verse was always on their radar as one of the last players they would consider taking at No. 19 without trading down.

Snead: “If Verse goes, you think about trading back?”

McVay: “Definitely. If he goes, definitely. I’d move back. If not, stay there and take him.”

And that’s exactly what the Rams did. They selected Verse, a vocal and passionate player on the edge.

“He’s a (expletive), in a good way,” McVay said.

You can watch the full episode of “NFL Draft: The Pick Is In” on The Roku Channel here.

Rams land electric Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter in 2025 mock draft

In a new 2025 mock draft, the Rams land Travis Hunter in Round 1 – an electric two-way player who shined at CB and WR last season

When the 2025 NFL draft rolls around, Colorado’s Travis Hunter is sure to be one of the most polarizing and interesting prospects in the class – assuming he declares for the draft. Hunter plays both sides of the ball for the Buffaloes, doing so at a very high level.

He plays cornerback on defense and wide receiver on offense, hauling in 57 passes for 721 yards to go along with three interceptions last season alone. Hunter was an All-American for his stellar play in 2023 and he’ll be on every team’s radar next season.

The Rams could use a talent like him at both cornerback and wide receiver, though it remains to be seen which position (if not both) he plays at the next level. In Doug Farrar’s latest 2025 mock draft for Touchdown Wire, the Rams land Hunter in Round 1 at No. 15 overall.

The Rams could have holes at corner and wide receiver heading into next year’s draft after signing Tre’Davious White to a one-year deal and with both Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell set to become free agents in 2025. Obviously, a lot can (and will) change between now and next April, but cornerback and wideout are both likely to be draft needs for the Rams.

Hunter is listed at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, so he has the size to play either position in the NFL. It’s very possible whichever team drafts him will want him to play one position at the next level because learning one spot is difficult enough, let alone two.

The good news is his versatility will give him an even better chance to make an impact in the NFL. He’s electric with the ball in his hands and was a true shutdown cornerback last season, which is why he’s likely going to be a coveted prospect in the draft.