Deals galore! The Rams entered the 2025 NFL Draft with eight total picks, including two in the 3^rd round and four in the 6^th round, but after several trades, Los Angeles traded out of the 1^st round but added a 2026 1^st round pick from Atlanta and selected six players total with none in the 6^th round. Surprisingly, the Rams did not take an offensive lineman or defensive back. What was kind of surprising, but not really, was that Los Angeles took a running back and also a wide receiver. Let’s look at the team’s picks and how those picks could help the Rams. The number in parenthesis is the overall pick number.

ROUND 2, PICK 14 (46): TE Terrance Ferguson (Oregon) should compete for playing time immediately and could eventually take over for Tyler Higbee. Ferguson’s skill set is similar to Higbee’s with more explosiveness due to his youth. Los Angeles moved out of the first round and back into the second while adding Atlanta’s 2026 first round pick. Getting the player they wanted and a 1^st round pick was just another example of the Rams knowing how to use the draft board to their advantage. Ferguson has the potential to be as good if not better, than the first round tight ends.

ROUND 3, PICK 26 (90): ED Josaiah Stewart (Michigan) may not have prototypical size but he plays and produces at an elite level. Stewart is a high energy and high effort player who was a captain during his last season with the Wolverines. He poses the traits that Los Angeles loves and should be able to replace Michael Hoecht as a special team’s contributor and third edge behind Verse and Young. Stewart has the potential to be a draft day steal lasting towards the end of the 3^rd round.

ROUND 4, PICK 15 (117): RB Jarquez Hunter (Auburn) has a very similar build to current Ram running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum but he is faster than both, running a 4.44 forty at the combine. The Rams have selected a running back in every draft since Sean McVay became the head coach. Kyren Williams has been the most productive but most of the backs taken by the Rams have been disappointing (Darrell Henderson, Cam Akers, Jake Funk, and Zach Evans) and Corum, last year’s 3^rd round pick, had an underwhelming rookie campaign. McVay and Snead are hoping Hunter can be the diamond in the rough player that Williams is with more sizzle. Pay close attention to the preseason depth chart. If Hunter overtakes Corum as the number two back, he could be in line to take over the starting spot very soon. If Hunter cannot beat out Corum, then it was a wasted pick in the 4^th round.

ROUND 5, PICK 10 (148): DT Ty Hamilton (Ohio State) was a starter for the National Champion Buckeyes and is a good football player. Los Angeles has done a very good job building the defensive line, especially after Aaron Donald retired. Hamilton should compete for playing time behind Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Poona Ford who are the unquestioned starters. This was a solid selection in the 5^th round.

ROUND 5, PICK 36 (172): LB Chris Paul Jr. (Mississippi) is another player who might lack size but makes up for it with high energy and effort. He was a productive college player and someone who could help the defense in his rookie season. I think Paul could also play on special teams as he acclimates to the defense. Los Angeles traded up to take Paul so they definitely have a plan for him.

ROUND 7, PICK 26 (242): WR Konata Mumpfield (Pittsburgh) lacks elite traits but he was productive in college and should compete for a spot as a depth piece and possible special team’s contributor. The Rams have had success developing late round picks. Last year in was Jordan Whittington.

In addition to the six draft picks, Los Angeles signed several undrafted rookie free agents. These undrafted rookie free agents are very important to the team as the Rams always seem to find players that not only make the roster but contribute on Sunday. LB Omar Speights and DB Jaylen McCollough were two undrafted rookies who made significant contributions last year and Speights is penciled in as a starter this season. Two of my favorite Rookie Free Agents are LB Saun Dolac from Buffalo and WR Tru Edwards from Louisiana Tech. Dolac was a highly productive All American; however, he was not invited to the post season all-star games or the combine. Edwards is the son of former 1^st round pick Troy Edwards. Tru has very good size (6’-3" and 201 lbs) and was scheduled to transfer to Kentucky; however, those plans fell through and the Rams were able to sign the youngster. It is an exciting time for football fans and the Rams have done a good job of acquiring and developing young talent. I want to thank the Ram organization for holding practices in Maui in support of the Lahaina fire victims. Once again, Los Angeles shows that they are a first class organization. Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops and Scratch! Aloha and God Bless!

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