The 2025 NFL Draft could go in a few different directions for the Los Angeles Rams, who have three picks in the first 101 selections.
L.A. could add the best players available at each pick because of how well-rounded the roster is at the moment. Or, the Rams could add high-impact players at positions like receiver, tight end or edge rusher. The most prudent choice is to fill positions of need at cornerback or linebacker, or even find a long-term quarterback for when Matthew Stafford eventually leaves or retires.
Those decisions won’t need to be made for a few more weeks, but ESPN’s Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. made their predictions in a three-round mock draft. In it, the duo added one Day 1 starter, one long-term player and a role depth piece for the defense.
Take a look:
Round 1, Pick No. 26: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Hairston is one of the most-mocked cornerbacks to the Rams here because of his speed, size and production.
From Kiper:
“Speed and ball skills. Hairston ran the combine’s fastest 40-yard dash (4.28 seconds) and had six interceptions and 13 pass breakups over his final two seasons. He’d absolutely boost the Rams’ cornerback corps.”
Round 3, Pick No. 90: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
Woah. This would be a big deal if the Rams pulled it off. Mostly because of the other needs on the team but also because Howard going in the third round would be a shock to many. Howard would be the sixth QB off the board at this point and would not be expected to play for some time.
From Kiper:
“The Rams should have one eye to the future at quarterback considering Matthew Stafford is 37. Howard could learn behind Stafford and potentially develop into a starter. He threw 35 touchdown passes last season, but he also ran for seven scores.”
Round 3, Pick No. 101: Kyle Kennard, Edge, South Carolina
OK. Back to normalcy for a bit. Kennard doesn’t fill an obvious need with Braden Fiske, Jared Verse and Byron Young already on the team, but you can never have too many edge rushers.
From Yates:
“Kennard plays with a great motor, and he’s long and powerful. He had 11.5 sacks in 2024. Kennard could be yet another Day 2 value for the Rams.”
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