Evaluating the Los Angeles Rams 2025 NFL Draft

A Balanced Approach with an Eye on the Future

The Rams 2025 NFL Draft was a testament to general manager Les Snead’s knack for blending immediate roster upgrades with long-term strategic planning. From their unconventional draft headquarters at the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Air Operations in Van Nuys, Snead and head coach Sean McVay orchestrated a draft that balanced high-value trades with targeted selections, earning widespread acclaim from national media. By trading out of the first round and focusing on Day 2 and 3 picks, the Rams addressed critical needs at tight end, edge rusher, running back, defensive tackle, linebacker, wide receiver, and safety while securing a valuable 2026 first-round pick. Here is a comprehensive, pick-by-pick analysis of the Rams’ 2025 draft class, assigns grades based on fit, value, and potential impact, and integrates expert insights from Yahoo Sports, NFL.com, USA Today, Pro Football Focus (PFF), Sports Illustrated, and posts on X, offering a fresh perspective on a draft that strengthens the Rams’ NFC contender status.

Draft Context and Strategy

Following a 10-7 season, an NFC West title, and a divisional-round exit to the Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, the Rams entered the 2025 draft with a roster featuring young stars like Puka Nacua, Jared Verse, and Braden Fiske, complemented by the offseason addition of wide receiver Davante Adams. However, key roster gaps remained:

Tight End: With Tyler Higbee, 32 and recovering from a 2024 knee injury, in his contract’s final year, a long-term option was a priority.
Edge Rusher: Depth behind Verse was essential to maintain a pass-rush-heavy defense post-Aaron Donald.
Running Back: Kyren Williams’ heavy workload (21.6 touches per game in 2024) necessitated a complementary back alongside Blake Corum.
Defensive Line: Additional depth with Fiske and Poona Ford would bolster run defense.
Linebacker: Omar Speights needed a partner after the departures of Christian Rozeboom and Jake Hummel.
Secondary: Young talent was required, but the Rams did not make any splashes in this draft.
Offensive Line: A future replacement for right tackle Rob Havenstein, whose contract expires in 2025, was a long-term need.

The Rams’ draft strategy centered on a pivotal trade: they sent their No. 26 (first round) and No. 101 (third round) picks to the Atlanta Falcons for No. 46 (second round), No. 242 (seventh round), and a 2026 first-round pick. They also traded all four sixth-round picks (No. 190, No. 195, No. 201, No. 202), including one to move up in the fourth round. These moves prioritized quality over quantity, leveraging Snead’s draft acumen to target players fitting McVay’s schemes. The final draft class included:

Round 2, No. 46: TE Terrance Ferguson (Oregon)
Round 3, No. 90: EDGE Josaiah Stewart (Coastal Carolina)
Round 4, No. 117: RB Jarquez Hunter (Auburn)
Round 4, No. 127: DT Ty Hamilton (Ohio State)
Round 5, No. 149: LB Chris Paul Jr. (Ole Miss)
Round 5, No. 161: WR Konata Mumpfield (Pittsburgh)
Round 7, No. 242: S Jalen Catalon (UNLV)

Below, we analyze each pick and trade, assign grades, and draw on expert evaluations from the Turf Show Times article and related sources.

Pick-by-Pick Analysis and Grades

Trade: No. 26 and No. 101 to Atlanta for No. 46, No. 242, and 2026 First-Round Pick

Details: The Rams traded their first-round pick (No. 26) and third-round compensatory pick (No. 101) to the Falcons for a second-round pick (No. 46), a seventh-round pick (No. 242), and a 2026 first-round pick. Atlanta selected Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. at No. 26.
Analysis: This trade was the draft’s defining moment, earning near-universal praise. The 2026 first-round pick could be a high selection if Atlanta, projected by ESPN to win 6-7 games in 2025, underperforms. With two first-round picks in 2026, the Rams can target a quarterback to succeed Matthew Stafford or pursue another blockbuster deal. The cost of a third-round pick was offset by the ability to draft impact players at No. 46. Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice and Charles McDonald gave the trade an “A” grade, calling it a move that “gives them a lot of firepower” for 2026.
Expert Takes: NFL.com’s Chad Reuter awarded an A- for the trade, valuing the 2026 pick despite the Day 2 loss. USA Today’s Nate Davis and @Jason_OTC on X praised the trade’s long-term upside, with @RamblinFan calling it a “franchise-altering move.” The Athletic noted the trade’s point value favored the Rams significantly.
Grade: A+. This trade secures a premium future asset while preserving the ability to address immediate needs, showcasing Snead’s draft mastery.

Trade: Sixth-Round Picks (No. 190, No. 195, No. 201, No. 202)

Details: The Rams traded all four sixth-round picks. No. 190 was used in a trade-up with Indianapolis (No. 127 and No. 190 for No. 117) to select Hunter. The remaining picks (No. 195, No. 201, No. 202) were likely part of minor swaps or earlier deals (e.g., Kevin Dotson or Jonah Jackson trades), though specific details are unavailable.
Analysis: Trading away all sixth-round picks marked a shift from the Rams’ 2024 success with sixth-rounders like Beaux Limmer and Jordan Whittington. The move-up for Hunter addressed a pressing need, but the loss of three additional picks limited developmental fliers. Snead’s focus on higher-round talent and future capital suggests confidence in the roster’s depth.
Expert Takes: No specific grades addressed these trades, but @TurfShowTimes noted the Rams’ willingness to trade sixth-round picks after 2024’s hits, implying strategic intent. @bgrisakTST supported the Hunter trade-up but questioned the other pick swaps.
Grade: B-. The Hunter trade-up was justified, but the unclear return for three sixth-round picks reduces the overall value.

Round 2, No. 46: TE Terrance Ferguson (Oregon)

Analysis: Ferguson, a 6’5”, 249-pound tight end, set Oregon records for receptions and touchdowns by a tight end, with 43 catches for 591 yards in 2024. His size and run-after-catch ability make him a mismatch weapon for Stafford, who has targeted tight ends sparingly (16.5% since 2021). However, his blocking deficiencies are a concern for a second-round pick. Yahoo Sports praised him as a “quality starter” with “upside to be a weapon” in 2025, fitting McVay’s passing schemes.
Expert Takes: NFL.com’s Reuter lauded Ferguson as the “agile pass-catcher” needed, while USA Today’s Davis noted his immediate role potential. Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano gave a C, preferring Miami’s Elijah Arroyo for athleticism. @bgrisakTST on X called Ferguson a “future TE1” but echoed blocking concerns.
Grade: B. Ferguson’s receiving skills address a critical need, but his blocking development and Arroyo’s availability slightly lower the value.

Round 3, No. 90: EDGE Josaiah Stewart (Coastal Carolina)

Analysis: Stewart, a 6’1”, 230-pound edge rusher, boasts a 17.2% pass-rush win rate, with speed-to-power moves and a relentless motor. His smaller frame may limit run defense, but PFF called him the “best pass-rushing defensive lineman” in the class, ideal for situational pass-rush duties alongside Verse. Yahoo Sports highlighted his fit with the Rams’ young edge rushers.
Expert Takes: NFL.com’s Reuter gave a B+, praising Stewart’s football IQ despite lacking elite measurables. USA Today’s Davis saw an instant role, and @RamblinFan predicted “eight sacks in 2026.” PFF’s high praise underscored his value at No. 90.
Grade: A-. Stewart’s pass-rush prowess is a steal, with immediate and long-term potential.

Round 4, No. 117: RB Jarquez Hunter (Auburn)

Analysis: Acquired via a trade-up with Indianapolis, Hunter (5’10”, 209 pounds) averaged 6.4 yards per carry and rushed for over 1,200 yards in the SEC. His physical style complements Williams and Corum, addressing 2024’s lack of backfield depth. However, his limited pass-catching ability and the Rams’ 2024 investment in Corum raised questions about the pick’s necessity.
Expert Takes: Yahoo Sports called Hunter a “solid value,” while USA Today’s Davis noted his instant role. Sports Illustrated’s Manzano criticized the pick as “odd” given Corum’s presence, contributing to his C grade. @bgrisakTST supported the trade-up but noted backfield crowding.
Grade: B-. Hunter’s production is strong, but the trade-up cost and crowded backfield reduce the value.

Round 4, No. 127: DT Ty Hamilton (Ohio State)

Analysis: Hamilton (6’3”, 295 pounds) is a nose tackle with quickness and run-stopping ability, fitting alongside Fiske and Ford. His versatility in one- or two-gap techniques addresses 2024 run-defense weaknesses. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler gave him a third-round grade, indicating excellent value. NFL.com’s Reuter questioned the trade of a 2026 fourth-round pick but saw Hamilton as a “good rotational tackle.”
Expert Takes: @RamblinFan predicted Hamilton would be a “run-stuffing anchor,” while Yahoo Sports and PFF were silent. NFL.com’s Reuter supported his fit.
Grade: A-. Despite the minor trade cost, Hamilton’s value and immediate impact make this a strong pick.

Round 5, No. 149: LB Chris Paul Jr. (Ole Miss)

Analysis: Paul (6’1”, 233 pounds) recorded 83 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2024, offering range and coverage skills. His instincts position him as a potential green-dot candidate with Speights, addressing a key need. The delay in drafting a linebacker until Round 5 drew scrutiny, but Paul’s tape suggests starter potential.
Expert Takes: NFL.com’s Reuter praised Paul’s tape over measurables, while Sports Illustrated’s Manzano criticized the late pick. @bgrisakTST and @RamblinFan called Paul a “stealer” with “Pro Bowl potential.”
Grade: A. Paul’s upside and special-teams value make this a standout pick.

Round 5, No. 161: WR Konata Mumpfield (Pittsburgh)

Analysis: Mumpfield (6’0”, 180 pounds) is a slot receiver with sharp route-running and over 1,000 yards in 2024. He adds depth behind Nacua and Adams, with potential as a WR4 or returner. NFL.com’s Reuter noted his tape outshines his measurables, aligning with the Rams’ receiver development success.
Expert Takes: @bgrisakTST called Mumpfield a “hidden gem,” while @RamblinFan predicted a “breakout 2026.” Other outlets focused on earlier picks.
Grade: B+. Mumpfield’s potential is strong for a fifth-rounder.

Round 7, No. 242: S Jalen Catalon (UNLV)

Analysis: Catalon (5’11”, 205 pounds) offers physicality and six college interceptions, despite injury concerns. His versatility as a free safety or box defender adds depth behind Curl and Lake, with special teams upside.
Expert Takes: @RamblinFan predicted a “key interception” in 2025. No major outlets graded this pick.
Grade: B+. Catalon’s depth and special-teams value are solid for Round 7.

Overall Draft Assessment

The Rams’ 2025 draft class is a well-executed blend of immediate contributors and future planning, positioning them to challenge the Eagles in the NFC. The Atlanta trade (A+) is a cornerstone, securing a 2026 first-round pick that could reshape the franchise. The sixth-round trades (B-) reflect a focus on quality, though the loss of developmental picks is a drawback. The selections address key areas:

Ferguson (B) sets up a post-Higbee future, pending blocking improvement.
Stewart (A-) and Hamilton (A-) strengthen a young defensive front.
Hunter (B-) adds backfield depth, despite redundancy.
Paul (A) and Mumpfield (B+) offer high-upside depth.
Catalon (B+) bolsters the secondary.

Strengths: The Rams found exceptional value in Stewart, Paul, and Hamilton, with the Atlanta trade providing flexibility for 2026. The defensive focus (four picks) aligns with NFC West demands, and McVay’s coaching maximizes development potential.

Weaknesses: The late linebacker pick, unaddressed offensive tackle need, and backfield crowding drew criticism. Sports Illustrated’s C grade highlighted missed opportunities like Jihaad Campbell and the lack of a quarterback.

Expert Consensus:

Yahoo Sports: Gave an A for the trade, praising Ferguson and Stewart.
NFL.com: Awarded a B+, with an A- for the trade, but questioned Hamilton’s cost.
USA Today: Gave a B, ranking the Rams 20th, noting instant roles.
PFF: Gave a B+, lauding Stewart’s pass-rush.
Sports Illustrated: Gave a C, citing neglected needs.
X Sentiment: @TurfShowTimes reported “glowing reviews,” with @bgrisakTST and @RamblinFan giving A- grades.

Overall Grade: B+. The Rams’ draft leverages Snead’s acumen, with the Atlanta trade and strong Day 2-3 picks outweighing minor flaws.

Future Outlook

With two 2026 first-round picks, the Rams are primed for bold moves, potentially targeting a quarterback or additional stars. Ferguson, Stewart, and Paul should contribute in 2025, strengthening a roster ranked among the NFC’s elite. This draft cements the Rams as a 2025 contender while setting the stage for sustained success.

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