Top Players Still Available for the Los Angeles Rams in the 2025 NFL Draft After Round

The Los Angeles Rams traded out of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, sending their No. 26 and No. 101 picks to the Atlanta Falcons for the No. 46 pick (second round), No. 242 pick (seventh round), and a 2026 first-round pick. This strategic move by general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay gives the Rams flexibility to target high-value players on Day 2 while bolstering future draft capital. With picks at No. 46 (Round 2) and No. 90 (Round 3), the Rams are well-positioned to address key needs at cornerback, offensive tackle, linebacker, wide receiver, and tight end. Below, we highlight the best players still available for the Rams in the 2025 NFL Draft after Round 1, focusing on prospects who align with the team’s needs and offer immediate or long-term impact, based on expert rankings and team priorities.

Key Team Needs

The Rams’ roster is strong but has specific areas for improvement:

Cornerback: Veterans Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon are solid, and Cobie Durant is versatile, but the secondary lacks young, ascending talent.
Offensive Tackle: Right tackle Rob Havenstein is in the final year of his contract, and the Rams need to draft his heir. Left tackle Alaric Jackson is extended, but depth is a concern.
Inside Linebacker: Omar Speights has emerged as a starter, and Nate Landman was added in free agency, but the Rams need a potential “green dot” (defensive signal-caller) to solidify the position.
Wide Receiver: With Puka Nacua and Davante Adams leading the room, the Rams could add a complementary piece, especially after losing Cooper Kupp. Speed or slot receivers are a fit for McVay’s offense.
Tight End: Tyler Higbee is in the final year of his contract, and the Rams have shown interest in elite tight ends (e.g., attempting to trade up for Brock Bowers in 2024).

Top Available Prospects for the Rams

The following players are among the best still on the board after Round 1, as identified by expert analyses from sources like The Athletic, ESPN, and NFL.com. These prospects align with the Rams’ needs and are likely to be available at No. 46 or No. 90, based on Dane Brugler’s top 300 prospect rankings and other draft projections.

Cornerback

The Rams’ secondary needs youth and playmaking ability to complement their veteran starters. These cornerbacks stand out as Day 2 targets:

Will Johnson (Michigan, 6’2”, 194 lbs)
- Profile: A 2023 First-Team All-American and 2024 Second-Team All-American, Johnson recorded six interceptions in 18 games over the past two seasons. His size, length, and ball skills make him a shutdown corner prospect.
- Fit for Rams: Johnson’s physicality and coverage instincts align with the Rams’ preference for versatile defensive backs. He could compete for a starting role opposite Darious Williams and provide long-term stability.
- Availability: Projected as a late first-round or early second-round pick, Johnson could be a target at No. 46 if he slides slightly due to a deep cornerback class.
Trey Amos (Ole Miss, 6’1”, 195 lbs)
- Profile: A 2024 First-Team All-SEC selection, Amos tallied three interceptions and 13 passes defended last season. His fluidity and tackling ability make him a scheme-versatile corner.
- Fit for Rams: Amos excels in zone coverage and could thrive in the Rams’ defensive scheme under new coordinator Chris Shula. He’s a strong candidate for the nickel role or as a boundary corner.
- Availability: Likely available at No. 46, Amos is a high-upside pick who could develop into a starter by 2026.
Azareye’h Thomas (Florida State, 6’1.5”, 197 lbs)
- Profile: An All-ACC honorable mention in 2024, Thomas recorded 52 tackles and one interception. His size and physicality suit him for press-man coverage.
- Fit for Rams: Thomas could compete with Cobie Durant for snaps in the nickel or serve as a developmental outside corner. His tackling ability adds value against the run-heavy NFC West.
- Availability: Projected for Rounds 2-3, Thomas is a realistic target at No. 46 or No. 90.

Offensive Tackle

With Rob Havenstein’s contract expiring after 2025, the Rams need a right tackle of the future. These prospects offer immediate depth and long-term potential:

Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon, 6’4”, 315 lbs)
- Profile: A consensus mock draft favorite for the Rams at No. 26 before their trade-back, Conerly is a powerful right tackle with experience against Pac-12 defenses. His athleticism and strong lower half make him a fit for both run and pass protection.
- Fit for Rams: Conerly could serve as a swing tackle in 2025, learning behind Havenstein, and transition to a starter in 2026. His versatility to play left tackle adds value.
- Availability: If Conerly falls to No. 46, he’d be a steal for the Rams, though he may require a slight trade-up if other teams target him early in Round 2.
Josh Simmons (Ohio State, 6’5”, 310 lbs)
- Profile: A technically sound tackle with experience at both left and right tackle, Simmons offers quick feet and strong pass-blocking skills. His 33.5-inch arms and balanced frame suit him for the NFL.
- Fit for Rams: Simmons could compete for a starting role or provide high-end depth, with the potential to replace Havenstein. His fit in McVay’s zone-blocking scheme is ideal.
- Availability: Projected for mid-to-late Round 2, Simmons is a strong candidate for No. 46 or a trade-up scenario.

Inside Linebacker

The Rams need a linebacker who can anchor the defense and potentially wear the green dot. These prospects fit the bill:

Carson Schwesinger (UCLA, 6’2”, 235 lbs)
- Profile: A local product with instincts and toughness, Schwesinger is a classic two-down linebacker who excels against the run and can develop in pass coverage. His leadership makes him a green dot candidate.
- Fit for Rams: Schwesinger’s familiarity with Southern California and physical style suit the Rams’ defensive needs. He could pair with Speights to form a young, dynamic linebacker duo.
- Availability: Likely available at No. 90, Schwesinger is a Day 2 value pick with starter potential.
Danny Stutsman (Oklahoma, 6’4”, 240 lbs)
- Profile: An instinctual and tough leader, Stutsman is projected as a Round 3 pick who could elevate the Rams’ linebacker corps. His tackling and play recognition stand out.
- Fit for Rams: Stutsman’s ability to call plays and stop the run makes him a perfect fit for the Rams’ defense, which faces mobile quarterbacks like Kyler Murray and Brock Purdy.
- Availability: A realistic target at No. 90, Stutsman could be a priority if the Rams address other needs at No. 46.

Wide Receiver

The Rams’ receiver room is strong with Nacua and Adams, but adding a speedster or slot receiver could enhance McVay’s offense:

Jaylin Noel (Iowa State, 5’11”, 200 lbs)
- Profile: A dynamic slot receiver with after-the-catch ability, Noel is a projected Day 2 pick who can stretch defenses. His quickness and route-running make him a tough cover.skat
- Fit for Rams: Noel’s speed complements Nacua’s physicality and Adams’ precision, giving Stafford a versatile target. He could also contribute as a return specialist.
- Availability: Likely available at No. 90, Noel is a high-value pick for a team that excels at developing late-round receivers (e.g., Nacua, Kupp).
Luther Burden III (Missouri, 5’11”, 208 lbs)
- Profile: A first-round talent who slipped due to a deep receiver class, Burden offers elite explosiveness and YAC ability. His 2024 season included over 800 receiving yards.
- Fit for Rams: Burden could thrive in McVay’s creative offense, serving as a slot receiver or motion man. His addition would make the Rams’ passing game nearly unstoppable.
- Availability: If Burden falls to No. 46, the Rams would likely pounce, though a trade-up might be necessary given his upside.

Tight End

With Higbee’s contract nearing its end, the Rams could target a pass-catching tight end to boost their offense:

Mason Taylor (LSU, 6’5”, 255 lbs)
- Profile: A reliable receiving tight end with strong hands, Taylor is a mismatch in the passing game. His 2024 stats include consistent production in LSU’s offense.
- Fit for Rams: Taylor could serve as a No. 2 tight end behind Higbee in 2025, with the potential to take over as the starter in 2026. His red-zone ability would aid Stafford.
- Availability: Projected for Rounds 2-3, Taylor is a realistic target at No. 90 or via a trade-up to the late second round.
Elijah Arroyo (Miami, 6’4”, 245 lbs)
- Profile: An athletic tight end with speed and leaping ability, Arroyo is a developmental prospect with high upside. His 2024 season showcased his potential as a deep threat.
- Fit for Rams: Arroyo’s skill set aligns with McVay’s history of utilizing tight ends in the passing game. He could learn from Higbee and contribute in two-tight-end sets.
- Availability: Likely available at No. 90, Arroyo offers long-term value for a team planning beyond 2025.

Other Notable Prospects

Several other players could intrigue the Rams, depending on their draft strategy:

Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State, RB, 6’0”, 219 lbs): A powerful running back who could complement Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Judkins’ early draft buzz suggests he could be a Round 2 steal.
Mike Green (Marshall, DE, 6’4”, 248 lbs): A twitchy edge rusher who could add depth behind Jared Verse. Green’s pass-rush potential makes him a Round 3 option.
Shedeur Sanders (Colorado, QB, 6’2”, 215 lbs): While not an immediate need with Stafford returning, Sanders’ slide to Round 2 could tempt the Rams to draft a potential successor.

Strategic Considerations

The Rams’ trade-back from No. 26 to No. 46 reflects Snead’s confidence in finding impact players on Day 2, a strategy that paid off with picks like Puka Nacua (fifth round, 2023) and Jared Verse (first round, 2024). With eight total picks, including four in Round 6, the Rams have flexibility to maneuver. Analysts suggest they could target a cornerback or offensive tackle at No. 46 to address pressing needs, then use No. 90 to add a playmaker at linebacker, receiver, or tight end.

The acquisition of a 2026 first-round pick from Atlanta enhances the Rams’ ability to plan for the future, especially with a loaded quarterback class projected for next year. This move could allow them to bypass quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders or Jalen Milroe in 2025 and focus on immediate contributors. However, McVay’s aggressive recruiting style (e.g., landing Davante Adams) suggests the Rams might trade up in Round 2 for a premium talent like Burden or Johnson if they slide.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles Rams are poised to capitalize on a deep 2025 NFL Draft class, with top prospects like Will Johnson, Josh Conerly Jr., Carson Schwesinger, Jaylin Noel, and Mason Taylor available to address key needs. Their Day 2 picks at No. 46 and No. 90 offer opportunities to add starters or high-upside depth, building on a roster that went 10-7 and reached the playoffs in 2024. By targeting cornerback, offensive tackle, linebacker, wide receiver, or tight end, the Rams can enhance their competitiveness in the NFC West while setting up for long-term success with their 2026 draft capital. As Snead and McVay operate from the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Air Operations Headquarters for the draft, fans can expect bold moves to keep the Rams in contention for a Super Bowl run.

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