Rams 2025 Draft Preview: First-Round Options

Rams 2025 Draft Preview – Rams Have Some Excellent Options

As the Los Angeles Rams approach the 2025 NFL Draft with the 26th overall pick, they face critical decisions to bolster their roster. With needs at cornerback, linebacker, and tight end, the Rams have several intriguing prospects to consider. Below, we analyze three potential first-round targets—Shavon Revel Jr. (CB, East Carolina), Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama), and Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)—and weigh the pros and cons of each selection for the Rams.

Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Background

Shavon Revel Jr. emerged as a standout cornerback at East Carolina, showcasing elite physical traits before an ACL tear in 2024 cut his season short. At 6’3″ and 193 pounds, his length and speed make him a tantalizing prospect for teams needing an outside cornerback.

Pros

• Elite Size and Speed: Revel’s 6’3″ frame and projected 4.3-second 40-yard dash make him a rare athlete at the position. His length is ideal for disrupting receivers at the line of scrimmage and defending against larger NFL wideouts.
• Press Coverage Specialist: Revel excels in press-man coverage, using his long arms to jam receivers and throw off their timing. His recovery speed allows him to stick with receivers on deep routes.
• Fits Rams’ Needs: The Rams could use a long-term solution at cornerback, especially with Ahkello Witherspoon entering free agency and Cobie Durant in the final year of his rookie deal. Revel’s skill set complements Darious Williams and aligns with the Rams’ aggressive defensive approach.
• High Ceiling: Despite his injury, Revel’s physical tools and 2023 tape (13 passes defended, 54 tackles) suggest he has the potential to develop into a high-level starter with refinement.

Cons

• Injury Concerns: Revel’s ACL and partial meniscus tear in 2024 sidelined him for most of the season, and he was unable to work out at the NFL Combine. While he’s expected to be fully recovered by the summer, teams will need to evaluate his medicals closely.
• Ball Skills Need Improvement: Revel’s interception production has been limited, and his eye discipline in coverage can be inconsistent. This could limit his ability to generate turnovers at the next level.
• Raw Technique: While athletically gifted, Revel can leak extra steps when breaking on shorter routes and needs to refine his footwork and transitions to handle shifty NFL receivers.
• Draft Stock Uncertainty: Without a full 2024 season or Combine testing, Revel’s draft stock could vary. Some teams may view him as a Day 2 prospect, making him a potential reach at #26.

Fit with the Rams

Revel’s size and physicality make him an intriguing fit for the Rams’ defense, which relies on aggressive, press-heavy cornerbacks. However, his injury history and raw technique could make him a riskier pick, especially if the Rams prioritize immediate contributors over developmental prospects.

Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Background

Jihaad Campbell, a second-team All-American in 2024, has emerged as one of the top linebacker prospects in the 2025 class. At 6’3″ and 240 pounds, his versatility and athleticism make him a three-down linebacker with the potential to impact both run and pass defense.

Pros

• Versatile Three-Down Player: Campbell’s ability to cover tight ends and running backs, combined with his effectiveness as a run defender, makes him a modern NFL linebacker. His coverage skills improved significantly in 2024, showcasing his growth.
• Athleticism and Frame: Campbell’s “X” frame and 240-pound build give him the density to handle blockers, while his athleticism allows him to play in space. His ability to rush the passer on obvious passing downs adds another dimension to his game.
• High Football IQ: Campbell’s spatial awareness and instincts make him a dependable defender. He’s rarely out of position and excels at diagnosing plays quickly.
• Fills a Need: The Rams’ linebacker corps struggled in 2024, and Campbell could pair with Omar Speights to form a dynamic duo. His coverage ability would address a weakness in the Rams’ defense, particularly against tight ends.

Cons

• Positional Value Concerns: Linebackers are often devalued in the first round, and the Rams have historically avoided investing high picks at the position under Sean McVay (last top-100 linebacker was Ernest Jones in the third round of 2021).
• Run Defense Needs Work: While Campbell is improving, he can struggle against the run at times, particularly when taking on larger blockers. Pairing him with a run-stuffing linebacker like Speights could mitigate this, but it’s a concern.
• Limited Pass-Rush Production: While Campbell has shown flashes as an edge rusher, his sack numbers are modest. Teams looking for a dominant pass-rushing linebacker may prefer other prospects.
• Draft Range Uncertainty: Some analysts project Campbell as a top-15 pick, while others see him as a late first-rounder. At #26, he could be a slight reach or a steal, depending on how the board falls.

Fit with the Rams

Campbell’s versatility and coverage skills make him an appealing fit for the Rams, who need an upgrade at linebacker. However, the team’s historical reluctance to invest high picks at the position and concerns about his run defense could make this selection a tough sell for some fans.

For the #Rams first round pick, what player would you pick at 26? (assuming they are available) @RamsBrothers @RamsTapes #RamsHouse

— The RAMS Forum | Rams Discussion Forum (@RamsFansForum) March 16, 2025

Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Background

Colston Loveland, a Mackey Award finalist and Second Team All-American in 2024, is one of the top tight end prospects in the 2025 class. At 6’5″ and 245 pounds, his athleticism and receiving ability make him a potential mismatch creator in the NFL.

Pros

• Dynamic Receiving Threat: Loveland’s 56 receptions for 582 yards in 10 games in 2024 highlight his ability to create mismatches. His combination of size, athleticism, and natural receiving skills makes him a dangerous weapon in the passing game.
• Versatility: Loveland can align inline, in the slot, or even out wide, giving Sean McVay flexibility in his offensive scheme. His ability to access all three levels of the field would add a dynamic element to the Rams’ tight end room.
• Post-Catch Ability: Loveland’s burst and acceleration after the catch make him a threat to turn short gains into big plays. His drop rate also improved significantly from 2023 (10%) to 2024 (3.4%).
• Fills a Need: With Tyler Higbee’s future uncertain after a limited 2024 season and underwhelming production from Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen, the Rams need a long-term solution at tight end. Loveland fits McVay’s vision for a versatile, pass-heavy offense.

Cons

• Run-First College Offense: Loveland played in Michigan’s run-heavy scheme, which limited his opportunities to showcase his full potential. His production could have been higher in a more pass-friendly system.
• Contested Catch Concerns: While Loveland creates separation easily, questions remain about his ability to win in contested catch situations. This could be a concern against physical NFL defenders.
• Blocking Needs Improvement: Loveland’s blocking is a work in progress, which could limit his immediate impact in the Rams’ 12-personnel packages. He’ll need to develop to become a true three-down tight end.
• Positional Value Debate: Tight ends are often seen as luxury picks in the first round, and the Rams may prioritize other needs like cornerback or linebacker. Selecting Loveland at #26 could be viewed as a reach by some analysts.

Fit with the Rams

Loveland’s receiving ability and versatility make him a perfect fit for McVay’s offense, which thrives on creating mismatches. However, his blocking deficiencies and the positional value debate could make him a polarizing choice at #26, especially with other needs on the roster.

Final Thoughts

The Rams’ decision at #26 will hinge on their evaluation of team needs, positional value, and each prospect’s readiness to contribute. Shavon Revel Jr. offers elite physical tools but comes with injury and technique concerns. Jihaad Campbell provides versatility and coverage skills at linebacker, though the Rams’ historical draft tendencies and his run defense could be drawbacks. Colston Loveland brings dynamic receiving ability to the tight end position, but his blocking and the positional value debate may give the Rams pause.

Ultimately, the Rams must weigh the immediate impact versus long-term potential of each prospect. Revel could solidify the secondary, Campbell could upgrade the linebacker corps, and Loveland could transform the offense. With the draft fast approaching, the Rams’ front office will need to carefully assess which player best aligns with their vision for 2025 and beyond.

On Twitter: @TheRamsForum

For more discussion, please visit The RAMS Forum