Rams 2025 Roster Projection – Early Edition

With the 2025 NFL season on the horizon, the Los Angeles Rams’ initial 53-man roster is taking shape, reflecting some important changes, free agent signings, draft picks, and returning veterans. This projection is way early; undoubtedly, the roster will be different come opening day. I foresee the Rams keeping several draft picks and UDFA free agents on the 2025 roster. Most of these rookies will not be starters, but I could see a few rookies becoming key contributors as the season rolls on. This projection highlights the pivotal players, new faces, and a few surprises as the Rams prepare for a competitive run at the NFC West title.

Offense (25 Players)

Quarterback (2)

• Matthew Stafford (Starter): The veteran QB remains the offensive cornerstone after a strong 2024 season.
• Jimmy Garoppolo (Backup): Garoppolo, post-2024 two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy, is the QB2.

Analysis: Stetson Bennett, who filled in during Garoppolo’s suspension, is unlikely to make the 53-man roster and is a practice squad candidate. With two first-round draft picks in the 2026 draft, the Rams will most likely select a QB as Stafford’s replacement.

Running Back (4)

• Kyren Williams (Starter): Williams is the workhorse back, solidified by his 2024 performance.
• Blake Corum (RB2): The 2024 third-round pick complements Williams and will see increased snaps.
• Jarquez Hunter (RB3): The 2025 third-round pick from Auburn adds speed and receiving ability, earning rotational snaps.
• Jordon Waters (RB4): Waters, a UDFA with some size and speed, provides depth and special-teams value, edging out Ronnie Rivers and Cody Schrader, who are practice-squad candidates

Analysis: The RB room is deep, with Williams, Corum, and Hunter as primary contributors. Waters, a 2025 UDFA, secures the RB4 spot for special teams contributions, a key factor for Rams’ depth players.

Wide Receiver (6)

• Puka Nacua (WR1): Puka is the clear number one WR after a stellar 2024.
• Davante Adams (WR2): The veteran acquisition brings elite route-running, forming a dynamic duo with Nacua.
• Jordan Whittington (WR3): Whittington’s versatility, including gadget plays, elevates him to a starting role in three-receiver sets without Robinson.
• Tutu Atwell (WR4): Atwell’s speed and return ability keeps him rostered, with an expanded role due to his $10 mil contract.
• Konata Mumpfield (WR5): The 2025 fourth-round pick from Pittsburgh offers excellent route running and secures a roster spot.
• Xavier Smith (WR6): His punt return capability makes him a valuable piece of the WRs and special-teams rooms. With the signing of Britain Covey, it will be interesting to see if Smith is still the #1 option for returning punts.

Analysis: Without Kupp and Robinson, Nacua and Adams anchor the receiving corps, with Whittington stepping into a larger role. Mumpfield’s draft status and Smith’s special-teams value secure their spots. Atwell’s role grows, but he remains primarily a spot player.

Tight End (3)

• Tyler Higbee (TE1): Higbee, the starting tight end, returned late in 2024 from a torn ACL/MCL and impressed in the playoffs (12 catches, 112 yards, 1 TD in two games). He’s expected to start in 2025, the final year of his contract, despite trade rumors.
• Terrance Ferguson (TE2): The 2025 second-round pick from Oregon brings receiving upside and is projected to compete for a larger role, potentially overtaking Higbee later in the season.
• Colby Parkinson (TE3): Parkinson provides depth after Hunter Long’s departure to Jacksonville in free agency, edging out Davis Allen.

Analysis: Higbee’s experience and postseason performance secure his starting role, but Ferguson’s high draft status signals he’s the future at TE. Allen may fill in at the TE3 spot, with Parkinson possibly being cut to save $5.125 million post-June 1.

Offensive Line (10)

• Rob Havenstein (RT, Starter): A veteran anchor on the right side, expected to return in 2025.
• Kevin Dotson (RG, Starter): Dotson’s strong 2024 performance locks him in.
• Steve Avila (LG, Starter): Avila’s full-time transition to guard provides stability.
• Beaux Limmer (G/C, Backup): With Jonah Jackson traded and the acquisition of Coleman Shelton Limmer, a 2024 sixth-round pick, will backup the Center spot and perhaps fill in at guard if called upon.
• Alaric Jackson (LT, Starter): Jackson resigned with the Rams and is now expected to anchor Stafford’s blind side.
• Coleman Shelton (C, Stater): Les Snead indicated that Shelton was signed to be the starting center. Like Limmer, he can play both guard and center.
• KT Leveston (LT, Backup): The 2024 seventh-round pick backs up Alaric Jackson at left tackle.
• Warren McClendon Jr. (RT, Backup): McClendon provides swing tackle depth, covering right tackle and potentially left tackle.
• Justin Dedich (G, Backup): The UDFA out of USC steps up as a backup guard, filling the void left by Noteboom and Mike McAllister, valued for his versatility.
• Willie Lampkin (G, Backup): The 2024 UDFA, the undersized guard from North Carolina, makes the final cut and provides depth.

Analysis: The offensive line remains a strength despite the Rams failing to draft an LT. The weak spot is the backups for both tackle positions.

Defense (25 Players)

Defensive Line (6)

• Kobie Turner (NT, Starter): Turner leads the line post-Aaron Donald, anchoring the nose.
• Braden Fiske (DT, Starter): The 2024 second-round pick is a disruptive force, stepping into a larger role.
• Poona Ford (DT, Starter): Ford, a veteran free agent signed in 2025, replaces Bobby Brown III and brings experience and run-stopping ability, having played for the Chargers in 2024.
• Tyler Davis (DT, Backup): The 2024 sixth-round pick adds size and run-stopping ability.
• Desjuan Johnson (DE, Backup): Johnson provides edge depth, taking on a larger role with Young at OLB.
• Ty Hamilton (DT, Backup): With the 148th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft the Los Angeles Rams selected defensive lineman Ty Hamilton out of Ohio State. Hamilton fills in as a rotational player.

Analysis: Turner, Fiske, and Ford form a strong interior. Ford’s veteran presence adds stability and strong run-stopping capability. With Verse and Young coming off the edges, this is a formidable group.

Outside Linebacker (5)

• Jared Verse (OLB, Starter): The 2024 first-round pick and 2024 DROY is an absolute lock and will pick up where her left off in 2025.
• Byron Young (OLB, Starter): Young, at OLB as specified, leverages his pass-rush ability (8 sacks in 2024) to start alongside Verse.
• Nick Hampton (OLB, Backup): Hampton, a 2023 fifth-round pick, moves to a rotational role, leveraging his speed and pass-rush potential.
• Keir Thomas (OLB, Backup): Thomas’s special-teams contributions secure his spot. He has bounced around the Rams practice squad the last few years and his familiarity with the defense will secure a spot as a rotational player.
• Josaiah Stewart (OLB, Backup): Rams selected OLB Josaiah Stewart in the 3rd round of the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6’1″ and 250lbs, Stewart is a bit undersized for the edge. He was very productive at Michigan  totaling 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in 11 games. A potential rotational playing taking Hoecht’s spot.

Analysis: Verse and Young lead a young edge group. Thomas and Stewart provide depth and special teams contributions. Stewart’s inclusion suggests developmental pass-rush potential.

Inside Linebacker (4)

• Chris Paul Jr. (ILB, Starter): The 2025 fifth-round pick from Mississippi brings athleticism and starts post-Jones, Rozeboom, and Hummel.
• Omar Speights (ILB, Starter): The 2024 UDFA showed promise in 2024, earning a starting role with Rozeboom and Hummel gone.
• Nate Landman (ILB, Starter: Signed after a solid year with the Atlanta Falcons, Nateman’s ability to stuff the run will make him a 2-down LB’er.
• Troy Reeder (ILB, Backup): Reeder’s experience and special-teams value keep him on the roster.

Analysis: The trade of Ernest Jones and the decision to let Rozeboom and Hummel walk show the Rams realized the need for upgrades. Chris Paul Jr’s strength is providing coverage. Landman and Reeder should bring a thump to this group. UDFA Shawn Dolac will be signed to the practice squad. Don’t be surprised to see Dolac called up to fill in for Reeder during 2025.

Cornerback (5)

• Darious Williams (CB, Starter): Williams’ 2024 return makes him a starting corner. Although if the Rams trade for Jalen Ramsey, I look for Williams to be released or traded, saving the Rams $ 5 mil (or more).
• Ahkello Witherspoon (CB, Starter): The Rams re-signed Witherspoon to remain a starter.
• Cobie Durant (CB, Slot): Durant’s slot versatility is a key asset.
• Derion Kendrick (CB, Backup): Kendrick is a liability and will strictly be a backup. I would not be surprised to see him cut if the Rams bring in another veteran during training camp.
• Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (CB, Backup) Hopefully, the former first-round pick has bulked him a bit to allow him to play bigger WRs and provide run support on the outside.

Analysis: This group is the weak link of the defense. I anticipate the Rams will add a few more corners during training camp. If the Rams trade for Jalen Ramsey, I could see a much different lineup come opening day.

Safety (5)

• Kamren Curl (S, Starter): Curl’s 2024 signing makes him a versatile defensive back.
• Quentin Lake (S, Starter): Lake’s breakout in 2024 cements his starting role.
• Kamren Kinchens (S, Backup): The 2024 third-round pick offers upside and depth.
• Jaylen McCollough (S, Backup): The 2024 UDFA’s special-teams contributions secure his spot.
• Malik Dixon-Williams (S, Backup): The UDFA impresses during training camp and surprisingly makes the final 53.

Analysis: Curl and Lake form a strong starting duo, with Kinchens developing. Malik Dixon-Williams makes the squad as a developmental and special-teams player

Special Teams (3)

• Joshua Karty (K): The 2024 sixth-round pick is reliable.
• Ethan Evans (P): Evans’ strong 2024 performance locks in his role.
• Alex Ward (LS): Ward continues as the long snapper.

Analysis: The special teams unit is stable, with Karty and Evans performing well.

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