As the Los Angeles Rams gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft, their focus has shifted from chasing star power to building depth and versatility across the roster. After two years of targeting immediate-impact players like Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, the Rams now find themselves in a position to refine their lineup with complementary pieces. One area of particular interest is the linebacker position, where the team could use an infusion of talent—specifically, a coverage specialist to pair with emerging star Omar Speights. With the draft set to kick off on April 24, the Rams have a golden opportunity to address this need, and the 2025 class offers a wealth of intriguing prospects who could fit the bill.
The Rams’ defensive evolution under coordinator Chris Shula has leaned heavily on adaptability. Last season, they frequently deployed three- and four-safety packages, a strategy that minimized the use of traditional two-linebacker sets. This approach ranked them fourth in the NFL for snaps with six or more defensive backs, showcasing a preference for speed and coverage over brute force in the middle. However, with Ernest Jones traded away and veterans like Christian Rozeboom and Troy Reeder no longer on the roster, the linebacker corps lacks a definitive long-term answer beyond Speights. Enter the 2025 draft, where a deep pool of coverage-oriented linebackers could provide the Rams with a dynamic, modern defender to elevate their scheme.
The Need for a Coverage Specialist
The NFL’s ongoing shift toward pass-heavy, spread offenses has placed a premium on linebackers who can handle both athletic tight ends and elusive running backs in space. For the Rams, pairing a coverage-savvy linebacker with Speights—who excels as a downhill run-stopper—could create a balanced tandem capable of thriving in Shula’s match-zone system. While the team signed Nate Landman in free agency, adding a rookie with upside could solidify the position for years to come. The ideal candidate would bring speed, instincts, and the ability to contribute on special teams early while developing into a three-down player.
Fortunately, the 2025 linebacker class is brimming with prospects who fit this mold. Below, we explore six standout candidates from the Turf Show Times analysis, each offering unique skills that could make them a perfect match for the Rams’ needs.
1. Chris Paul Jr. (Ole Miss) – The High-Floor Plug-and-Play Option
- Profile: A true senior turning 23 in September, Paul transitioned from safety to linebacker at Ole Miss, amassing 237 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks across 55 games (43 starts).
- Why He Fits: Paul’s tape screams reliability. He boasts the lowest missed tackle rate in college football, a testament to his tackling prowess and football IQ. His experience as a safety gives him exceptional coverage skills, making him a potential day-one contributor in sub-packages. While his arm length (measured at 29 7/8 inches at the Combine) raised eyebrows, his on-field performance silences doubters.
- Rams Outlook: Graded as a mid-Round 3 prospect, Paul could be a steal if he slips to Day 2. His plug-and-play potential aligns with the Rams’ need for immediate depth, though he might need a year to bulk up for a full-time role.
2. Smael Mondon (Georgia) – The Versatile Chess Piece
- Profile: A 21-year-old true junior, Mondon played in 34 games (25 starts) for Georgia, showcasing his athleticism across multiple alignments, including the hybrid “STAR” role.
- Why He Fits: Mondon’s ability to line up at WILL, on the edge, or in the nickel makes him a dream for Shula’s creative schemes. His speed and coverage instincts shone in Georgia’s attacking defense, though he’ll need to adjust to the NFL’s read-and-react style. At his best, he’s a sideline-to-sideline playmaker with a knack for disrupting passing lanes.
- Rams Outlook: As a potential first-rounder, Mondon might be out of reach at pick 26 unless the Rams trade back. His youth and upside make him a long-term investment worth considering.
3. Shaun Dolac (Buffalo) – The Day 3 Gem
- Profile: A sixth-year senior, Dolac exploded in his final two seasons, starting 25 games and racking up 196 tackles, 21.5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks. His Shrine Bowl nod and 4.55 40-yard dash at his pro day turned heads.
- Why He Fits: Dolac’s 2024 tape against NIU—19 tackles, 5 for loss, and an interception—might be the best single-game performance by a linebacker this year. His speed and athleticism make him a coverage standout, while his long, lanky frame offers room to grow. He’s not a power player, but his pursuit ability is elite.
- Rams Outlook: Projected as a Day 3 pick, Dolac could rise with a strong pre-draft process. He’s a special teams ace with starter potential, fitting the Rams’ mold of high-motor, high-IQ players.
4. Shemar James (Florida) – The Explosive Blitzer
- Profile: A true junior turning 21, James started 25 of 34 games at Florida, overcoming a 2023 knee injury to shine in 2024 with his sideline-to-sideline range.
- Why He Fits: James brings a blend of speed and physicality that echoes Ernest Jones’ early days with the Rams. His coverage skills are advanced for his age, and he’s a terror as a blitzer—attributes that could make him a fan favorite in L.A. While smaller than the prototypical linebacker, his tenacity compensates.
- Rams Outlook: Likely a Day 2 target, James offers special teams value and could develop into a reliable starter by Year 2, pairing nicely with Speights’ run-stopping prowess.
5. Jeffrey Bassa (Oregon) – The Green-Dot Leader
- Profile: A senior with 43 starts, Bassa models his game after Fred Warner, embracing the “green dot” role as the defensive quarterback for Oregon.
- Why He Fits: Bassa’s poise and communication skills are exactly what the Rams need to replace Jones’ leadership in the middle. His coverage instincts and athleticism make him a natural fit for match-zone defenses, and his awareness in space is top-notch.
- Rams Outlook: A Day 2 or early Day 3 prospect, Bassa could step into a rotational role immediately, with the potential to wear the green dot as a rookie if Speights isn’t ready for that responsibility.
6. Curtis Jacobs (Penn State) – The Athletic Project
- Profile: A true junior with 28 starts, Jacobs recorded 171 tackles, 19 for loss, and 8.5 sacks, flashing elite athleticism at 6’1”, 235 pounds.
- Why He Fits: Jacobs is a raw talent with a tantalizing upside. His speed and fluidity in coverage make him a modern linebacker prototype, though his instincts need refinement. He’s a willing tackler with special teams potential, aligning with the Rams’ developmental approach.
- Rams Outlook: A Day 3 pick, Jacobs could be a low-risk, high-reward addition, offering depth in 2025 and a chance to grow into a starter by 2026.
Strategic Considerations for the Rams
Historically, the Rams under Les Snead and Sean McVay have shied away from early-round linebackers, with Ernest Jones (pick 103 in 2021) being their highest selection in the McVay era. This trend suggests they’ll target value on Day 2 or 3 rather than splurging at pick 26. Trading back from the first round to accumulate picks—perhaps landing in the 30s or 40s—could net them a player like Paul or James while preserving capital for other needs like cornerback or tight end.
The 2025 class lacks the top-end, All-Pro caliber linebackers of past years, but it’s rich with experienced starters who can contribute early. As one NFL scout noted, “You’re going to see a ton of rookie starters from this class because it’s such an experienced group.” For the Rams, this depth plays to their advantage, allowing them to snag a polished prospect without overreaching.
The Verdict: Who’s the Best Fit?
If the Rams prioritize immediate impact, Chris Paul Jr. stands out as the safest bet—a high-floor player who can rotate in sub-packages and bolster special teams. For long-term potential, Smael Mondon’s versatility could transform Shula’s defense into a multi-dimensional unit. However, for value and upside, Shaun Dolac might be the hidden gem, offering Day 3 affordability with Day 2 production.
As the draft approaches, the Rams’ scouting department will dig deeper into these prospects’ film, testing numbers, and intangibles. Whether they opt for a polished veteran like Paul, a Swiss Army knife-like Mondon, or a sleeper like Dolac, one thing is clear: the 2025 NFL Draft offers a chance to redefine their linebacker room for the modern game. With Speights anchoring the run defense, the right coverage linebacker could be the missing piece in L.A.’s quest for another Super Bowl run.
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