Round 1, pick No. 26
OT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon (6-4, 313)
Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson could be one of the top offensive-line prospects in free agency because he played well in 2024 and he’s only 26. The Rams may have to find a plug-and-play replacement (and they could try to hide their need here by signing a veteran in free agency who ultimately will be a cheap backup). Conerly is a “quick, fluid mover” who “has the range to reach his landmarks laterally in pass protection, on the move at the second level and in the run game” in Brugler’s view. That would be a great pairing with third-year left guard Steve Avila, whose similar ability truly unlocks the Rams’ diverse screen game and elements of their expanding run playbook.
Round 3, pick No. 90
TE Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green (6-3, 238)
Sean McVay’s reported itch to trade up in the first round last season for Brock Bowers despite already having signed Colby Parkinson in free agency told me he really wants to run more of his offense through the position, whether breaking into more 12 personnel (flashes of this in 2024) or deploying a tight end as a true pass-catching weapon. Fannin is dangerous both at the catch point and after it (he caught 117 passes for 1,555 yards last season). The Rams badly need to add a “receiver” whether that player is listed on the roster as one or not.
Round 3, pick No. 100
DL Joshua Farmer, Florida State (6-3, 314)
Hey, the Eagles flooded their defense with Georgia players not too long ago, why not bring in another Florida State player to a defensive line that already features Jared Verse and Braden Fiske? The Rams’ defensive line quickly developed into an absolutely outstanding pass-rushing unit but its largest player, rotational nose tackle Bobby Brown III, may depart in free agency. Continuing to invest in the line is a quiet need for a team that struggled to defend the run at times last season and likes to rotate its front frequently.
Round 4, pick No. 126
CB Mello Dotson, Kansas (6-1, 190)
Veteran Ahkello Witherspoon, who has been valuable for the Rams as a late free-agency pickup over the last two offseasons, will again be a free agent. Darious Williams is a solid veteran, while Cobie Durant enters his fourth season and a contract year having several positive streaks, and some struggles (in part due to injury). The Rams could stand to add at least one corner even as they continue to test whether 2024 in-season acquisition Emmanuel Forbes Jr. will be a fit.
Round 6, pick No. 190
WR Ja’Corey Brooks, Louisville (6-2, 191)
While the offense will run through Puka Nacua in 2025, the Rams could stand to add speed and perimeter ability with Tutu Atwell and Demarcus Robinson pending free agents. Brooks is fast, talented and versatile in terms of where he can align but his skill set isn’t exactly what you picture when you think about McVay’s offense (where receivers have to physically navigate the middle of the field and the run-blocking surface). Still, the Rams simply have to get faster … and actually find a way to utilize their speed players.
Round 6, pick No. 201
ILB Kobe King, Penn State (6-1, 248)
Undrafted free-agent Omar Speights steadily improved and really flashed potential in the latter third of the season and the playoffs. Otherwise, the Rams again face questions at the position (they’re used to it by now) and could stand to add young talent.
Round 6, pick No. 202
ILB Jay Higgins, Iowa (6-2, 232)
It’s not that I’m expecting the Rams to make a significant investment in their linebacker room, but picking up young, dynamic players with back-to-back picks in the later rounds is never a bad idea.
I don’t know that Higgins actually lasts to this round, but I liked the idea of putting him here to make a point, dang it! The Rams have retained veterans Troy Reeder and Christian Rozeboom for a while, but it might be time to get younger and refill the room with lower-capital players who could contribute.
