Which Rams rookies can start right away?
Examining each rookie’s opportunity to crack the starting lineup
By
Steven Ridings Apr 27, 2025, 5:05pm CDT
The
Los Angeles Rams 2025 draft class is set after an exciting three day weekend in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Rams added six new members to their roster and they are:
Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon
Josiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan
Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn
Ty Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
Chris Paul Jr, ILB, Ole Miss
Konata Mumpfield, WR, Pittsburgh
It was a busy weekend for Les Snead and Sean McVay, as they wielded four trades (three on Day 3). Now with their draft work complete, all eyes turn to the competition on the field as the team prepares for the 2025-2026 season.
The Rams did not have any glaring holes entering the draft, but that doesn’t mean one of these rookies can’t grab a starting spot from a veteran. So let’s look at each rookie’s chances of starting in the 2025 season..
Terrance Ferguson
Ferg will join a crowded TE room that consists of Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Davis Allen. The starting job belongs to Higbee. However, Higbee is nearing the end of his career and may miss time here and there. Ferguson’s best chances of seeing the field is to win the TE2 job against Parkinson. But players transitioning from college to the NFL, the learning curve for a TE can be steep. It does not help that the weakest part of Ferguson’s game is his blocking ability - a huge factor for a Sean McVay offense.
Chances of starting: 3/10
Josiah Stewart
The Rams used their third round pick on an edge rusher which came as a surprise to some. To me, this was an excellent pick, because the Rams needed to fill Michael Hoecht’s role after he departed for the
Buffalo Bills. Not only that, I do think Byron Young can be pushed for his starting role. Even if he doesn’t beat out BY, Stewart is likely to see meaningful snaps when the Rams deploy their ““Cheetah” - 5 man rush packages.
Chances of Starting: 5/10
Jarquez Hunter
It was only a matter of time until the Rams used one of their picks to select a running back. They traded up to start Day 3; selecting Jarquez Hunter. Hunter will have the opportunity to learn from Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. A rookie running back has to yet to start the year for Sean McVay and it would take a lot for Hunter to buck that trend. Hunter is probably a year away from seeing the field with the offense.
Chances of starting: 0.5/10
Ty Hamilton
Hamilton was a part of a second trade up by Les Snead on Saturday afternoon. With Bobby Brown III and Neville Gallimore departing in free agency, LA added to its defensive front. Los Angeles did sign Poona Ford at the start of free agency. As it stands now, Ford, Turner, and Fiske look to be the starters. Tyler Davis will also likely see the field as a rotational player. I think Hamilton gets on the field albeit at a limited rate.
Chances of starting: 2/10
Chris Paul Jr
If anyone from the rookie class has the best shot to start it will be CPJ. Omar Speights, Troy Reeder, and Nate Landman are currently rostered, but none of them jump off the page with their play. If Paul Jr can show versatility early (defending run & pass), he will increase his odds. Reeder’s struggles show up in pass coverage. While Speights was bullied by the Eagles offensive line in both games last year.
Chances of starting: 5.5/10
Konata Mumpfield
LA used its final pick, a seventh rounder on Pittsburgh wideout - Konata Mumpfield. Mumpfield is probably prioritizing a 53 man roster spot rather than trying to crack the starting lineup altogether. He features to be WR5 or WR6 depending on how McVay views Xavier Smith.
Chances of starting: 0/10
Of course there will be undrafted free agents competing for spots, so these guys have to fight off another batch of competition as well. Can’t wait for Rams training camp!
