Ranking Rams' biggest positions of need heading into 2025 NFL Draft

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Ranking Rams' biggest positions of need heading into 2025 NFL Draft

Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire · Rams Wire

Fri, Apr 18, 2025 ·

6 min read

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The Los Angeles Rams aren't a team that usually reaches to fill a need in the draft, but they're also not going to overdraft one position that they're already deep at. Heading into the 2025 draft, there are a few positions of need that could take priority on the team's board.

At the top of the list is cornerback, which could use some young talent. Quarterback is also on the Rams' list of needs, though that doesn't need immediate attention like some other positions do.

We ranked the Rams' biggest positions of need entering the 2025 draft, from most important down to some lower-priority spots.

Cornerback

Sep 28, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive back Trey Amos (9) reacts after breaking up a pass during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Even though the Rams brought back Ahkello Witherspoon on a one-year deal, they still have no long-term answers at cornerback. Darious Williams is 32, Cobie Durant is in the final year of his rookie deal and who knows what the future holds for Emmanuel Forbes .

The Rams desperately need to find a young cornerback that they can build around in the secondary and this is a good draft to find one in. It's not such a dire need that they must draft a cornerback with their first pick, but adding some help in the first three rounds would be wise.

Potential targets: Jahdae Barron , Maxwell Hairston , Trey Amos

Inside linebacker

The inside linebacker position is tricky because it's likely perceived very differently internally vs. externally. Fans and analysts see it as a pressing need, while the front office and coaching staff might be fine with Omar Speights , Nate Landman and Troy Reeder .

Outside of signing Bobby Wagner and drafting Ernest Jones in the third round, the Rams haven't sunk many assets into this position over the years. It's hard to say with confidence that they'll use an early-round pick on a linebacker this year, either.

Potential targets: Carson Schwesinger, Demetrius Knight Jr., Jeffrey Bassa

Tight end

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 26: Colston Loveland #18 of the Michigan Wolverines plays against the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Tight end is somewhat similar to cornerback in that the Rams have enough depth to get away with the players that they have for another year, but they could really use some young talent. Tyler Higbee is still a viable starter, as is Colby Parkinson , but neither is particularly dynamic as a receiver. The same goes for Davis Allen .

It's clear the Rams want to find a long-term answer at tight end after attempting to trade up for Dalton Kincaid and Brock Bowers in the last two years, so it shouldn't surprise anyone if they take one early in this year's draft.

Potential targets: Colston Loveland , Elijah Arroyo , Mason Taylor

Right tackle

Rob Havenstein will be the starter in 2025 but he's in the last year of his contract and is getting up there in age. Thankfully, the signing of Alaric Jackson eliminates the need for a left tackle, so the Rams can focus on the future by selecting an offensive tackle in this year's draft.

Finding someone they feel good about being a starter in 2026 is a must because right now, they don't have a great option on the roster. This is a similar situation to 2018 when they drafted Joe Noteboom in the third round, expecting him to become a future starter at left tackle – which he did, albeit with massively disappointing results.

Potential targets: Josh Simmons , Josh Conerly Jr., Ozzy Trapilo

Wide receiver

Wide receiver has become less of an immediate need thanks to the addition of Davante Adams and the extension given to Tutu Atwell . With those two, as well as Puka Nacua and Jordan Whittington , the Rams are in great shape at wide receiver for 2025.

However, Adams could wind up staying just one season and Atwell will become a free agent again next offseason, so there's a need for long-term help at the position. Plus, finding a true X receiver who can win outside and make plays down the field would benefit Matthew Stafford right away.

Potential targets: Emeka Egbuka , Luther Burden III , Jayden Higgins

Safety

Kamren Curl , Quentin Lake and Kamren Kinchens should all be atop the depth chart again, though it remains to be seen whether Lake will play the "star" position again or be a more traditional safety. Jaylen McCollough will also contribute in certain packages.

There's no question the Rams have great depth at safety, but Lake and Curl are entering the final year of their contracts so they could leave in free agency next offseason. With how frequently Chris Shula deploys three-safety packages, it couldn't hurt for the Rams to bring in another young playmaker.

Potential targets: Malaki Starks , Nick Emmanwori , Andrew Mukuba

Edge rusher

Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team defensive lineman David Walker of Central Arkansas (33) works through drills during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Jared Verse and Byron Young are going to play the majority of the snaps once again but Michael Hoecht signed with the Bills in free agency so the Rams have 639 snaps to replace. It's possible someone like Brennan Jackson or Nick Hampton will emerge as the No. 3 edge rusher but it would be a good idea for the Rams to add another player to that rotation.

The good news is it doesn't have to be early. They can use a mid-round pick on an edge rusher to supplement Verse and Young, potentially a designated pass rusher who can contribute primarily on third down in obvious passing situations.

Potential targets: David Walker, Que Robinson, Barryn Sorrell

Defensive line

The addition of Poon Ford should solve a lot of the Rams' problems on the interior, giving them a run-stuffing nose tackle in between Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner . It'd be wise for the Rams to add another defensive lineman to the mix, though, whether it's another nose tackle, a 3-tech to play behind Turner or a defensive end who can rush the passer.

It's no longer a big need but it would help the defense in case Tyler Davis and Desjuan Johnson don't continue to improve in 2025.

Potential targets: Darius Alexander, Shemar Turner , Ty Robinson

Running back

The Rams have talked to Kyren Williams about a potential extension and they just drafted Blake Corum in the third round last year, so it wouldn't seem like they need another running back. And you could make the case that they don't.

However, Williams and Corum are very similar players in that they're good at moving the chains and getting the hard-earned yards, but they're not exactly breakaway runners. They don't create many big plays, which is something the Rams lacked last season with just two 20-yard runs all year. Look for them to add an explosive back who can break off long runs and contribute more as a receiver.

Potential targets: R.J. Harvey, Jaydon Blue, Brashard Smith

Quarterback

Thankfully, the Rams don't need to find a new starter for 2025 after getting a new deal done with Matthew Stafford. They also re-signed Jimmy Garoppolo , so they have their backup for at least one more year, too.

One question they do need to answer sooner rather than later is who will replace Stafford after he retires? The Rams have shown interest in some of the top quarterbacks in this year's class despite Sean McVay saying he hasn't done much work on the signal callers, so it's clear they're at least considering drafting one early.

Potential targets: Jaxson Dart , Jalen Milroe , Kyle McCord

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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2025 NFL Draft: Ranking Rams' biggest positions of need

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