Rams get future franchise left tackle in latest mock draft from expert

Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery could be just what the Rams need

Picking outside of the top-10 might actually work out in the Rams’ favor next year. If a mid-first round pick is what the Rams end up with, then The Athletic’s Dane Brugler sees tackle Aireontae Ersery as the perfect fit for L.A.’s offensive line.

Over the last two years, general manager Les Snead has had two home run draft classes and will hope for another in 2025. That may be easier said than done in this year’s draft class that is generally seen as a weaker group, especially at the top.

With the 2025 class seen as a weaker group, the Rams will be glad not to be selecting inside the top-10 and needing to reach for a player. At the same time, it will be interesting to see if Snead holds on to his first round pick or trades it away. As The Athletic’s Dane Brugler noted from an AFC scout, “(Travis) Hunter is the only guy this year who would have been a top-10 pick last year — probably in most years.”

Despite being in the playoff hunt, the Rams will have plenty of needs to address in the draft. The big positions of note will be cornerback, linebacker, wide receiver, and offensive tackle. On Wednesday, Brugler released a mock draft with the Rams selecting 17th overall. With the 17th overall pick, Brugler gave the Rams Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery. Said Brugler,

“The Rams will need to look at their offensive tackle options this offseason, including in the draft. Ersery doesn’t have first-round consistency on his tape, but it isn’t easy to find 335-pounders with his movement skills and length.”

It’s worth noting that Brugler had cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. and Will Johnson going before the Rams were on the clock. Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. was also selected at 11. Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison was not taken in the first round while offensive tackle Cameron Williams, tight end Tyler Warren, and running back Ashton Jeanty were all taken after the Rams.

While it wouldn’t be surprising for the Rams to take a tackle, Ersery may not be the best fit. The Rams do like experienced players along the offensive line and Ersery was a three-year starter at Minnesota. However, he is seen as a better zone blocker and can play too upright in pass protection. An average athlete at the position, it also limits his ability to recover.

Someone like Williams out of Texas would make a lot more sense for the Rams if offensive tackle is the position that they decide to go with in the first round. Williams is less experienced, but plays in a multiple run-scheme with the Longhorns and is much more athletic than Ersery.

At this point, there is no guarantee that the Rams would take a left tackle in the upcoming draft. The window to win with Matthew Stafford at quarterback will be closing and the Rams could simply opt to bring back Alaric Jackson. However, if Jackson demands too high of a price tag, drafting a tackle would certainly be on the table.