Could the Rams add another FSU defender to their defensive line?
The NFL Combine got going without missing a beat on Wednesday. While Wednesday is technically day three of the Combine, it is the first day the media gets to talk with the draft prospects as edge rushers, linebackers, and defensive linemen made their way through the media room. After all, we’re here for the players! The athletic tests won’t take place until tomorrow, but in the middle of all of the Matthew Stafford talk, NFL draft prospects got their opportunity to sell themselves to teams in front of the media.
Wednesday in particular was a big day when it comes to Rams draft interest. The Rams may not need a top edge rusher, but adding a speed guy behind Jared Verse and Byron Young could be beneficial. The Rams need a linebacker to replace Christian Rozeboom and it wouldn’t hurt to add some defensive line depth.
Last year, the Los Angeles Rams doubled up on Florida State defenders, drafting Jared Verse and Braden Fiske in the first two rounds. It’s possible that they could add a third in the 2025 NFL Draft. Joshua Farmer played at Florida State last year and could be available on day three. Farmer talked about players that he models his game after as well, mentioning both Kobie Turner and Fiske. He also mentioned that he and Fiske are pretty close. Said Farmer,
“I like Kobie Turner, my teammate Braden Fiske…twitchy guys, not the biggest guys on the field. I talk to Fiske every week. He’s texted me twice since I’ve been here just telling me how important this week is and everything, giving me some tips. Fiske is my guy. We’re really close.”
FSUs Joshua Farmer mentioned a couple of Rams DL. Kobie Turner is a player he likes to watch along with Braden Fiske.
Said him and Fiske are tight and they’ve been texting this week. pic.twitter.com/zMjDzWv2tN
— Blaine Grisak (@bgrisakTST) February 26, 2025
After being high on Verse and Fiske last season, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Rams have already done quite a bit of work on Farmer. He has great length which helps him out in the run game. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report noted,
“Farmer stands out the most as a run defender. When he shoots his hands straight from the ground, he’s hard to move with one-on-one blocks and has plenty of upper-body strength to lock out offensive linemen and take advantage of those long arms.”
At 6’2, 314-pounds, Farmer is similarly sized as Neville Gallimore who is one of the defensive lineman that the Rams may need to replace this offseason. As shown with Wisconsin offensive linemen, when the Rams find a particular pipeline of talent, they have no issue going back to it.
The linebackers came through the media room as well on Wednesday. Minnesota’s Cody Lindenberg gave a great answer on his film preparation and called himself a “film junkie.” Lindenberg was a player that impressed in Mobile as well at the Senior Bowl. With that being said, the more metaphorical dates I go on with Jeffrey Bassa, the more I fall head over heels.
This is the linebacker that the Rams should want in the draft. Similarly to the 2025 class, the 2018 NFL Draft was light at the linebacker position. Somehow, Fred Warner was overlooked and fell to the third round. Some of the questions about Warner in 2018 are the same that people are having of Bassa. However, this is a player that embraces the role of the ‘green dot’ on a defense and is someone teams should want in the middle of their defense. Said Bassa,
“It takes a lot of poise, a lot of confidence to make sure that your defense is right on the line. You want to make sure you’re getting the call correctly and know what everybody’s assignment is so you know if a DB or D-lineman doesn’t know if they’re in the right gap or right alignment, you have to have poise to make sure that they’re right and they know the coverage adjustment. You have to be able to know the whole defense. But then you also need a guy who, let’s say there’s an explosive play, you need a guy that can keep the defense poised and calm — not being in the huddle going crazy. You have to keep the defense level headed and in control.”
Oregon’s Jeffrey Bassa remains one of my favorite LB prospects for the Rams.
He talked about the responsibility he takes on when wearing the Green Dot. Says he models parts of his game after Fred Warner. pic.twitter.com/WYpcxVjoSF
— Blaine Grisak (@bgrisakTST) February 26, 2025
Bassa is simply a player that embraces the role of being the leader and quarterback of a defense. That’s exactly the type of player that the Rams need in their back seven after trading Ernest Jones last offseason.
Again, while the Rams may not need an edge, it shouldn’t be ruled out as a position they consider on draft day. Nick Hampton hasn’t necessarily worked out and the Rams could use some more depth behind Verse and Young. The Rams tend to like players with some versatility. One of the more versatile defensive linemen and edge players in the draft is Elijah Roberts from SMU. Roberts talked about his ability to win from multiple positions,
“Inside, things happen a lot faster. Guys don’t really want to be in space on the inside. That’s kind of where I feel like I have an advantage. I can line up a little wide and make them kick out. It just comes from me playing ‘end’ a lot and knowing pass rush angles. On edge there is a lot more space out there, but guys kind of want to run past dudes. It definitely taught me the importance of having a power rush and having power moves in your game.”
Roberts was a player that stood out at the Shrine Bowl and the Rams will value his versatility. He had a sack during the game and consistently stood out on the practice film. He’s 6’3, 290-pounds, but moves like he’s 15-20 pounds lighter. Roberts will be an option for teams on day three.
