Deep sleepers at every position the Rams could steal late in the NFL Draft

Who are the diamonds in the rough that the Rams should be watching in 2025 NFL Draft?

The ability to find success later in the NFL Draft is what separates good general managers and great ones. Over the past several years, the Los Angeles Rams have found success on day three of the draft with players like Jordan Fuller, Puka Nacua, Quentin Lake, and others. Great draft classes happen when teams are able to find those late-round diamonds.

Using the NFL Consensus Big Board, I’ve picked out players ranked 150 or lower. Below are seven sleepers and diamonds in the rough that the Rams should keep an eye on.

Quarterback: QB Seth Henigan, Memphis

This is one of the first years in which there really isn’t a late-round quarterback that I really like. It just goes to show the quality of this quarterback class and that it’s really not very good. However, Henigan is an experienced starter and does a nice job getting through his progressions. Henigan also led the game-winning drive in the Senior Bowl.

Running Back: Jarquez Hunter, Auburn

With both Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, it’s unlikely that the Rams take a running back on the first two days of the NFL Draft. Unless the Rams are completely out on Corum after one year, it would make more sense to take a running back late. Jarquez Hunter is a great fit and brings some of the big play ability that the Rams are missing. While Hunter may not be the home-run hitter, he’s capable of ripping off an occasional double or triple. Approximately 33 percent of Hunter’s carries between the tackles at Auburn went for 10 or more yards. He also has one of the higher career explosive run rates among running backs in the draft. Hunter ranks second behind only RJ Harvey.

Wide Receiver: Efton Chism, Eastern Washington

We are starting off with a deep sleeper at the wide receiver position. The Rams had plenty of success with one wide receiver from Eastern Washington, why not go back to that same pipeline? While Chism isn’t the prospect that Kupp was, the two players have very similar traits. Chism is a great route-runner and has the ability to create after the catch.

Tight End: Thomas Fidone II, Nebraska

Had it not been for injuries, it’s possible that Thomas Fidone is getting talked about as a top tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, two major knee injuries later and Fidone is now likely to be a day three pick. Despite the injuries, Fidone has shown why he was so highly touted coming out of high school. He’s a good run-blocker and brings that dog mentality. The upside is there as a receiver and route-runner as he has a wide receiver background. Fidone may not be as exciting as Colston Loveland or Harold Fannin Jr., but these are the profiles and chances worth taking on day three.

Offensive Tackle: Jack Nelson, Wisconsin

The Rams need depth at the tackle position and potentially someone that they can trust to take over for Rob Havenstein on the right side. Jack Nelson may not have the same profile as some of the other tackles in this class, but he is very experienced and has played on both sides. If the Rams are unable to get a tackle on the first two days of the draft, Nelson may not have a high ceiling, but he provides a stable floor as a potential starter on the right side.

iOL: Clay Webb, Jacksonville State

It’s hard to see the Rams taking Clay Webb as they tend to lean towards offensive linemen from bigger schools. With that said, Webb is a three-year starter at left guard and played in a zone-based run scheme. He also took some snaps at center at the Senior Bowl and played well in that spot. Webb is more of a developmental prospect, but could provide versatile depth.

Linebacker: Teddye Buchanan, Cal

It’s well known at this point that the Rams value linebackers about as much as I value eating broccoli. In other words, not very much. If the Rams take a linebacker, it is likely to be on day three and in the later rounds. That puts a strong emphasis on being able to hit on players later. Buchanan is a solid tackler and is comfortable in coverage. He put on a strong showing at the Shrine Bowl.

Cornerback: Mac McWilliams

McWilliams fits the profile of what the Rams have looked for in the past at the cornerback position. This is a player that plays with a lot of competitiveness and, despite being smaller, he plays bigger than that. McWilliams is alignment versatile and had 20 pass breakups over his final two seasons at UAB where the Rams found Darious Williams.

Safety: Maxen Hook, Toledo

It’s hard to find defensive backs that are willing to tackle in space and Maxen Hook makes that his specialty. While Hook doesn’t have the size of a linebacker, he plays like a linebacker in the box. The Toledo safety had over 100 tackles last season which was his third with 80 or more. He also had 95 back in 2021. He’s able to play on special teams and should be able to contribute there early.

Defensive Line: Cam Horsley, Boston College

Despite adding Poona Ford in free agency, the Rams could still use some depth on the defensive line, especially when it comes to players who can stop the run. Horsley graded 16th against the run last season according to PFF and his 14.4 percent stop percentage ranked first.

Edge Rusher: Fadil Diggs, Syracuse

It can be difficult to find late-round edge rushers as it’s a premium position and should typically be addressed early on in the draft. However, Diggs brings some upside as a player with 25 sacks over the last two years, including 14 last season. This is the type of edge rusher worth betting on late in the draft.