Not by much: The Rams have only been linked to tackles
If the team of writers at NFL.com who do mock drafts are any indication, I can almost guarantee that the Rams are not going to use their first pick on a tackle. After reading the five most recent mock drafts by their writers and seeing no originality from one to the next, an offensive lineman is almost too easy at this point.
When does Les Snead ever do what’s easy or expected?
Here are five picks by five different writers at NFL.com:
Cynthia Frelund: OT Josh Simmons
After nailing several picks in recent years that have allowed the Rams to build a fierce defensive front, Les Snead & Co. turn their attention to the other side of the line. Simmons has the upside to be a franchise left tackle and could serve as Alaric Jackson’s replacement if the veteran signs elsewhere in free agency.
Josh Simmons is an incredibly smooth & powerful LT from Ohio St that offers immediate potential for a number of teams in the upcoming NFL Draft. His athleticism & scheme-versatility was on full display in ’24 before a season-ending in October#OhioState #NFLDraft #NFLDraft2025 pic.twitter.com/Hz7H1jAVFp
— All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) February 1, 2025
Lance Zierlein: OT Josh Conerly, Jr.
A young OT with good upside who still needs development, Conerly would have the chance to come in and learn behind the Rams’ veteran tackles before taking over a starting spot in 2026.
: Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. was named top OL on National squad in vote from DL & LB position groups at Practice Player-of-the-Week awards ceremony today at 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl. #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/R3JYheAFu9
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) January 31, 2025
Eric Edholm: OL Donovan Jackson
Jackson goes three picks after the injured teammate (Josh Simmons) he replaced so ably during Ohio State’s national championship run, moving from left guard to left tackle when the Buckeyes needed help on the blind edge. He’s a multi-positional blocker who deserves a shot at playing OT in the NFL at some point.
How high could Donovan Jackson go in the 2025 #NFLDraft? Can he be both a guard and a tackle at the NFL level?@InHarmsWay19 dives into the film to break it down.#GoBucks
FULL VIDEO: https://t.co/6L6kMR6xvw pic.twitter.com/siQnrDQfj3
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) January 23, 2025
Bucky Brooks: OT Josh Simmons
If Matthew Stafford and the Rams move forward together, continuing to build a fortress around the veteran quarterback has to be a top priority.
Daniel Jeremiah: OT Josh Conerly, Jr.
I’m still getting used to seeing the Rams make picks in the first round after their seven-draft gap from 2017 to 2023! The team pored resources into the defensive line in the last draft. They flip the script and take care of the offensive line in the first round this year.
The Rams could re-sign Alaric Jackson and still have a need at tackle because Rob Havenstein is getting up there in years, but is what what Snead will do with this class?
Expect the unexpected.
