Did the Rams make a mistake not prioritizing cornerback or offensive tackle?
The NFL Draft is over and the Los Angeles Rams have their class of six rookies. On the surface it looks like general manager Les Snead didn’t necessarily get an exciting class, but animportant one that could end up being impactful.
Snead has gotten some fair criticism for his drafting in the past. However, it’s also very easy to criticize after the fact.
Throughout draft weekend, I conducted another “shadow draft,” meaning that any time the Rams were on the clock to select a player, so was I. This is a fun exercise just to see the different paths of “my” draft class and the Rams’ real-life draft class.
This was my sixth year doing the exercise. You can see those results here.
The idea here is very much not that I would do a better job drafting than the Snead and the Rams. This is simply a fun exercise in what is a process that requires a lot of luck.
Below are the rules:
1. Past Shadow Draft results do not carry over. Every year is a new year and I draft with the current Rams roster and needs in mind.
2. I follow along with whatever real-life trades Snead and the Rams made. So even though I might have wanted to trade up to pick 148 or wanted to trade down from 26, I was along for the ride.
3. I make my picks in real time when the Rams are on the clock and make my pick before the Rams’ selection was announced. Revisionist history is lame.
46th Overall – CB Trey Amos, Ole Miss
It was a surprise that Trey Amos lasted as long as he did. This is a player that the Rams were projected to take at 26. To be able to get him 20 selections later would have been great value. The Rams did get a player that they still would have taken at 26, but that player was tight end Terrance Ferguson.
Coming into the draft, the cornerback position was a big need and the Rams getting their guy at 46 would have been huge. It says a lot that I’ve done this exercise six times and in each of the last four drafts, cornerback has been my top pick. The Rams have not drafted a cornerback since 2022. A trade for Jalen Ramsey post-June 1 is certainly possible, but not taking a cornerback is still a head-scratcher.
Where They Went: 61st Overall, Washington Commanders
Actual Rams Pick: TE Terrance Ferguson, Oregon
90th Overall – LB Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
This is my shadow draft and I’m going to take some of my favorite players if it makes sense. It should be no secret that Bassa was one of my favorite players throughout the draft process. His leadership ability in combination with his attention to detail in the film room and upside in coverage make him extremely intriguing as a prospect.
The Rams had a huge need at linebacker coming into the draft. Omar Speights was good against the run in 2024, but a player that could provide coverage upside and hold their own against the run would have made for a good pairing. Bassa was the perfect player for that.
Where They Went: 156th Overall, Kansas City Chiefs
Actual Rams Pick: EDGE Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
117th Overall – OT Marcus Mbow, Purdue
While the Rams didn’t need a starting tackle by any means, adding depth with a player who could fill a swing tackle role should have been a consideration. Whether the Rams didn’t like this tackle class or players they would have wanted went off the board, it wasn’t something that was addressed. With the tackles dwindling, I took Purdue’s Marcus Mbow. As Brandon Thorn of the Trench Warfare substack noted,
“I gave Mbow a third-round grade based on his 2024 film at right tackle for Purdue. He impressively handled himself in pass protection despite Purdue having a 1-11 record and game script that consistently put him in obvious drop back situations. Mbow lacks the needed play strength to hold up against NFL power on day one, but his movement skills and technical refinement offer good value in round five. Expect him to compete for a swing backup role and possibly win a job at a guard spot or right tackle.”
Mbow brings tackle-guard versatility which is something that the Rams currently lack. Warren McClendon is more of a tackle that can play either side and the same can be said about AJ Arcuri. Mbow fits a clear need and could compete for the starting right tackle spot if Rob Havenstein hangs it up at the end of the year.
Where They Went: 154th Overall, New York Giants
Actual Rams Pick: RB Jarquez Hunter, Auburn
148th Overall – RB Damien Martinez, Miami
Coming into the draft, Damien Martinez was one of my favorite running backs in the class. While he didn’t necessarily bring the home run speed that the Rams needed, he ranked second in the class in yards after contact. He led the class in yards per carry between the tackles. Martinez brings some of the same elements as Williams, but is much more physical after contact.
Where They Went: 223rd Overall, Seattle Seahawks
Actual Rams Pick: DT Ty Hamilton, Ohio State
172nd Overall – QB Kyle McCord, Syracuse
Getting a quarterback like Kyle McCord here feels like good value. McCord would flourish in a McVay style system and push Stetson Bennett for the third quarterback spot on the roster. Heading into 2026, he provides a long-term backup after Jimmy Garoppolo’s contract expires and potential flexibility if the Rams don’t like the 2026 quarterback class.
Where They Went: 181st Overall, Philadelphia Eagles
Actual Rams Pick: LB Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss
245th Overall – WR Xavier Restrepo, Miami
Restrepo did not test well at The Combine, but he was one of the better route-runners in this class and did hit 19 miles per hour at the Senior Bowl which was faster than Jack Bech. The Miami receiver competes at the catch point and in the run game. He also brings upside as a returner.
Where They Went: UDFA
Actual Rams Pick: WR Konata Mumpfield, Pitt
The Full Class
- 46 – CB Trey Amos
- 90 – LB Jeffrey Bassa
- 117 – OT Marcus Mbow
- 148 – RB Damien Martinez
- 172 – QB Kyle McCord
- 242 – WR Xavier Restrepo
Based on where they were selected, Martinez in the fifth round was probably my biggest reach. An argument could have been made for Jaydon Blue or DJ Giddens. A safety like Dante Trader Jr. might also have made sense. Looking back, while Martinez was the highest running back on my board, he is much what the Rams already have.
Tight end was a position that I couldn’t get a good value on in the draft. The 46th pick seemed too high for a Ferguson or Harold Fannin Jr. That may be the position that I regret not taking.
Overall, I like what I did with my first three picks, getting Amos, Bassa, and Mbow. McCord also feels like a good pick as a long-term backup option. Amos and Bassa give the Rams a future at cornerback and linebacker and it feels like forever since that has been the case.
