The Los Angeles Rams enter an offseason in which they’ll be looking to take the next step and win a second Super Bowl with Matthew Stafford at quarterback. Over the past two seasons, it’s been popular for the media to mock a quarterback to the Rams. In 2024 there were rumors that the Rams could be interested in Bo Nix and JJ McCarthy. Last year, it was thought that the Rams could draft Jaxson Dart. In past seasons, it hasn’t made a lot of sense. However, with just one year left on Matthew Stafford’s contract, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the media try to pair the Rams with Ty Simpson. If that were to happen, how would the rest of the draft look?
13th Overall – LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Is it likely that the Rams will take a linebacker in the first round, let alone at the 13th overall pick? Probably not. Will I still try to manifest it into existence for Sonny Styles? Absolutely. The Rams haven’t taken a linebacker in the first round since taking Alec Ogletree in 2013. That was also the last time they took a linebacker inside the top-100. With that said, the Rams need an upgrade over Omar Speights and a player that better complements Nate Landman. Landman is an important part of the defense, but he has his deficiencies. That’s especially the case in coverage. Styles is a player that takes the Rams’ front-seven to the next level. He can come in on day one and make an immediate impact on the defense.
29th Overall – QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
There will be some that don’t like this pick, but Simpson fits what we have seen from a Sean McVay quarterback. He only has 15 games of experience and his level trended downward during the second half of the season which is a fair concern. At the same time, his tape against Mizzou and the 18th best pass defense in college football might be the best tape of the season. His pocket movement and mental processing pre-snap might be the best in the class, including Fernando Mendoza. Simpson has also displayed flashes of good accuracy and ball placement.
If the Rams want to draft Matthew Stafford’s replacement, this might be their best opportunity. Simpson could sit and learn behind Stafford without any real pressure to start. They would also be able to draft a quarterback while also addressing a need in the first round. By drafting him 29th overall, the Rams would also be getting the benefit of the fifth-year option. He’s reminiscent of a young Kirk Cousins who McVay coached in Washington. This isn’t to say that the Rams should go out of their way to draft Simpson, but if they like him, he certainly makes sense and is a fit for the offense.
61st Overall – CB Chris Johnson, SDSU
This might be later than some would like for the Rams to take a cornerback. However, the drop-off in that second tier of cornerbacks isn’t that large. The difference between Colton Hood and Chris Johnson isn’t that significant and the Rams can still get a quality cornerback that can develop into a CB2 after hopefully signing one in free agency. This was PFF’s second-highest graded cornerback in college football last season. The SDSU cornerback allowed the lowest passer rating among draft-eligible cornerbacks. Johnson can play in both man and zone schemes and at 6’0, 190-pounds, he brings good size on the outside. He also had just a 5.6 percent missed tackle rate.
93rd Overall – WR Kevin Coleman Jr., Mizzou
There may not be a better fit for what the Rams need at wide receiver right now than Kevin Coleman Jr. from Mizzou. He checks all the boxes of a Rams receiver in that he wins after the catch, is competitive at the catch point, and is a willing blocker. Additionally, he adds value as a punt returner. Coleman wouldn’t be asked to contribute right away, but would be a solid depth piece and special teams contributor as a rookie.
206th Overall – LB Xavian Sorey Jr., Arkansas
This is another pick made with special teams in mind. It may be unlikely that the Rams take two linebackers in the same draft. The linebacker position is one that the Rams tend to remain thin at during the season. With that said, Sorey has upside as a defensive contributor, but could immediately make an impact on special teams. He was a key contributor on special teams at Georgia on the kick coverage unit and then played his share of special teams this past season at Arkansas. Sorey Jr. is extremely athletic which gives him upside to develop into a starter or key depth piece at some point. Until then, he should be able to help improve the Rams’ special teams unit.
209th Overall – DL Deven Eastern, Minnesota
The Rams have done well to build depth on the defensive line. However, with Larrell Murchison likely gone, Poona Ford another year older, and some uncertainty with Ty Hamilton, the Rams could continue to add here. Eastern is an exceptional run defender who plays with energy, quickness, and power to penetrate gaps.
232nd Overall – OT Aamil Wagner, Notre Dame
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Rams take an offensive tackle much sooner. With that said, they do need to take a developmental swing tackle at some point in the draft. All of Wagner’s snaps at Notre Dame came at right tackle, but he’s an experienced player who can develop on both sides.
256th Overall – iOL Dillon Wade, Auburn
Closing out, we’ll go with more offensive line depth. Justin Dedich proved to be a valuable depth piece inside, but the Rams can continue to add there. Wade was a left guard this past season at Auburn, but had previously played left tackle. He also has experience at right tackle. Wade is more likely a guard at the next level, but his versatility and experience make him valuable.
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