As part of theRams.com's preview coverage leading into this year's draft, we'll be taking a look at each position on the team's roster.
We start off with the cornerback position.
Why it's likely viewed by analysts as a position of need
Multiple cornerbacks will enter 2025 on expiring deals in some capacity, whether it be Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick in the final year of the their rookie deals or Ahkello Witherspoon playing on the one-year deal. Darious Williams is the only starter from 2024 who is currently under contract beyond this upcoming season.
While Emmanuel Forbes Jr. wasn't used often after being claimed off waivers late last season, the Rams did take on his rookie contract upon claiming him, so he's under contract for the next two years. Still, having three impending free agents – two of which have been starters – could warrant consideration for addressing the position next week.
Current cornerbacks on the roster
Durant, Forbes, A.J. Green, Shaun Jolly, Kendrick, Cam Lampkin, Josh Wallace, Williams, Witherspoon, and Charles Woods.
Green, Jolly, Lampkin and Woods all signed Reserve/Future deals to remain on the team's offseason roster earlier this offseason. Wallace and Woods are former undrafted free agent signees who made the initial 53-man roster last year; Wallace played in all 17 regular season games (three starts), while Woods appeared in 12 primarily as a special teams contributor.
Projected names
Florida State's Azareye'h Thomas, Kentucky's Maxwell Hairston and Ole Miss' Trey Amos are trio of prospects analysts have identified as possibilities for the Rams at No. 26 overall.
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah has Hairston at No. 35 in his most recent overall Top 50 prospect rankings, which would put him as the No. 4-ranked corner behind Michigan's Will Johnson, Texas' Jahdae Barron and Colorado's Travis Hunter. Amos is 42nd overall and the No. 5-ranked corner, while Thomas is 50th and the No. 6 corner.
For what it's worth, cornerback is not a position that they may need to address with their highest selection. Jeremiah noted on a pre-NFL Combine conference call that cornerback – along with wide receiver and tight end – as good position groups depth-wise on Day 2 of the draft.
Los Angeles' 2025 Draft Picks:
- Round 1: No. 26 overall
- Round 3: No. 90 overall
- Round 3: No. 101 overall (special compensatory)
- Round 4: No. 127 overall
- Round 6: No. 190 overall (from Atlanta Falcons)
- Round 6: No. 195 overall (from Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Round 6: No. 201 overall
- Round 6: No. 202 overall (from Chicago Bears in Jonah Jackson trade)
