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 wrap up the series with safety.
It hasn't been widely identified by analysts as a position of need for the Rams, but here's why they may consider targeting it in the draft
Four safeties made significant impacts for the Rams last season, despite not all of them having consistent roles in the starting lineup. The Rams often put three safeties on the field, so there was plenty of production to go around.
Quentin Lake didn't leave the field all season, primarily manning the "star" role that covers the slot. Meanwhile, 2024 third-round pick Kamren Kinchens and undrafted free agent Jaylen McCollough tied for the team lead in interceptions with four each. Kam Curl, who was a free agent signing last offseason, also played a substantial role, logging nine passes defended and two forced fumbles.
The Rams are currently rostering just five safeties after a season where they allowed the third-most touchdowns and 10th-most yards per attempt on passes 20+ yards downfield, according to Next Gen Stats. So, adding some depth or a high-end talent at the position would be far from a waste, as there's definite room for improvement.
The Rams have not drafted a safety inside the first two rounds since Taylor Rapp in 2019, but some analysts have them targeting one in the first round in 2025.
Current defensive linemen on the roster
McCollough, Lake, Kinchens, Tanner Ingle and Curl.
Projected names
Georgia standout Malaki Starks has been frequently mocked to the Rams at pick No. 26, including by ESPN's Jordan Reid in his latest article. Starks is widely considered the top safety in this year's class after three highly productive seasons in the SEC.
NFL.com's Eric Edholm projected the Rams to land Nick Emmanwori out of South Carolina at the back of the first round. Emmanwori is a combine riser who displayed elite athleticism during drills.
Later in the draft, Pro Football Focus' Austin Scott projected the Rams to select Maryland dual-sport athlete Dante Trader Jr. 201st overall in the sixth round. He played football and lacrosse for the Terrapins.
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)
