With the 2025 NFL Draft just three days away, front offices are preparing war rooms and putting the final touches on their draft boards. Los Angeles currently holds the No. 26 overall pick, although many analysts have predicted them to trade that selection in order to move up or down in the draft.
Here are the latest projections for what the Rams will do with their first-round pick, with five different positions being addressed across as many mock drafts:
Reuter has the Rams trading the No. 26 pick and a third rounder to the Eagles for pick No. 32 and a second-round pick in order to select Burden.
In three seasons at Missouri, the speedster accumulated 192 receptions for 2,263 yards and 21 touchdowns, adding 234 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. He was a First-Team All-SEC selection in both of the past two seasons. Burden's combination of route-running prowess and elite quickness give him the potential to be a top-tier separator and creator after the catch in the NFL. He would add a dynamic element to an already stacked Rams wide receiver room.
"Tutu Atwell might get more playing time than Burden would in L.A. in 2025, but Burden's ability to avoid or run through defenders' tackle attempts should intrigue the Rams," Reuter wrote. "Opposing defensive coordinators, on the other hand, might be nauseous trying to deal with Burden, Atwell, Davante Adams and Puka Nacua."
Starks has some of the best film of any defensive back in this class, and the Rams rely heavily on tape in their evaluations. They may not have a big need at safety given the success of Kam Kinchens, Quentin Lake and Kam Curl, but Starks provides rare instincts and versatility on the back end. The 2024 First-Team All-American would be a welcome addition to the Rams' young and exciting defense.
"While the Rams received good early returns from 2024 third-round pick Kamren Kinchens, drafting a true center-field safety would change the dynamic of their secondary," Reid wrote. "Starks primarily played nickel corner this past season (248 snaps), so his range as a true free safety was hardly ever seen. In Los Angeles, he could transition back to his more natural role in the middle of the field, one he played his first two college seasons.
"The Rams haven't selected a defensive back in the first round since 2006 (Tye Hill), but they should take a chance on Starks, who is the No. 17 prospect on my board."
Campbell would fill a much more potent need than Starks or Burden, as the Rams lost former starting linebacker Christian Rozeboom in free agency this offseason. Campbell boasts ideal size, strength and instincts to make an immediate impact against the run and the pass at the NFL level. L.A. hasn't drafted an inside linebacker in the first two rounds since Alec Ogletree in 2013, but Campbell's talent and the Rams' need at inside linebacker could merit bucking that trend if the Alabama product is available at 26.
"As much as I would love to send L.A. a quarterback here, there are simply greater needs for the championship-window Rams and the value is off the charts," Jones wrote. "It's possible Campbell goes to Cincy or Tampa in the teens, and I think the Rams would be quite pleased to get the Alabama backer right here. I'm told his recovery from shoulder surgery is going well and there shouldn't be concerns for his 2025 availability."
Conerly was frequently linked to the Rams before they extended Alaric Jackson on a three-year deal, and head coach Sean McVay confirmed Rob Havenstein would return for his age-33 season. Still, with Havenstein on an expiring contract, Conerly could be a viable future replacement and would provide depth for L.A. in an important spot. The 2024 First-Team All-Big 10 talent would bring athleticism and brute strength to the outside of Los Angeles' line for years to come.
"The Rams will choose an offensive tackle with huge upside, as they continue to add youth to their trenches," Schwartz wrote.
Loveland is one of the most exciting skill position players in a very deep tight end class. His blend of speed and tough running in the open field would allow the Rams to continue adding more 12 personnel sets to the offense, something that's increased over the past few seasons. Veteran tight end Tyler Higbee is playing on an expiring contract, so adding Loveland to the mix could service both short and long-term productivity for Los Angeles.
He set Michigan's program record for single-season receptions by a tight end with 56 catches last season, totaling 582 yards in 10 games.
"While needs at other positions might be greater, one of the more exciting offensive weapons in the draft falls to the Rams here instead," Scott wrote. "It's no secret Sean McVay covets dynamic tight ends, and he adds the Michigan product as the Rams load up for a Super Bowl run. Loveland's 90.6 PFF receiving grade since 2023 ranked third in college football."
