We are on the doorstep of the month of April, which means the 2025 NFL Draft will take place in a little over three weeks.
Here's what the latest projections look like for the 26th pick as we get closer to the draft.
Most of the projections in these roundups have most commonly featured cornerback, inside linebacker or tight end. This is the first that has the Rams taking at quarterback at No. 26.
The 6-foot-2, 223-pound Dart was the FBS' third-leading passer with 4,279 yards for the Rebels while starting all 13 games. His 10.8 yards per attempt led the FBS.
"After waiting to see whether Matthew Stafford would return for another season, it's time for the Rams to prepare for their post-Stafford future at quarterback," Miller wrote as part of his analysis. "Dart could go as high as the top 10 depending on how the QB board settles early in the draft. He's an accurate thrower on intermediate routes with underrated ability to layer the deep ball downfield. He's also experienced, starting the past three seasons at Ole Miss after transferring from USC."
Jackson, 6-4, 315, was a 14-game starter for the Buckeyes last season, with five at left guard, then nine at left tackle after starter Josh Simmons sustained an injury.
"Jackson was primarily a guard at Ohio State, but he kicked out to left tackle when Josh Simmons was sidelined by an injury last season," Davis wrote. "I see Jackson playing inside for the Rams, possibly allowing Steve Avila to move to center."
Camenker used Microsoft's Copilot A.I. Chatbot to project the first round, and the A.I. software has the Rams going interior defensive line.
Standing 6-4, 331, Grant's 32 tackles (6.5 for loss), three sacks and five pass breakups garnered Third-Team All-American recognition by the Associated Press, plus Second-Team All-Big Ten honors.
"The Rams struggled against the run last season and signed Poona Ford to help them on the line of scrimmage," Camenker wrote. "Selecting the 'powerful and disruptive' Grant would double down on addressing that weakness and continue to bolster Los Angeles' defense in the post-Aaron Donald era."
As noted in previous roundups, the Rams have three cornerbacks whose contracts will expire after the 2025 season, so it makes sense why experts could see them target the position even with Ahkello Witherspoon re-signing.
Hairston was a seven-game starter for the Wildcats last fall (missed five games due to a shoulder injury), recording 19 tackles, one sack, one interception return for a touchdown, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
"The Rams have quickly revamped their defense with draft choices of every variety," Edwards wrote. "A viable long-term starter at cornerback has evaded them, however. The Rams may not value a defensive back this early in the draft, but it may require premium capital to find help at the position."
Although Loveland missed time due to a shoulder injury, the 6-6, 248 tight end set a single-season tight end program record with 56 catches, 582 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns and still managed to be a finalist for the John Mackey Award (nation's top tight end).
"Cooper Kupp is out, but the bigger-bodied Loveland can handle a lot of the same responsibilities as a big body from the slot," Tice and McDonald wrote. "Loveland isn't a great blocker like a lot of traditional tight ends, but he has the speed and receiving skills to be a clean fit for Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford."
