5 realistic targets for the Rams in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL draft
The Los Angeles Rams finally broke their first-round drought in 2024, ending an eight-year stretch without making a pick on Day 1. They didn't waste it either, grabbing edge rusher Jared Verse at No. 19, who quickly proved to be a foundational piece on defense. Now, in 2025, with another first-round pick, this time at No. 26, the pressure is on to keep the momentum going.
L.A. still has holes to fill, especially in the trenches and secondary, but this year's draft class offers real value late in the first round. Whether Les Snead leans toward best player available or plugs a need, here are five realistic targets who make sense when the Rams are on the clock.
TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
While he may not be an immediate starter, Colston Loveland would represent the future of the Rams' tight end position. Drafting him would be timely, especially considering the current situation with veteran tight end Tyler Higbee, who at 32 years old is entering the final season of his contract. Loveland, a Second-Team All-American in 2024, finished his junior season recording 56 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns. What stands out about the 6-foot-6, 248-pound product is his route running, athleticism, and ball skills.
CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
If there is one thing the Rams arguably need above all, it's a true No. 1 corner. Insert Jahdae Barron, who is coming off an outstanding senior season at Texas, finishing with 46 tackles, five interceptions, 11 pass deflections, and zero touchdowns allowed. Barron's accolades include the 2024 Consensus All-American and First-Team All-SEC and the Jim Thorpe Award, which recognizes the nation's best defensive back in college football. The Rams' secondary could use his awareness, instincts, and strength.
OLB Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
In certain positions, you can never have too many players. Having a deep core of pass rushers is one of those areas. Last year, the Rams hit big in their first-round return with Jared Verse, who finished with 66 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 33 pressures, and 11 tackles for loss and was named the 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. On the opposite end could be Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku, who concluded his college career winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Despite being undersized at 6-foot-2 and 248 pounds, Ezeiruaku finished his final season third in the nation with 16.5 sacks. His long arms, athleticism, and agility make up for the lack of size.
OL Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
At 37 years old, protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford is more important than ever for the Rams' offense. Last season, the unit performed reasonably well, allowing only two sacks per game, which ranked as the 10th fewest in the league. Adding a player like Donovan Jackson from Ohio State could further strengthen the team's foundation, which already includes promising talents such as Alaric Jackson, who recently signed a three-year, $57 million contract extension in February. Additionally, Steve Avila, who attempted to move from guard to center despite a knee injury last season, could benefit from such an addition. Jackson would provide the Rams with an athletic zone blocker, the power and leg drive necessary to dominate at the line of scrimmage, and the versatility to slide over to tackle where he logged in 529 snaps last season.
QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
It's the NFL Draft; fun is encouraged. Perhaps no name has been thrown around more than Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, who has garnered plenty of interest and praise since the draft began. While L.A. might be better off picking an immediate impact player and starter, Dart would give the Rams their potential future with Stafford in the tail end of his career and no guarantees of his future despite a reworked contract. Dart finished last season throwing for 4,279 yards, third most in CFB, 29 touchdowns to just six interceptions, while adding 495 yards rushing and three touchdowns. The First-Team All-SEC selection led the Rebels to a 10-3 finish in 2024, which concluded with a No. 11 ranking and a 52-20 win over Duke in the Gator Bowl. Dart proved to be a good decision-maker, excelled reading through his progressions and knows when to get away from pressure.
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