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.
Jahdae Barron is DOMINANT.
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 25, 2025
9 PBUs, 5 picks, and 0 TDs allowed in 2024 to go with just 279 yds allowed.
He’s the most physical and versatile DB in the class, capable of playing the boundary, safety, or wreaking havoc as a nickel.
Barron is a top 10 player and an elite talent. pic.twitter.com/Ssb4F4p3AW
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 ...
