Depending on who you ask, the Los Angeles Rams' biggest need in the 2025 NFL Draft is cornerback or linebacker.
Neither position has much depth or starting role clarity and both are needed to remain competitive in the NFC.
But in the first round, there are maybe two linebackers worth a top-32 pick. Cornerback, meanwhile, has a few more options to choose from that wouldn't be considered reaches at pick No. 26.
FOX Sports NFL draft analyst Rob Rang crafted his best first-round fits for each team and landed on Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the No. 26 pick. His reasons were simple: Barron is one of the best in the class and would do well in Chris Shula's coverage schemes.
"A disruptive defensive line has allowed the Rams to get away with marginal talent in the secondary, having only invested one top-100 selection since 2019 on a defensive back — and that came this past season with safety Kamren Kinchens at No. 99 overall," Rang wrote. "With all due respect to the phenom that is Travis Hunter, Barron projects quite well to the Rams' zone-heavy principles, showing a terrific blend of instincts, closing speed and reliable tackling."
Barron has been mocked to the Rams throughout this offseason and Rams were at the Texas pro day in March. He also proved in 2024 to be one of the best at his position with an SEC-leading five interceptions, 11 defend passes, up one sack and 67 combined tackles. Barron finished his five seasons at Texas with eight interceptions, two sacks, 24 defended passes and 226 combined tackles.
The only problem with Barron is if he will last to the No. 26 pick. Cornerback is an important position, and there isn't a consensus on who the best options are after Colorado's Travis Hunter or Michigan's Will Johnson. Barron could be scooped up for the Rams make their first selection unless L.A. wants to move up to snag a player they covet.
And with a suspect secondary featuring Akhello Witherspoon, Darious Williams, Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes Jr., going and getting a top-flight cornerback might be the Rams' best option in the first round.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2025 NFL Draft: Rams named 'best fit' for top CB prospect
