The Los Angeles Rams have kept their plans at No. 26 pretty under wraps as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.
While linebacker and cornerback are obvious needs, it wouldn't be a shock to see L.A. snag a receiver, lineman or even a quarterback early in the draft to give the team more depth and long-term stability. Despite the Rams' overall youth, there are a few aging positions that will need to be address, including the aforementioned units.
As such, mock drafts have been all over the place for the Rams. And in a recent three-round mock from Pro Football Network’s Justin Lewis, the Rams add an edge rusher and quarterback before finally addressing cornerback.
Round 1, Pick No. 26: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
This would be a puzzling pick for the Rams. Not because Pearce Jr. is a bad prospect, but because he has no immediate role in Chris Shula's defense. Jared Verse, Byron Young and Braden Fiske are impact starters early in their rookie deals, so adding someone like Pearce would relegate the rookie to a rotational player and hamper development.
However, it's hard to discount what Pearce did at Tennessee. He tallied 7.5 sacks in 2024 after an SEC-leading 10.0 in 2023 with 30 tackles for a loss in three seasons.
Here's what Lewis said about the pick:
"James Pearce Jr.’s effortless explosiveness makes him a consistent arc threat. Pearce’s ankle and hip flexibility make him a true danger, but his ability to win with his hands outside, through, and inside tackles could make him a pass-rushing assassin at the next level.
"When the Volunteers’ pass rusher times up the snap perfectly, there’s nothing for an offensive tackle to do but open up the door and let him in the house. Pearce is too explosive and turns too tight of a corner to stop him. He’ll likely fit into the mold of Brian Burns — a consistent threat on passing downs while being an overall underwhelming run defender. However, Pearce’s pass-rush chops still make him worthy of high draft capital."
Round 3, Pick No. 90: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
This one is still an odd choice, but less so given the long-term look at taking a quarterback with a top-100 pick. Shough was productive in 2024 with 3,195 passing yards and 23 touchdowns but will turn 26 in September. Considering he will certainly be No. 3 on the quarterback depth chart, Shough likely won't get a look at the starting role until Matthew Stafford leaves, either after the 2025 of 2026 seasons. Shough would be closer to 30 by this time, which lessens his appeal as a franchise quarterback and gives him less time to develop into one.
Round 3, Pick No. 101: Zy Alexander, CB, LSU
Finally, a cornerback. Better late than never. Alexander is a good size at 6-foot-1 and 187 pounds and ran a 4.56 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine. He tallied two interceptions in 2024 for LSU and four defended passes. Alexander is less of a ballhawk than a good cover corner, which could help the Rams' secondary. He'd begin on the bench but would give L.A. another young option at the position.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams take unconventional approach in new 3-round mock draft