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zn
Moderatorfrom https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2025/4/30/24421116/rams-les-snead-mcafee-defenisve-line
Les Snead was recently on The Pat McAfee Show, and Pat’s crew brought up a really compelling stat about how good the Los Angeles Rams front four has been since they stacked the group with Kobie Turner, Byron Young, Braden Fiske and Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse. Reportedly the only defensive lineman since 2023 to have more sacks than any of those four players is the former #3 overall pick by the Houston Texans, Will Anderson Jr.
McAfee summed up how impressive L.A.’s group has been:
“Most sacks including playoffs from the 2023 draftees: Number one, Will Anderson has 22.5 sacks, number two, Kobie Turner, 20.5 sacks, number 3, Byron Young, 17 sacks. Well, how about the 2024 draftees? This is most sacks including playoffs, Braden Fiske, 10 (sacks), Jared Verse, 6.5 (sacks)…nobody else near them. So, four out of five there are your picks, feels like you’ve got the d-line figured out.”
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ModeratorDo we know how much cap space they have now with the rookie pool?
It’s not easy to calculate because no one knows the terms of Stafford’s contract.
But as it stands right now, in Stafford limbo, and without factoring in the rookie pool, OTC.com says the Rams have just over 17.6 M.
This topic has its own thread now: https://theramshuddle.com/topic/staffords-contract/#post-156286
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ModeratorHere is a look at what Matt Staffords revised contract looks like with the #rams https://t.co/aOcJnfn0ID
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) April 30, 2025
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ModeratorLos Angeles Rams PR@TheLARamsPR
Per @PFF, Paul Jr. was the seventh-highest rated defender in the SEC last season in defensive grade (87.2) and tackling grade (85.9). He also led all SEC inside linebackers in defensive grade, tackling grade and coverage grade (78.1)zn
ModeratorMe: As of right now there’s contradictory info on this: Stafford’s cap number in 2025 decreased by $8.7 million as a result of the new contract
Yep. Later discussions have corrected their numbers. From twitter:
Rams Bros.@RamsBrothers
Rams total cap space (as of today): $19,864,807Dollars allocated to the offense: $158,934,880
Dollars allocated to the defense: $65,221,623
Dollars allocated to special teams: $3,083,265
Largest cap hit (offense): Matthew Stafford ($47.6M)
Largest cap hit (defense): Darious Williams ($9.16M)
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Moderatorso. i’m confused. if we’re to believe that post above the rams have 25 million in cap space.
but if we’re to believe otc, it’s only 19 million in cap space?
From what I could tell, earlier OTC.com has a bigger number (ie. for how much cap space the Rams have after the MS contract). So a buncha tweeters circulated that number. But then apparently OTC.com corrected itself, and at that point (when I posted the above stuff), the OTC.com numbers weren’t being discussed by the twitter.ville types yet.
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ModeratorLondon Fletcher comes to mind.
w
vYes. But. Fletcher could drop into zones and had 96 career PDs, and was a smart and tenacious run defender. It looks like Paul can do that but he can also blitz while Fletcher had only 39 sacks in 16 years. With Paul, it’s like playing a weakside smallish 4/3 OLB–a guy like Tom Jackson or Rod Martin–at ILB in a 3/4, which has been done before (think of Donnie Edwards). So he’s like Fletcher but (I am guessing from what we know) with a bit more to him as a pass rusher.
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Moderatorfrom https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Chris-PaulJr-LB-Arkansas
Scouting Report: Strengths
Plus instincts and play recognition skills, quickly identifies blocking schemes and run fits with natural anticipation
Natural instincts in zone coverage with fluid hip transitions and exceptional awareness of route combinations developing behind him – shows advanced pattern matching ability
Nasty closing burst to the football carrier shows up consistently, bringing controlled violence through his tackles despite giving up size to bigger backs
Elite processing speed pre-snap, consistently getting the defense aligned and making coverage adjustments – true quarterback of the defense mentality
Exceptional change of direction skills allow him to navigate traffic smoothly, showing the ability to scrape and flow while maintaining proper leverage
Brings juice as a blitzer with the burst to shoot gaps and create havoc – collected 11 QB pressures in 2024 while rushing selectively
Special teams demon with over 300 career snaps in the third phase – shows up eager to mix it up in coverage units
Advanced route recognition skills in man coverage against backs and tight ends – mirrors with patience and stays in phase through stemsScouting Report: Weaknesses
Undersized frame at 224 pounds shows up when taking on blocks directly – can get overwhelmed by offensive linemen climbing to the second level
Over-pursues at times trying to make splash plays, leaving cutback lanes exposed – particularly evident against misdirection and counter action
Limited length (30⅛” arms) restricts his tackle radius and ability to disengage once bigger blockers latch onto his frame in the run game
Will occasionally lose gap discipline when reading zone runs, getting caught guessing rather than staying patient and flowing with the play
Tackle technique can get sloppy when fatigued, rising up and giving up yards after contact instead of driving through ball carriersScouting Report: Summary
Paul Jr. profiles as a modern NFL WILL linebacker who can make an immediate impact on special teams while developing into a defensive contributor. His tenacity in pursuit and natural feel in coverage suggest he can earn defensive snaps early, particularly in sub-packages where his athleticism and instincts shine brightest.
While his frame limitations will require creative scheming at the next level, Paul Jr. has shown enough on tape to project as a valuable depth piece with starter upside. His track record against SEC competition demonstrates he can hold up against elite athletes, and his dramatic improvement after transferring to Ole Miss hints at untapped potential. Defensive coordinators will need to protect him from direct offensive line climbs, but his range and football IQ make him an intriguing Day 2/3 target.
The ideal landing spot would be a defense that emphasizes speed and pursuit from their linebackers, allowing Paul Jr. to play fast and leverage his natural instincts. His special teams experience and coverage ability give him multiple paths to seeing the field early while he develops into a more complete linebacker.
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ModeratorThat last vid, the interview, I think that’s about as good an interview with a college player I have seen. He’s a very grounded, smart, confident–but also non-egotistical–guy.
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ModeratorTrey Wedig – The Rams have a knack for unearthing diamonds for the offensive line after NFL drafts are over. Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson never heard his name called out in the draft. Did the Rams just mine another diamond for a future right tackle role? 6-foot-6, 310-pound Indiana offensive tackle Troy Wedig certainly fits the profile.
from https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Trey-Wedig-OL-Wisconsin
Draft Profile: Bio
The Wales, Wisconsin native made his mark at Kettle Moraine High School before joining the Wisconsin Badgers’ program. During his prep career, Wedig earned consecutive first-team Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State selections and showcased his athleticism with a runner-up finish in the shot put at the 2019 Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association State Championships.
After redshirting in 2020, Wedig worked his way into the Badgers’ rotation, appearing in all 13 games during his redshirt freshman campaign. His role expanded in 2022, where he logged eight starts across multiple positions – five at right tackle, two at right guard, and one at left guard. The two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection transferred to Indiana following the 2023 season, where he appeared in 12 games.
Scouting Report: Strengths
Plus arm length and natural knee bend allow him to maintain leverage through the arc against edge rushers
Snap-to-step quickness out of his stance shows functional mobility needed for pass protection sets
Heavy hands in the run game; creates torque and displacement when he lands his initial punch
Play strength at the point of attack translates to good anchor ability against power rushers
Smooth lateral movement skills aid in mirroring speed rushers and recovering against counter moves
Shows coordinated footwork in pass sets; maintains half-man relationship with good base width
Position versatility demonstrated with starts at multiple spots along the offensive line
Natural bender who plays with consistent pad level despite height; keeps feet driving through contactScouting Report: Weaknesses
Base narrows when redirecting in space; leads to balance issues against counter moves
Inconsistent hand placement allows defenders into his chest; needs to improve initial strike location
Struggles to maintain blocks through the whistle; tendency to ease up once initial contact is made
Limited experience against top-tier edge talent; technique breaks down versus speed-to-power rushers
Second-level blocking needs refinement; takes inconsistent angles to moving targets in spaceScouting Report: Summary
A developmental tackle prospect with the frame and functional movement skills coveted at the next level. Shows natural pass protection traits with smooth kickslide and good mirror ability. Upper body strength and leverage allow him to generate movement in the run game when technique is sound.
The tape reveals a tackle who excels in traditional pass sets but needs technical refinement in the run game. Despite plus physical tools, inconsistent hand placement and finishing ability limit his current effectiveness. Three-position experience adds roster value while he develops.
Scheme versatility exists for both gap and zone systems, though his movement skills suggest higher upside in a zone-heavy offense. Day three prospect who could develop into a swing tackle with proper coaching and physical maturation.
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ModeratorWyatt Bowles – A 6-foot-5, 300-pound dynamo from Utah State (they coach ’em up there), Wyatt Bowles played in 52 games with 20 starts, 1,543 snaps, and 51 pancakes. He is a fierce and versatile interior offensive lineman who brings blue-collar bully-ball to the offensive trenches
The #Rams are getting an athletic, nasty, & mobile blocker in OG Wyatt Bowles! (@wyatt_bowles)
Bowles displays upper & lower half quickness & fluidity with the ability to deliver stiff strikes & run defenders off the LOS!#NFLDraft #RamsHouse @raj_manjrekar pic.twitter.com/T921enwXhf
— Noah K.M. Chang (@NoahKMChang) April 28, 2025
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ModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Rams announce they’ve agreed to terms with these UDFAs:The previous 2 lists I posted had 12 and 13 players, respectively. Rodrique lists 16.
She adds:
OL Bowles
Safety Dixon-Williams
TE RedmanNow it’s 17. Newest add-on: Torres, TE.
Utah State OL Wyatt Bowles
Connecticut S Malik Dixon-Williams
Buffalo ILB Shaun Dolac
Boise State OL Ben Dooley
Louisiana Tech WR Tru Edwards
North Carolina OL Willie Lampkin
USC OLB Jamil Muhammad
University of Texas DL Bill Norton
Rice OLB Josh Pearcy
Oklahoma State WR Brennan Presley
Louisville TE Mark Redman
Oklahoma DL Da’Jon Terry
Toledo TE Anthony Torres
|Northern Illinois S Nate Valcarcel
NC State RB Jordan Waters
Indiana OL Trey Wedig
Tulane WR Mario WilliamsAnd updated details. I bolded the newest additions to this list, which expands on a shorter version of the same thing (earlier in the thread)
***
Defense (7)
Defensive tackle (2)
DT DaJon Terry – I will always embrace the Rams’ interest in reinforcing the trenches. Even if that success rate at generating contributors plummets to single-digit odds. The addition of 6-foot-3, 317-pound DaJon Terry does not push the needle far, but it does give the Rams a robust blocker-gobbler who arrives hungry and passionate, simply needing coaching and patience.
DT Bill Norton – This guy stands out from size alone. At 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, he stands out in virtually all ways compared to the faster and more agile defensive trenchmen. But he did show production in his past two seasons, and with his size and power, he is going to stand out. If the Rams coaches can harness and hone his abilities, he is going to be a good one.
Inside linebacker (1)
LB Shaun Dolac – 6-foot-1, 225-pound inside linebacker from the University of Buffalo. Shaun Dolac. He is a versatile tackling machine that I cannot believe did not go drafted. He is a defensive coordinator’s dream signing, as his 168 tackles, 6.5 quarterback sacks, and 5.0 interceptions in 2024 showcase a weapon who can be used in many ways and roles. We’ll talk more about him soon.
Outside linebacker (2)
OLB Jamil Muhammad – A former quarterback turned pass rusher, this USC prospect certainly brings plenty of intrigue. Standing an estimated 6-foot-2 and weighing 230 pounds, his best season was 2023 when he racked up 46 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, and 6.5 quarterback sacks. There is something to be said about the team signing a guy from the next-door backyard. The Rams like him. You will too.
OLB Josh Pearcy – A six-year edge rusher for Rice, the 6-foot-2, 242-pound edge rusher is joining the Rams’ ranks. He is a clever and productive performer who could find a niche role on defense or special teams.
Safety (2)
S Nate Valcarcel – After the stunning performance of undrafted S Jaylen McCollough, the addition of Northern Illinois’ 6-foot-1, 192-pound safety Nate Valcarcel cannot be brushed off as another camp body. Valcarcel’s stats prove that he is developing each year. Now, he brings that football passion to the NFL with an ideal size to compete for playing time.
S Malik Dixon-Williams – The Rams continue to sign up safeties after the draft, this time it’s UConn’s 6-foot-1, 200-pound safety Malik Dixon-Williams. MDW put up 67 tackles and three interceptions in his final season. Keep MDW on your radar. I like small football program rookies. I love what he might add to the Rams’ defense.
Offense (10)
Running back (1)
RB Jordan Waters – While Jordan Waters was undrafted, he is worth talking about from his size and stature alone. Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 224 pounds, this NC State running back breaks the mold in many ways. While he unofficially clocked a 4.58-second 40-time, his size is unmistakable. A more physical running back in the backfield? Oh yeah, I love the idea.
Tight end – (2)
TE Anthony Torres – Considered among the top undrafted tight ends, Toledo’s 6-foot-6, 247-pound tight end joins a rather crowded tight end room. While one of the oldest rookies in this class, he needed the extra time to string together impressive performances. He is a small school tight end who checks all the boxes. He is a true red zone weapon, something this team desperately needs.
TE Mark Redman – There is a lot to love about Loisianna TE Mark Redman. He stands 6-foot-5, weighs 257 pounds, and is an elite in-line blocker. That is not to say that he cannot catch passes, as he hauled in 83 passes for 897 yards and eight touchdowns. Projected as a Day 3 selection, he could be the heir apparent to the former Johnny Mundt blocking role.
Wide Receiver (3)
WR Mario Williams – The wide receiver room gets more competitive with the addition of Tulane’s 5-foot-9, 178-pound rookie wide receiver prospect. Williams may not be an every-down offensive weapon, but he has plenty of special-teams and trick-play potential. And he may surprise as he hauled in 60 passes for 1,031 yards and six touchdowns for Tulane. He can score. He simply has to score for the Rams now.
WR Tru Edwards – Rather than transfer from Louisiana Tech to Kentucky, this diamond-in-the-rough wide receiver has signed to play for the Rams instead (Sorry, Wildcats fans). He stands approximately 6-foot-3, weighs 200 pounds, and clocked an unofficial 40-time of 4.40 seconds. Best of all, in 2024, he hauled in 84 passes for 986 yards and six touchdowns. I like the production. I love the size. Seriously, this young man
has a very high ceiling.WR Brennan Presley – The Rams added one of Oklahoma State’s most prolific pass catchers. He is limited by size alone, as he stands 5-foot-9, weighs 175 pounds, and runs a 4.46-second 40-yard dash. He is a versatile offensive weapon and a special-teams standout who put up 315 receptions, 3,315 yards, and 23 touchdowns. He is also a gifted runner, rushing 30 times for 160 yards and six touchdowns. He is another versatile weapon.
Interior offensive lineman – (3)
IOL Willie Lampkin – The Rams’ front office does not hold a size standard that other NFL teams have. NT Poona Ford (at 5-foot-11)? Meet 5-foot-10, 270-pound interior offensive lineman Willie Lampkin, who was a Senior Bowl standout. If Lampkin were four inches taller, he might have been drafted on Day 1. Some speculate that his unique size and skillset make him in line to become the Rams’ future fullback. I will buy his jersey if that happens.
IOL Ben Dooley – 6-foot-5, 320-pound left guard Ben Dooley joins the Rams as a long-time blocker for standout RB Ashton Jeanty, so he comes with a presumed excellent mark in run blocking. And he brings impressive size, power, and smoldering anger to the NFL.
Wyatt Bowles – A 6-foot-5, 300-pound dynamo from Utah State (they coach ’em up there), Wyatt Bowles played in 52 games with 20 starts, 1,543 snaps, and 51 pancakes. He is a fierce and versatile interior offensive lineman who brings blue-collar bully-ball to the offensive trenches
Offensive tackle – (1)
Trey Wedig – The Rams have a knack for unearthing diamonds for the offensive line after NFL drafts are over. Starting left tackle Alaric Jackson never heard his name called out in the draft. Did the Rams just mine another diamond for a future right tackle role? 6-foot-6, 310-pound Indiana offensive tackle Troy Wedig certainly fits the profile. Initially projected to come off the board early in Day 3, Wedig fell out of the draft through no fault of his own. He is raw, but all of his deficits are correctable with coaching. So what happens when the Rams correct his inexperience and flaws? He could be the future starting right tackle of the team. Take note that Wedig was the 21st-ranked offensive tackle in this draft class.
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ModeratorDo we know how much cap space they have now with the rookie pool?
It’s not easy to calculate because no one knows the terms of Stafford’s contract.
But as it stands right now, in Stafford limbo, and without factoring in the rookie pool, OTC.com says the Rams have just over 17.6 M.
April 28, 2025 at 9:12 pm in reply to: a late start…time for the thread on Trump atrocities, or “Trumpocities” #156259zn
ModeratorApril 28, 2025 at 8:09 pm in reply to: a late start…time for the thread on Trump atrocities, or “Trumpocities” #156254zn
Moderator"There are good reasons to have doubts about RFK's plan to tackle autism, even before you learn who he's bringing in to help him…"
David Geier, a guy who practiced unlicensed medicine on autistic children and wasn't even a doctor. pic.twitter.com/5VzjaZgaHb
— Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) April 28, 2025
April 28, 2025 at 8:08 pm in reply to: articles, vids, etc. wrapping up & assessing the Rams draft #156253zn
ModeratorMina on the atlanta trade, at the 52 minute mark
She makes a “Monkey’s Paw” allusion.
Well…”Mina Kimes holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English from Yale University. She graduated summa cum laude in 2007.”
And look at where she ended up. See? Humanities degrees don’t get you anywhere.
…
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ModeratorElvis
According to spotrac this draft class will have a total cap hit of $6.7 mil but only add $2.5 mil to the top 51…
The largest rookie pool number belongs to the #Patriots with $18.887 million in cap charges set aside for their rookie. The lowest rookie pool goes to the #Rams at $6.734 million.
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) April 28, 2025
April 28, 2025 at 7:00 pm in reply to: articles, vids, etc. wrapping up & assessing the Rams draft #156249zn
ModeratorMina on the atlanta trade, at the 52 minute mark
She makes a “Monkey’s Paw” allusion.
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ModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Rams announce they’ve agreed to terms with these UDFAs:The previous 2 lists I posted had 12 and 13 players, respectively. Rodrique lists 16.
She adds:
OL Bowles
Safety Dixon-Williams
TE Redmanzn
ModeratorRams announce they’ve agreed to terms with these UDFAs: pic.twitter.com/mWTV7X7VMF
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 28, 2025
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ModeratorRams 4th round RB Jarquez Hunter had a 278 yard rushing performance last season against Kentucky.
McVay stated “He clearly has a competitive stamina about him. When you give him a vertical seam, he can run away from you. Some of the metrics we have on him are really impressive” pic.twitter.com/Dy3Esbj0KC
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) April 28, 2025
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Moderatorthe rams run mostly 3 wr anyway. it’ll be like a mix between 11 and 12 personnel almost. really hope this pick works out.
Or maybe they will have sets where they have Ferguson as a move TE, either Parkinson or Higbee as a traditional TE, and 2 WRs. We can call it an 11.5 set. 😎
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ModeratorElvis
According to spotrac this draft class will have a total cap hit of $6.7 mil but only add $2.5 mil to the top 51…
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ModeratorI just read something that provides the magic words needed to assess Ferguson.
Someone called him a “move TE.”
That’s less of a pure inline blocker who lines up and is, basically, when run blocking, another O-lineman.
A move TE, you put in motion and move all over the formation whether it’s run or pass. They often run block on the move (wham blocks etc) and then of course also use motion to set up pass routes. So it helps not to think of Ferguson as a a traditional TE, who tend to be inline blockers in the run game, but to instead think of him as a move TE, who tend to play like big, athletic wide receivers that line up anywhere–inline sometimes but also out wide, in the slot, or behind the LOS.
April 28, 2025 at 1:09 pm in reply to: articles, vids, etc. wrapping up & assessing the Rams draft #156235zn
ModeratorWhy the Super Bowl-ready Rams may have won the 2025 NFL draft
Gary Klein
The Rams made no splashy selections.
None of the six players general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay chose will be penciled in as opening-game starters.
They spent three days filling out a roster that was already Super Bowl ready.
But the Rams, arguably, won the 2025 NFL draft.
And set themselves up to possibly win next year’s draft as well.
Snead protege James Gladstone, the first-year general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars, made headlines on the first night of the draft by trading up to take cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter with the second overall pick.
But when Snead later traded to the Atlanta Falcons what for the Rams was a fairly meaningless No. 26 pick, the Rams stunningly received in return a No. 1 pick in 2026.
That means the Rams, who one day in the not-so-distant future must replace veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, will have two first-round picks next year in a draft that could include Texas quarterback Arch Manning and others.
That means Snead — who famously uttered “F them picks” after building a Super Bowl championship team in 2021 — will have plenty of draft capital to wheel and deal with for a prospect or an established player.
And few general managers deal like Snead.
Next April marks the 10th anniversary of Snead trading up a record 14 picks to select quarterback Jared Goff with the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft.
That deal required the Rams to give up their first-round pick, two second-round picks and a third-round pick that year and a 2017 first-round and third-round pick.
Two years later the Rams were in the Super Bowl.
In 2019, Snead packaged two first-round picks in a deal for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Two years later the Rams won the Super Bowl.
They did that, of course, after Snead sent Goff — and two first-round draft picks — to the Detroit Lions in a 2021 trade for Stafford.
This season the Rams are expected to make another deep run in the playoffs. And if Thursday night’s trade helps the Falcons make the playoffs, the Rams’ first-round picks next year could be in the bottom third of the draft.
Regardless, it is valuable draft capital.
And if the Falcons or Rams falter, the Rams could end up with a pick in the top third.
Not that McVay acknowledged his anticipation.
“One year’s like dog years to me in coaching,” he said, chuckling, “That’s a long way away.”
After making that trade on the first night of the draft, the Rams spent Friday and Saturday augmenting a talented roster with their fewest selections since the Goff trade left them with only six in 2016.
They took Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson in the second round, Michigan outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart in the third, Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter in the fourth, Ohio State defensive tackle Ty Hamilton and Mississippi linebacker Chris Paul Jr. in the fifth and Pittsburgh receiver Konata Mumpfield in the seventh.
The Rams traded up three times.
“We said, ‘instead of waiting,’ and I call it, let the draft happen to you, ‘let’s go attack the draft,’” Snead said. “And when you do that you have to give up some picks. But we thought that was the more appropriate thing to do.”
No, the Rams did not draft a cornerback.
But that only makes it more apparent that a potential reunion with Ramsey might be imminent.
Coming on the heels of the Rams’ success in the previous two drafts, this class projects to include multiple contributors for a team that advanced to the NFC divisional round last season before losing to the eventual Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles.
With Stafford entering his 17th NFL season, and rising stars such as receiver Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner, Jared Verse and other young players soon becoming eligible for extensions, the Rams are going all in next season.
And they will do the same in 2026, when the NFL season will end with Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium.
April 28, 2025 at 12:35 pm in reply to: articles, vids, etc. wrapping up & assessing the Rams draft #156234zn
Moderatorfrom Albert Breer, NFL Draft Takeaways: https://www.si.com/nfl/nfl-draft-takeaways-honest-discussion-about-shedeur-sanders#_9fxxqutf5
Los Angles Rams
The Rams’ bet in this year’s draft is on their own evaluations. As we mentioned above, Los Angeles did sniff around on trading into the top 10 with a focus on getting another offensive weapon—if they got to No. 8, McMillan, and the top two tight ends, Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland, would’ve been there. And just because they didn’t pull off that move up doesn’t mean they weren’t able to accomplish what they were aiming to do.
They just went about it in a wildly different way.
Instead of going up for McMillan, Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka and North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (all of whom may have, in certain scenarios, slipped to them), the Rams dealt down. The haul they got from the Atlanta Falcons, who were coming up for James Pearce Jr., speaks for itself. To move down 20 spots, and turn a third-rounder into a seventh, they picked up a 2026 first-round pick.
The interesting thing, though, is that only five skill guys (wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Luther Burden III, RBs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, TE Mason Taylor) went between 26 and 46. And I’m not sure the Rams would have valued any of them, save for probably Henderson, over Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson, whom they plucked with the second-rounder they landed from Atlanta.
Here’s the other thing—the Rams have been looking for this kind of player for a few years now. Two years ago, without a first-round pick, they looked at trading back into the bottom of the first round for Utah TE Dalton Kincaid, who’s becoming a difference-maker now for the Buffalo Bills. Then, last year, they aggressively pursued a trade up in the first round for Brock Bowers, who became a star almost right away with the Raiders.
Ferguson is the same sort of ultra-athletic move tight end, if not quite the level of prospect that Bowers and Kincaid were coming out. So the blueprint’s been drawn up for Ferguson for a couple of years now, and the Rams finally get to unfurl those plans.
It should be fun to see what comes next.
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ModeratorSeahawks podcaster’s realtime reaction to Falcons/Rams trade.
Priceless…
I enjoyed that. Thanks.
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ModeratorLacks ideal agility and athleticism from second level.
his agility numbers from his pro day were very good. 4.22 short shuttle and 6.93 three cone.
could be another udfa gem.
Zierlein seems especially negative this year, I don’t know why. Whatever it is the Rams see in a player that makes them seem better than average in certain ways, he tends not to see it. He was not very high on Ferguson either but then everyone else was.
April 28, 2025 at 11:36 am in reply to: before the summer assessments: roster, draft, FAs, etc #156230zn
ModeratorRams post-draft depth chart: Continuity at OL, new-look WRs room stand out
Jourdan Rodrigue
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6316644/2025/04/28/rams-2025-post-draft-depth-chart/
LOS ANGELES — After just six picks in this year’s NFL Draft, an already-full roster didn’t have many spots open for the new crop of rookies. I have predicted that all of the rookie draft picks will make the team, however. The Rams are also still thin in a few areas, including cornerback.
Here’s my best guess at their 53-man depth chart heading into the offseason (players are listed in order of depth):
Quarterback (2)
Matthew Stafford
Jimmy GaroppoloThe Rams will probably go into training camp with extra arms in Stetson Bennett and maybe another pickup (they haven’t officially released their list of undrafted free agents, which means some contracts are still being worked out) but it’s hard to see them rostering three players here once the season begins.
Running back (4)
Kyren Williams
Blake Corum
Jarquez Hunter
Ronnie RiversI can easily see the Rams keeping just three running backs, but Rivers’ contributions on special teams will be a factor in their decision.
Tight end (4)
Tyler Higbee
Hunter Ferguson
Colby Parkinson
Davis AllenCoach Sean McVay wanted Ferguson badly and seems to already have a vision for the rookie tight end, who the Rams picked No. 46 overall. That could move Parkinson to more of a blocking role.
Receiver (6)
Puka Nacua
Davante Adams
Tutu Atwell
Jordan Whittington
Konata Mumpfield
Xavier SmithWith Ferguson expected to take on a role in the passing game, it’s possible the Rams can go lighter in numbers at receiver. Mumpfield is a sneakily intriguing and high-upside fit within McVay’s scheme, and both Whittington and Smith carved out nice roles in the offense and especially on special teams in 2024.
Offensive line (10)
Alaric Jackson
Steve Avila
Coleman Shelton
Kevin Dotson
Rob Havenstein
Warren McClendon
Beaux Limmer
KT Leveston
Justin Dedich
Dylan McMahonI don’t believe the depth of the group will quite shake out like this once the season begins — the Rams could make additional moves in later waves of free agency after none of the linemen they liked fell to them in the draft — but I have flagged McVay’s pre-draft comment that he thinks the team needs a 10-deep at this position. The Rams also need to be certain that Havenstein is back to full health after his shoulder cleanouts this spring.
Defensive line (6)
Poona Ford
Kobie Turner
Braden Fiske
Ty Hamilton
Tyler Davis
Larrell MurchisonHamilton and Davis can back up either Ford or Turner, because of both players’ versatility (though Davis may be better suited to back up Ford at nose tackle).
Outside linebacker (5)
Jared Verse
Byron Young
Josaiah Stewart
Nick Hampton
Brennan JacksonAs we saw last season with the veteran Michael Hoecht, the Rams want a third pass rusher in consistent rotation for their extra-rusher packages. Stewart seems tailor-made for this role, and Hampton’s speed makes him an intriguing fit too. Jackson is more of a power rusher but coaches will be interested in seeing how he does with an actual training camp to develop (he missed most of last offseason to injury).
Inside linebacker (4)
Omar Speights
Nate Landman
Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr.
Troy ReederSomething tells me that Paul won’t spend a ton of time waiting in the wings of this position group, but he’ll need a little time to learn the defense well enough to call it as the “green dot.”
Cornerback (4)
Darious Williams
Ahkello Witherspoon
Cobie Durant
Emmanuel ForbesI could see this group growing if the Rams are able to come to terms with a more manageable contract for Jalen Ramsey, who is available for trade but owed $21 million this year. Also, Ramsey could play in the slot which would help the Rams drop Quentin Lake back to deeper safety to be a field marshal.
April 28, 2025 at 11:32 am in reply to: articles, vids, etc. wrapping up & assessing the Rams draft #156228zn
Moderatorfrom https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6313395/2025/04/26/nfl-draft-2025-overall-winners-losers/
The Rams’ draft wizardry
After not making a first-round pick in seven years, the Los Angeles Rams nailed their selection last April, grabbing edge rusher Jared Verse.
They were back in character this year, moving out of the first round in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons. The payoff could be substantial: To move back 20 spots, the Rams acquired Atlanta’s first-round pick for 2026, which could be a top-10 selection. Impressive work from general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay.
Los Angeles, which wanted to move up to draft Brock Bowers last year, found an option at tight end in this draft in Terrance Ferguson, a four-year starter out of Oregon who could become a perfect complement in the middle of the field to the 1-2 punch on the outside in Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. A former basketball player, Ferguson figures to be a reliable, rangy target for Matthew Stafford, and maybe another chess piece McVay can exploit.
With Stafford now 37, the Rams would be wise to add a younger passer who can carry the torch whenever he decides to retire. Having an additional first-round pick in what’s expected to be a far deeper quarterback draft next spring will give them ample opportunity.
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