The Los Angeles Rams’ current slate of picks for the 2025 NFL Draft isn’t ideally structured to take advantage of this year’s draft class—or to play to the strengths of GM Les Snead, who has consistently uncovered NFL starters on Day 3 in recent years. Even more impressively, Snead has managed to find elite offensive playmakers in the fifth round, including running back Kyren Williams (2022) and wide receiver Puka Nacua (2023).
While the Rams didn’t land a 1,000-yard offensive performer in the 2024 draft, they did select six players on Day 3, all of whom remain with the team and have opportunities to carve out significant roles in 2025. Notably, Arkansas center Beaux Limmer and Stanford kicker Joshua Karty provided immediate starting production. Wide receiver Jordan Whittington, a sixth-round pick, also showed promise by catching 78.6% of his targets (22 of 28) for 293 yards and 14 first downs. However, his opportunities were limited as he was buried on the depth chart behind Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, and Tutu Atwell.
With Kupp, Robinson, and Tyler Johnson no longer on the roster, Whittington now finds himself in a more favorable position, slotting in behind Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Tutu Atwell. Given past offensive schemes, he could even see more involvement than Atwell, despite Atwell’s $10 million salary.
Expectations for the Rams’ front office should be tempered due to the timing of their draft picks. The team has often bypassed Day 1 selections since Sean McVay’s arrival, and this year, they find themselves in a tough spot. Their first-round pick is valuable but not high enough to guarantee a surefire immediate starter, yet too premium to spend on a developmental project. Additionally, after making their first selection, the Rams must wait two full rounds before picking again in the third, meaning many intriguing prospects could be off the board by then.
While some analysts believe this year’s draft lacks elite talent at the top but is deep with starting-caliber players later on, the Rams’ limited picks make it difficult to fully capitalize. Though they may explore trading back in the first round to accumulate more selections, a deal is only possible if another team is willing to move up and offer fair compensation.
In today’s era of NFL draft simulators and Fantasy Football, fans have greater insight into roster-building than ever before. However, these simulations often oversimplify the complexities of an NFL general manager’s job. In reality, free agents don’t always sign with the highest bidder—they often prioritize teams with a strong chance of success or personal connections within the organization. The Rams’ draft strategy will be shaped by these real-world challenges, making their approach to the 2025 draft a fascinating one to watch.
