The Los Angeles Rams enter the 2025 NFL Draft following a 2024 season that showcased their potential but ended with a playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. With head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead at the helm, the team faces critical decisions to maintain competitiveness. Matthew Stafford remains the starting quarterback, but his age and the offense’s reliance on him highlight the need for better protection. The defense, while young and promising, requires depth, and the roster has gaps that must be filled to sustain success. This seven-round mock draft outlines a strategy to address these priorities, based on current team needs and player projections.
Round 1, Pick 26: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon – Strengthening the Offensive Line
The Rams’ offensive line struggled in 2024, with injuries and inconsistent play exposing vulnerabilities. Joe Noteboom is a free agent, Rob Havenstein is nearing the end of his career, and Alaric Jackson, while capable, cannot anchor the unit alone. Josh Conerly Jr., a 6’4”, 315-pound offensive tackle from Oregon, offers a solution. He allowed zero pressures in 10 of his final 12 games in 2024, demonstrating strong pass-protection skills. Conerly’s athleticism and length make him a candidate to start at left tackle immediately, though he needs refinement against power rushers. This pick aims to protect Stafford and stabilize the offense for the long term.
Round 3, Pick 89: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green – Adding a Receiving Threat
The Rams lack a second-round pick due to prior trades, but they hold two selections in the third round. Tyler Higbee, the team’s primary tight end, is 31 and entering the final year of his contract in 2025, with limited depth behind him. Harold Fannin Jr., a 6’4” tight end from Bowling Green, brings receiving talent to the position. In his senior season, he recorded 112 receptions for 1,491 yards, including 843 yards after the catch. While his blocking skills are underdeveloped, his ability to stretch the field and create mismatches aligns with McVay’s offensive vision, providing Stafford with a reliable target.
Round 3, Pick 98: Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas – Bolstering the Secondary
The Rams’ secondary has potential but lacks consistency outside of safety Kamren Kinchens. Cornerback Darious Williams (31) showed his age, and Ahkello Witherspoon is a free agent. Mello Dotson, a 6’1” cornerback from Kansas, addresses this need. His strengths lie in zone coverage, where he excels at reading quarterbacks and breaking on passes, though his top-end speed is a question mark pending combine results. Dotson fits defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s scheme and could compete for a starting role, adding depth and youth to the backfield.
Round 4, Pick 126: Jacolby George, WR, Miami – Supporting the Receiving Corps
Cooper Kupp remains a cornerstone of the offense, but his age and injury history raise concerns, while Puka Nacua cannot carry the wide receiver group alone. Tutu Atwell’s free agency adds uncertainty. Jacolby George, a 6’0” wide receiver from Miami, offers speed and reliable hands, highlighted by his knack for contested catches in college. Though slightly undersized for an outside role, his explosiveness makes him a valuable addition in the fourth round, ensuring the offense retains its potency if Kupp’s production declines.
Round 5, Pick 161: Ajani Cornelius, OL, Oregon – Building Line Depth
The offensive line requires more than one addition to address its issues. Ajani Cornelius, a 6’5”, 315-pound lineman from Oregon, provides versatility, capable of playing both guard and tackle. He is not an immediate starter but offers developmental upside as a backup or potential replacement for Havenstein in the future. With the line’s injury troubles in recent years, adding depth is a priority, and Cornelius brings size and flexibility to the roster.
Round 6, Pick 198: Jake Dart, QB, Ole Miss – Planning for the Future
At 37, Stafford’s tenure is winding down, and the Rams lack a clear successor. Stetson Bennett has not panned out, and Jimmy Garoppolo’s free agency looms. Jake Dart, a 6’2” quarterback from Ole Miss, is a late-round prospect with a strong arm and mobility. His decision-making needs work, as he struggles with complex reads, but his physical tools make him a candidate to develop behind Stafford. This pick represents a low-risk investment in the quarterback position.
Round 7, Pick 234: Savion Williams, WR, TCU – Taking a Late Flier
Seventh-round selections often target players with upside despite flaws. Savion Williams, a 6’2” wide receiver from TCU, fits this mold. He possesses speed and the ability to gain yards after the catch, but inconsistent hands and route-running limit his readiness. As a developmental prospect, Williams could contribute on special teams or emerge as a depth piece if coached effectively.
Overview: A Blueprint for 2025
As of February 22, 2025, the Rams are a playoff-caliber team with immediate and long-term needs. Stafford’s performance hinges on improved protection, the defense requires reinforcements, and depth across the roster is essential. This mock draft prioritizes the offensive line (Conerly, Cornelius), adds offensive weapons (Fannin, George, Williams), strengthens the secondary (Dotson), and takes a chance on a quarterback (Dart). Without trades, these selections reflect a practical approach to roster-building given the team’s current draft capital.
The success of this draft depends on player development and fit within McVay’s system. Conerly could solidify the line, Fannin might enhance the passing game, and Dotson could stabilize the secondary. The later picks offer potential rather than guarantees, typical of late-round selections. As the draft approaches in April 2025, the Rams’ front office will refine its strategy, but this plan provides a foundation to keep the team competitive in the NFC.
About Author
