The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most anticipated events on the professional football calendar, marking the unofficial start of the NFL Draft season. Held annually in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium, the 2025 edition runs from February 24 through March 3, with on-field workouts occurring from February 27 to March 2. This year, 329 of the top college football prospects from 86 schools have been invited to showcase their skills in front of coaches, general managers, and scouts from all 32 NFL teams, including the Los Angeles Rams. For the Rams, this event is a critical opportunity to evaluate talent, address roster needs, and build on their competitive foundation following the 2024 season. It is also the opportunity for Snead and McVay to meet with other coaches and GM’s to work out possible trades of Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp.
What is the NFL Combine?
The NFL Combine, formally known as the National Invitational Camp (NIC), began in 1982 as a centralized evaluation process proposed by Dallas Cowboys legend Tex Schramm. Initially designed to streamline the physical and medical assessments of draft prospects, it has since evolved into a week-long spectacle that blends athletic testing, medical evaluations, and team interviews. The event’s current home in Indianapolis, where it has been held since 1987, provides a standardized setting for prospects to demonstrate their physical prowess and mental acuity.
The Combine features a series of drills that measure a player’s speed, strength, agility, and position-specific skills. Key tests include:
- 40-Yard Dash: A benchmark for speed and explosiveness.
- Bench Press: Testing upper-body strength with 225-pound repetitions.
- Vertical Jump and Broad Jump: Assessing lower-body power.
- 3-Cone Drill and Shuttle Run: Evaluating agility, quickness, and change of direction.
- Position-Specific Drills: Tailored workouts that mimic game scenarios, such as passing accuracy for quarterbacks or route-running for receivers.
Beyond the field, prospects undergo medical exams, psychological testing (e.g., the Wonderlic), and interviews with teams. For fans, the Combine is a glimpse into the future of the NFL, broadcast live on NFL Network and streamed via NFL+. This year’s event promises to spotlight elite talents like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, and Miami’s Cam Ward, among others.
The Los Angeles Rams’ 2025 Context
As of February 24, 2025, the Rams are fresh off the 2024 season, with their draft position and roster needs shaped by their performance. While their exact standing isn’t specified here, the Rams have a history of strategic drafting under General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Sean McVay. After trading away first-round picks in previous years (notably for Matthew Stafford in 2021), the Rams regained a first-round selection in 2024, signaling a potential return to early-round investment in 2025.
The Rams’ scouting focus at the Combine will likely center on bolstering key position groups. With Matthew Stafford entering his age-37 season, and persistent rumors of a possible trade, the quarterback position could be a long-term consideration, especially for a developmental prospect. Their priorities could include:
- Quarterback: Stafford remains a cornerstone, but a mid-to-late-round QB could provide depth and a future option. Given the uncertainty of Stafford’s future with the Rams, the Rams will be looking at the QB position focusing on a more mobile QB.
- Offensive Line: Protecting the quarterback—whether Stafford or a successor—is key. The Rams may seek tackles or interior linemen for their zone-blocking scheme.
- Edge Rusher: With Aaron Donald’s retirement in 2024, the defensive front needs pass-rushing juice to aid Kobie Turner, Byron Young, and Jared Verse. I don’t see this as a big need.
- Cornerback: A versatile, athletic corner could stabilize the secondary.
- Wide Receiver: Cooper Kupp is on the trade block, and Tutu Atwell and Demarcus Robinson are free agents. The Rams will certainly look at WR’s with the ability to stretch the field.
- Running Back: A backup for Kyren Williams could ensure stability.
The Rams’ personnel staff, known for finding gems in later rounds (e.g., Nacua in the fifth round of 2023), will scour the Combine for players who fit their scheme and culture—emphasizing toughness, versatility, and football IQ.
Players the Rams Might Scout at the 2025 Combine
Here are some prospects the Rams could target based on their likely needs and the talent pool, drawn from early 2025 draft buzz and aligned with the team’s preferences. For quarterbacks, we’ll focus on non-first-round prospects suited for development.
Quarterback (Non-First-Round Prospects)
- Tyler Shough, Louisville (QB): The 6’5″, 225-pound signal-caller made the most of his opportunity with the Cardinals, throwing for 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns while leading Louisville to signature wins including a road upset over Clemson. His 266.3 yards per game passing ranks second all-time in Louisville history, impressive considering the program’s rich quarterback lineage. The full season of health allowed Shough to showcase his development, particularly in Jeff Brohm’s pro-style system that featured heavy play-action usage (43% of snaps) rather than the spread concepts he ran at previous stops.
- Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss (QB): 6’2″, 220 220 lbs. Dart’s collegiate career concluded with him joining an elite SEC quarterback club, becoming just the fourth signal-caller in conference history to surpass 12,000 yards of total offense. His draft stock has quickly risen on many NFL Draft boards following an impressive senior campaign. Without a second-round pick, would the Rams trade up or down to draft him as Stafford’s long-term successor?
Offensive Line
- Anthony Belton, N.C. State (OT): 6’5″, 345 lbs. A massive tackle with long arms, Belton’s size, and movement skills could intrigue the Rams as a potential right tackle. His agility drills will be key.
- Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon State (OT): 6’5″ 315 lbs. The 2024 season marked Conerly’s arrival as an elite pass protector, as he anchored Oregon’s offensive line during their undefeated regular season run to the College Football Playoff. The 6’4″, 315-pound tackle emerged as one of college football’s premier blindside protectors while showing steady improvement in the run game. His First-Team All-American campaign, highlighted by surrendering just nine total pressures all season, convinced him to forego his remaining eligibility and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Inside Linebacker
- Carson Schwesinger, UCLA: 6’2 225 lbs. His 2024 campaign included 136 tackles (90 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, two interceptions, and one blocked punt. Schwesinger led the Big Ten in total tackles, total tackles per game (11.3), solo tackles (90), solo tackles per game (7.5), and double-digit-tackle performances (nine). He recorded a career-high 17 tackles against Washington and notched his first two career interceptions in a homecoming win over Iowa. Projected as a 3rd round pick.
- Jalon Walker, Georgia 6’2″ 245 lbs. The 6’2″, 245-pound linebacker’s collegiate career culminated in a decorated senior campaign that included First-Team All-America honors from multiple publications. Walker’s development from specialized pass rusher to every-down defender showcases his dedication to mastering the nuances of linebacker play, while maintaining the explosive elements that made him a blue-chip recruit. More of an Edge Rusher than an ILB.
- Jihaad Campbell, Alabama 6’3″, 245lbs. My favorite LB’er in this draft. The 2024 campaign saw Campbell explode onto the national scene, piling up 117 tackles (fifth in the SEC) with 11.5 for loss and five sacks. His performance against LSU in Death Valley – 10 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble – showcased the complete package he’d become.
Cornerback
- Travis Hunter, Colorado (CB/WR): The Heisman winner’s dual-threat ability makes him a unicorn prospect. The Rams might covet his ball skills at corner, though his stock could require a trade-up. I don’t see the Rams having the opporunity to draft him. He’s a top-10 pick.
- Fentrell Cypress, Florida State (CB): At 6’0” and 182 pounds, Cypress offers length and traits for the Rams’ zone-heavy secondary. A strong shuttle and 40 time could boost his Day 2-3 stock.
- Shavon Revel Jr, The 6’3″, 193-pound boundary corner burst onto the scene in 2023, transforming from a special teams ace into a shutdown artist for the Pirates. After working the graveyard shift at Amazon to chase his football dreams, Revel showed up at an ECU camp, ran a blazing 4.40, and jumped out of the building with an 11-foot broad jump. The Pirates took a chance on the JUCO product, and that bet paid off in spades – until a cruel twist of fate struck in September 2024 when he went down with an ACL tear in practice.
Wide Receiver
- LaJohntay Wester, Colorado (WR): 5’9″, 177lbs. A productive slot receiver with big-play potential, Wester’s agility and speed could add another dimension. His 40-yard dash will be a focal point. He is undersized by NFL standards and that should be a concern for the Rams. His breakthrough 2023 campaign saw him rack up 108 receptions for 1,168 yards, showcasing his ability to produce against any level of competition – including a memorable 12-catch performance against Clemson.
- Luther Burden III, Missouri (WR): 5’11”, 208lbs. A consensus five-star recruit and MaxPreps Player of the Year, Luther Burden III arrived at Missouri as the program’s highest-rated receiver prospect ever. Ranked as the #1 receiver nationally by ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports, he dominated his senior season at East St. Louis High School with 71 catches for 1,174 yards and 20 touchdowns. Projected as a first-round pick makes him a bit out of reach for the Rams.
Running Back
- Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (RB): The Heisman finalist’s vision and burst make him a top back, but the Rams might pursue him only if Williams’ workload prompts a premium pick. He his currently ranked as the #1 RB in this years draft class. I would love to see him wearing the blue and gold, but he’s probably way out of reach for the Rams.
- Kaleb Johnson, Iowa (RB): At 6’0″, 225 pounds, Johnson authored one of the most dominant rushing seasons in Iowa history, becoming just the fifth Hawkeye to record multiple 200+ yard games. His 2024 campaign featured eight 100+ yard performances, including a masterful 206-yard eruption against Minnesota. The physical specimen joined rare company as one of just four Big Ten backs in the last decade to string together four consecutive games of 100+ yards and multiple touchdowns.
Rams’ Scouting Strategy at the Combine
The Rams’ approach to the Combine prioritizes scheme fits and intangibles over raw athleticism alone. For quarterbacks, they’ll focus on arm strength, accuracy in position drills, mobility, and mental processing during interviews—traits McVay values in his system—especially for developmental prospects. One glaring need for the Rams is to find a replacement for free agent Christian Rozeboom. The Rams may decide to bring him back on a team-friendly contract, but long term, I don’t see him as the answer.
For other positions, Snead and McVay favor players who excel in agility drills (e.g., 3-cone, shuttle) over straight-line speed, as these metrics translate to on-field quickness. A lineman like Josh Conerly Jr. might not run a fast 40, but fluid hips in the shuttle and a sharp interview could elevate him. A corner like Cypress could stand out with lateral agility to match receivers in zone coverage.
Finally, do the Rams find a replacement for Tyler Higbee? Elijah Arroyo would be my choice.
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