Los Angeles Rams Draft Big Roster Need With Unexpected Pick In New Mock Draft

As the NFL draft approaches, the Los Angeles Rams are facing an offseason full of uncertainty. After years of pushing all their chips to the center of the table and securing a Super Bowl victory in 2021, the Rams are now in a delicate phase of rebuilding and retooling their roster. With an aging roster, several key free agents, and a somewhat tenuous salary cap situation, the Rams’ front office has some important decisions to make in the 2025 NFL draft.

This draft presents a unique opportunity for the Rams to address significant gaps in their roster while continuing to build for the future. One of the most pressing issues the Rams need to address is their roster’s balance. The team needs to find a way to complement its aging stars, especially on defense, while also infusing some youth into the offense. While the Rams’ defense, led by Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, and others, is still formidable, their offense has looked disjointed in recent seasons due to injuries and inconsistent play.

Looking at their 2025 draft, a new mock draft suggests that the Rams may be targeting a big roster need with an unexpected pick that could turn the tide for the franchise moving forward.

Addressing Offensive Line Concerns

For the Los Angeles Rams, the offensive line has long been a point of contention. Despite having high-profile players such as Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp, the offensive line has been inconsistent in recent seasons, leading to offensive struggles and injuries. Stafford, in particular, has been sacked more than his fair share, and the lack of time in the pocket has affected his performance.

With the draft fast approaching, the Rams are expected to prioritize building up the offensive line. However, their strategy might come as a surprise to many, especially when you look at the unexpected pick in the mock draft.

While the offensive line is a clear priority, the Rams are projected to take a skill position player in the first round—a pick that could potentially leave some fans scratching their heads. In recent mock drafts, analysts have suggested that the Rams may take a dynamic playmaker to take the pressure off of Stafford and elevate the offense. Rather than simply adding a body to the offensive line, the Rams could look to add an explosive weapon that can stretch the field, support Stafford’s arm strength, and make life easier for Cooper Kupp.

The Surprise Pick: A Running Back

One of the most surprising picks in the recent mock drafts for the Rams is a running back. Given the ongoing need to address their offensive line, a running back might not seem like the most logical pick at first glance. However, the Rams’ current backfield is underwhelming, and there’s a case to be made that selecting a dynamic running back early in the draft could provide the team with an element of versatility that has been missing from their offense.

In 2024, the Rams’ running game lacked a consistent identity. Cam Akers, once viewed as a potential star, has been inconsistent at best. Meanwhile, backup running backs have failed to make a significant impact. By adding a running back to complement Stafford and Kupp, the Rams could improve their play-action game, maintain better balance, and put more pressure on opposing defenses.

While this pick may not align with the consensus strategy of drafting an offensive lineman, it’s a bold move that could pay off in the long run. A versatile and explosive running back could provide the Rams with another weapon to ease the burden on Stafford and make the offense less predictable. With players like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs available, the Rams could have an opportunity to select a future star that changes the entire dynamic of their offense.

Rams’ Need for Defensive Depth

While the Rams have been largely successful on defense in recent years, they are beginning to show signs of age in key positions. Aaron Donald is still an elite defender, but at 33 years old, he doesn’t have much longer in the tank. Meanwhile, cornerback Jalen Ramsey continues to be a standout, but the team needs to find ways to bolster the defense around him.

The Rams have invested heavily in their defense over the years, but a defense-heavy draft could also be in the cards to ensure that the Rams maintain their competitiveness in a loaded NFC West division. One player who stands out as a potential target for the Rams is an edge rusher or linebacker that can provide a solid pass rush and help in coverage. While many mock drafts suggest that the Rams may choose a cornerback or an edge rusher, the Rams’ defense could use more depth in the middle, particularly at linebacker.

Selecting an impact linebacker could give the Rams the depth they need to continue pressuring opposing quarterbacks while also providing solid run defense. The defense has been a focal point of the Rams’ success over the years, and investing in key defensive players will ensure that the team remains competitive for seasons to come.

With names like Trenton Simpson from Clemson or Drew Sanders from Arkansas, the Rams may look to draft a linebacker who can contribute right away. This move would not only enhance the defense in the short term, but it would also help them develop a more well-rounded unit going forward.

What About the Offensive Line?

Despite the surprise pick of a running back, addressing the offensive line remains a crucial goal for the Rams. It’s clear that their future depends on improving their blocking unit, whether by bringing in experienced veterans or drafting new talent.

In the 2025 draft, several top-tier offensive linemen are expected to be available, and the Rams would be wise to target one in the early rounds. With Matthew Stafford in the twilight of his career, protecting him in the pocket is essential for the Rams’ long-term success.

If the Rams pass on a running back in the first round, an offensive tackle or guard could be on the radar. Players like Peter Skoronski (Northwestern), Broderick Jones (Georgia), or Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State) could be immediate upgrades to their offensive line, giving Stafford more time to throw and enhancing the team’s running game.

While selecting a running back or linebacker earlier than expected may surprise some, bolstering the offensive line with a top-tier prospect could still be a priority in the later rounds. The Rams would need to ensure that they add some youth and protection to their aging offensive front to help Stafford and the offense reach its potential.

Could the Rams Go For a Quarterback?

Given the uncertainty surrounding Matthew Stafford’s long-term future with the Rams, some analysts have suggested that the Rams might look for a quarterback of the future in this draft. Stafford is under contract for a few more years, but he will be 37 by the start of the 2025 season, and the team may be looking to start developing a successor. However, with the Rams’ immediate needs on both offense and defense, it’s more likely that the team looks to add a quarterback in a later round, perhaps in 2026.

In any case, the draft presents several options for the Rams to solidify their roster for both the present and the future. They have a chance to make a big impact with the right picks—whether they address the offensive line, running back, linebacker, or defensive line.