2 NFL Experts dissect Rams draft needs and project Rams draft strategy

Primary needs

When it comes to the 2025 NFL Draft, primary needs for the Los Angeles Rams do not necessarily dictate positions that must be addressed on Day 1. The primary need positions are simply the positional needs perceived by the front office at some point in time through the three-day event. With eight draft picks, having a consensus of two reputable NFL Draft analysts limit their expected shopping list to two positions shines an extremely positive light on the Rams upcoming scavenger hunt.

Primary 'need': Cornerback

With the extension of veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, the Rams cornerback position entering 2025 is in a better position that this time a year ago. Gone is not-ready-for-prime-time veteran Tre'Davious White. Both Witherspoon and Emmanuel Forbes are onboard, ready to participate in their first Rams training camp. And there is the return to health of Derion Kendrick. But, there is a need for more help.

The Rams roster boasts plenty of players at the cornerback position. Even after the outright release of CB Tre Tomlinson, the team is still bursting with cornerbacks. They are:

• Cobie Durant | Year 4 | 5-foot-11 | 182 pounds
• Darious Williams | Year 8 | 5-foot-9 | 192 pounds
• Derion Kendrick | Year 4 | 6-foot-0 | 199 pounds
• Ahkello Witherspoon | Year 9 | 6-foot-2 | 195 pounds
• Emmanuel Forbes Jr. | Year 3 | 6-foot-0 | 180 pounds
• A.J. Green | Year 4 | 6-foot-2 | 198 pounds
• Shaun Jolly | Year 4 | 5-foot-9 | 186 pounds
• Cam Lampkin | Year 2 | 5-foot-11 | 176 pounds
• Josh Wallace | Year 2 | 6-foot-0 | 189 pounds
• Charles Woods | Year 2 | 5-foot-11 | 185 pounds

So why are NFL analysts agreeing on the need to add a cornerback in the upcoming draft? Among 10 players list above, there are questions and concerns associated with each player. Whether it's health concerns, a lack of experience, a low ceiling of productivity, of simply a host of unknowns, the Rams roster may have presumed starting cornerbacks, but none are viewed as Pro Bowl quality.

If the Rams do address the cornerback position, the likely opportunity will manifest on Days 1 or 2. The team has plenty of competitors, so the need at cornerback is about quality. Four cornerbacks were selected in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft (including Emmanuel Forbes Jr.). Three cornerbacks were selected in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Based on the numeric scores assigned in the past two drafts, as many as six CBs could hear their names called out in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Will the Rams be among the teams that name a cornerback as the selection in Round 1? There are many solid reasons to do so. But this is a solid group, and the Rams could tuck that need away until Day 2.

Primary 'need': Linebacker

Inside linebacker is not a typical early selection for any NFL team. When it comes to the LA Rams, it is a position that almost never is addressed. The Rams did select ILB Ernest Jones IV in Round 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 103rd overall pick. While the team found a very productive and competitive linebacker in Jones, he did not survive the duration of his rookie contract. Still, the team has lost both Jake Hummel and Christian Rozeboom, is unlikely to extend Troy Reeder.

As it currently stands, the Rams face the upcoming 2025 NFL season with:

• Omar Speights | Year 2 | 6-foot-1 | 228 pounds
• Nate Landman | Year 4 | 6-foot-3 | 235 pounds
• Tony Fields II | Year 5 | 6-foot-0 | 222 pounds
• Elias Neal | Year 2 | 6-foot-0 | 227 pounds

The Rams roster faces two challenges at the linebacker position. The Rams are lacking adequate depth and an obvious partner to start alongside Omar Speights in 2025. But are the coaches convinced that Speights is a presumed starter in 2025? Based on the lack of activity at the position, the team appears to be content with the status quo.

Ideally, the Rams need two linebackers during or after the draft. The starting linebacker next to Speights is perhaps the more urgent need. Ideally, that player will need to be adequate at stuffing the run, but excel at pass coverage. The other linebacker is a player who can be counted on for quality reps as a rotational or special teams contributor, but who can step up to start if the need arises.

The 2025 NFL Draft has enough draftable prospects to supply the Rams options for both types of linebackers. Will the team pull the trigger on selecting one? The team has a terrible track record of addressing the interior linebacker position in previous drafts. Is this the year that the team alters its draft strategy?