5 undrafted rookies who can change the Rams in their rookie season

When it comes to the Los Angeles Rams, the scouting department is particularly gifted at combing the countryside for the best and most intriguing rookie prospects to sign to the roster after the annual NFL Draft. And the 2025 class of undrafted collegiate free agents is particularly noteworthy. We have just entered May 2025, and there is a rising volume surrounding two undrafted free agents.

The first is 5-foot-10, 270-pound interior offensive lineman Willie Lampkin, whose only flaw is giving up four or more inches to his opponent and teammates. Yet when you study his film, he looks very much at home as a blocker. Lamkin's size has inspired one draft analyst to suggest that he take an unorthodox approach and cross-train to become an NFL fullback. While the Rams seem to be the most unlikely team to pursue that objective, it is intriguing.

And then there is the indescribable production of the University of Buffalo's ILB Shaun Dolac. At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, many teams simply did not hold the opinion that he was a sure-fire NFL contributor. But after putting up 168 tackles, 6.5 quarterback sacks, and 5.0 interceptions in 2024 alone, the Rams are interested enough to want to see more. If DC Chris Shula can unlock his unique blend of athleticism for the defense, he will cement his legacy as a defensive genius.

But there is plenty more where that came from. The 2025 NFL Draft was a smorgasbord of rookie football talent. As is often the case, many NFL teams filled up on the early entrees. But Rams GM Les Snead left enough room for desserts. So, what sweet treats does Snead have in store for Rams fans this time? Let's find out together...

(5) - DT Bill Norton

If you want a run-stuffing defense, it all starts up front. And to counter the team's wllingness to sign 5-foot-11 NT Poon Ford, the Rams set the dial in the opposite direction. Say hello to the man-mountain nose tackle Bill Norton, who played for the University of Texas, stands 6-foot-6, and weighs a staggering 335 pounds of power and muscle.

Amazingly, Norton was a four-year teammate of Rams backup QB Stetson Bennett. He transferred to Arizona in 2023 and to Texas in 2024. His best statistical season was 2023, when he put up 32 tackles, three tackles for a loss, and deflected three passes. Norton is big and powerful, he just needs more coaching to harness and focus all that raw football athleticism into great production on game day.

Norton's best football is not the stuff that statistics capture. He can occupy two or three offensive linemen to a standstill, allowing his teammates free access to make plays. He welcomes the dirty work in the trenches. The Rams' defensive front is blessed with more playmakers than the team knows what to do with. Bill Norton is like a raw and inexperienced Bobby Brown III. Given time, coaching, and opportunity, he can be a keystone to a much better run defense in 2025.