6 explosive prospects that Rams must target in the 2025 NFL Draft

Explosive wide receivers

When it comes to explosive wide receivers, the LA Rams are certainly in the market for some. The team is projected to lose veteran WR Cooper Kupp to a trade (or outright release), and lose WRs Tutu Atwell, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson to expired contracts. While the team may extend some, I would expect the Rams roster to lose at least two wide receivers this offseason. So rookie prospects at the position will take the priority.

If the team wants to test the back end of defenses, here are the right rookies for the job:

Tez Johnson, Oregon (very small/TuTu Atwell frame)

The similarities to Rams veteran WR Tutu Atwell and Oregon WR Tez Johnson are impossible to ignore. Tez Johnson stands 5-foot-10, weighs 165 pounds, and has the type of blazing speed that forces defensive coordinators to game plan for. While Johnson's 40-time has yet to be recorded, his performance on the football field leaves no doubt that he is football fast.

For the Rams, that is all that they need to know about a player's swiftness.

If the Rams failed to develop WR Tutu Atwell to his fullest potential, why would they go back and do it all over again? Well, you could point to the Rams experience at RB Darrell Henderson not diswaying them from choosing RB Kyren Williams as step one. The Rams front office view each player's passion, mindset, work ethic, and a host of other factors to weigh each rookie prospect. So what about Tez Johnson makes him ideally suited to wear 'The Horns?' Let's talk about that:

Tez Johnson was taken in by Bo Nix's family when he was just 15 years old. They later reunited as teammates when both played for the Oregon Ducks. So the connection between quarterback and wide receiver is more than football-related. Their friendship has fueled their football passion and proficiency. Johnson exploded for 82 catches, 1,182 yards, and 10 touchdowns for the Oregon Ducks in 2023.

He boasts blazing speed, precise route running, soft hands married with superb ball-tracking skills, elusive off the line of scrimmage, and the ability to turn any play into big gains. If the Rams learned how to unlock Tutu Atwell's potential through trial and error, Tez Johnson could be a huge addition to the offense.

Where could Rams select him? Round 3

Matthew Golden, Texas (do it all kind of receiver)

IF the Rams are stuck on their cookie-cutter perspective at wide receiver, then even a casual blush of Texas rookie prospect Matthew Golden will jump out for the team. Not only does Matthew Golden have a name that screams future NFL highlight reel, but he stands 6-foot-0 and weighs 195 pounds. He is a former teammate of Rams WR Jordan Whittington, and that is something to keep in the back of your mind, especially after the team's success with drafting Florida State teammates to the defense.

If you have a need for speed, Golden is your guy. He runs the 40-yard-dash in 4.38 seconds, and could clock in an even faster time at his collegiate Pro Day. And yes, he has special teams experience that could set him up to earn a role as the team's kick returner or punt returner. If Jordan Whittington's physicality is an anvil, then Matthew Golden's speed and separation ability is the hammer.

Matthew Golden is so crisp at running routes that he breaks ankles, and his route tree is like the choreography of an Arthur Murray's Dance School masterclass. Initially a vertical threat, Golden worked incredibly hard to master the entire arsenal of routes, tempos, and patterns. He looks the part of a Rams star receiver. But will he be on the board when the team makes a selection?

Where could Rams select him? Late Round 1 (or trade back to early Round 2)

Tai Felton, Maryland (explosive and productive in college)

If you have followed Ramblin Fan for any period of time, you have seen the name Tai Felton before. He appeared in a Rams mock draft, and he joined Michigan TE Colston Loveland in that draft in fueling a recharged Rams offense for 2025. While not currently consider a top-tier prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft yet, he offers much more than a warm body and a roster fill.

The first characteristic about Tai Felton is the fact that he stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 181 pounds. He joins star wide receiver Puka Nacua at that height, while needing a bit more muscle to match Nacua's physicality. But what Tai Felton lacks in powerhouse performances, he more than makes up for with his speed, his route tree, his mental toughness, his ability to retain possession on contested catches, and his ability to sneak in outstanding YAC numbers.

While not blessed with blazing speed, he has the same level of playmaking ability that the team is losing in veteran WR Cooper Kupp. After all, Kupp was not speedster, and yet his 2021 single-season performance is one for the ages.

Where could Rams select him? Round 4

Ultimately, Rams selections in the 2025 NFL Draft will be about opportunity as well as talent level. The Rams wanted Georgia TE Brock Bowers and Texas DT Byron Murphy II in the 2024 NFL Draft, but were unable to trade up to select them. So it's not just whether or not the Rams love these prospects as much it is whether or not they are on the draft board when the Rams have them targeted.

This draft may not rank in terms of importance in some fans eyes as highly as the 2023 and 2024 NFL Drafts did. But in terms of the new direction of the team's offense, this is a vital turning point for the team. Like the past two drafts for the defense, the Rams need to hit home runs for offensive playmakers in this draft. I believe the Rams will find gems in this draft as well.

As always, thanks for reading.