ESPN NFL experts latest update fogs windshield as 2025 NFL Draft nears

When it comes to the Los Angeles Rams strategizing for the 2025 NFL Draft, this team can go in many different directions. As in any draft, the team has to balance positional needs with the available talent and try to walk the tightrope to optimize the most positive impact on the roster. As fans rally behind their favorite rookie prospect(s), Rams GM Les Snead must take a more holistic approach.

For example, while fans may want the Rams to select a talented tight end in Round 1, if a tight end of comparable talent is expected to be available in Round 3, the team may opt for a cornerback or wide receiver early. Ultimately, the team needs positive contributions from all drafted rookies, not just one or two. So, how can fans set realistic expectations?

ESPN NFL draft analysts Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates combined their mental might to put a solid framework around this draft. While even this brain trust is speculating what may happen throughout the three-day event, their insights touch base on a wide range of topics. So, what do they have to say? They sum up several key points of interest about the 2025 NFL draft that should interest NFL fans. Such as:

(4) - Medical flags will have an impact

All things being equal, projecting Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft is very difficult. But factoring in how recent injuries might affect Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell (shoulder), Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons (patellar tendon), East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (ACL) and Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison (hip), it becomes nearly impossible.

Since these prospects already fall below the elite tier of this rookie class, their range can fall anywhere from late Round 1 to Round 3. Are you particularly passionate over one or more of these prospects? They may still be on the board as the Rams step up to the podium on Day 2.

(3) - Multiple teams will in market to trade back

We've touched base multiple times over the likelihood of the Rams trading back in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft. The thing is, with a lack of true Round 1 grades on many rookie prospects in this draft, many NFL teams are likely to share an interest in doing so. Per the ESPN experts, they name the Arizona Cardinals (16th overall), the Minnesota Vikings (24th overall), and the Washington Commanders (29th overall) as the teams most likely to offer up their pick for a chance to add more draft picks.

So how might that impact the Rams on Day 1? Well, the Cardinals desire to trade back does open the window of opportunity for the Rams to trade up for a coveted player. If either TE Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland falls that far, the Rams could put a package together to trade up. That package could take the Rams 26th overall pick, one of the Rams' other picks in this draft, plus a 2026 Round 2 pick. Will the team be willing to package that much to a division rival?

On the other hand, if the Rams want to scoot up a couple of spots, the Vikings pick at 24th overall could be appealing. And the fact that the Rams could trade back adds a bit of intrigue to which team might view the Rams 26th overall pick as affordable enough to make the move.

(2) - Plenty of talent remains on draft board for Day 3

Not one of the three experts had any problem naming a Day 3 sleeper pick. And if pressed, I'm sure that each of them could rattle off five or more rookie prospects who could make a huge impact in 2025, but who they expect to be available on Day 3. Due to the abundance of talent at running back, tight end, and defensive tackle, other positions will be placed on the back burner.

That could result in a number of Day 2 prospects lasting well into the early portion of Day 3. That plays well into the Rams hand, as the team has few plug-and-play needs in this draft, but would love to add talented depth to saturate many rotational and special team roles on the roster.

(1) - Look for a Day 2 rally around running backs

Plenty has been said about the quality and depth of rookie running backs up for grabs in the 2025 NFL Draft. And despite the Rams sitting on four running backs on the roster already, all of whom were on the 53-man Rams roster in 2024, some hope the Rams select a rookie running back in Round 1.

The thing about an overflowing supply of talent in any rookie class is that the oversupply gives NFL teams a sense of confidence to push that position to the side, and focus on the more limited number of talented rookies at other position. Per the ESPN experts, that is likely to happen in this draft as well.

Matt Miller shared what he has learned to this point: "Multiple scouts have talked to me about waiting for a talented running back in Rounds 2, 3 and 4." If true, the Rams have no need to aim for a running back in Round 1, even if upgrading the roster at the running back position is on the menu in this draft.

If Miller is correct, the Rams can hold off until Round 3 before wading into a running back selection.

There are many reasons to check out their article, as they give much more information than I've covered here. But I've highlighted the key areas that could have an impact on the Rams draft.

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