Rams could find incredible OT value on Day 3 of 2025 NFL Draft

While the LA Rams are likely out of the franchise offensive tackle market on Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, that does not eliminate the team from taking a falling star on the offensive line. After all, the recently re-signed starting offensive tackle Alaric Jackson was a projected Round 4 offensive tackle who fell to the ranks of undrafted players because the position was loaded in that year. And there are signs that talented offensive linemen could fall once more due to the depth of talent at defensive line, running back, and tight end.

And that sets up the Rams to have a solid rookie class from the 2025 NFL Draft once more.

The jury remains out on rookie center Beaux Limmer from the 2024 NFL Draft. But keep in mind that he was training with backups up to the point that the Rams lost both Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson to injuries. Then, the team scrambled to promote Beaux Limmer to start at center and Justin Dedich to left guard. Ultimately, Avila would return to suit up at left guard, but Limmer had improved to the point where he became the team's starting center.

Unlike other NFL positional groups, the chemistry of a top-tier offensive line is difficult to measure. It's simply not enough to measure the talent of a player. Their greatest attributes are work ethic, coachability, chemistry with teammates, durability, and acute awareness of all that is going on around them. And then, there is a level of athleticism that is necessary to compete at the NFL level.

The Rams starting left tackle was undrafted. The Rams starting center was drafted in Round 6. The LA Rams are a team with a solid sense of under-the-radar offensive linemen. And as luck would have it, the 2025 NFL Draft has a solid group of under-the-radar offensive linemen who could be huge steals of this draft. They are:

With Alaric Jackson returning, the Rams are set at offensive tackle. And with the team welcoming back Warren McClendon Jr., AJ Arcuri, and K.T. Leveston, the team has sufficient depth to handle the normal pattern of bumps and bruises likely to occur along the way in 2025. But if the team is smart, it's the right time to plan for RT Rob Havenstein's successor, and these rookies could be the next starting right tackle for the Rams:

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I - NC State OT Anthony Belton

At 6-foot-5 and weighing 345 pounds, Anthony Belton is a powerful and immovable offensive tackle. He blends a wonderful exhibit of finesse and ferocity that will instantly make him a standout in training camp. Because he is a huge offensive tackle, he engulfs the defender and is unlikely to lose him until the play is blown dead.

Of course, he has some things to clean up. His footwork needs to be more instinctive, as he is a huge blocker but can get his footwork tangled. That can throw him off-balance. He also needs to refine his powerful handwork. He relies too heavily on a one-two punching style that veteran defenders will figure out and counter. He has all the right tools and mindset. A bit of coaching and he will make a fine NFL starter.

Projection: Round 4

II - Boston College OT Ozzy Trapilo

If you prefer your offensive tackles taller, then 6-foot-7 321-pound Boston College offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo is likely a rookie prospect that you have had your eye on. Trapilo is an extremely versatile offensive tackle, able to project to either the left or right side of the offensive line. Ozzy Trapilo is another solid blend of football awareness with the ferocity of a wild animal, making his performance at offensive tackle worth seeing.

But he needs to refine his approach. Because of his height, he can drift too high in pass protection, allowing defenders to get the advantage of leverage. He also needs to refine his handwork and footwork, as he is more of a tentacle than boxer approach with his long wingspan.

Projection: Round 4

III - Wisconsin OT Jack Nelson

You many not be overly excited at the thought of the Rams returning to Wisconsin for an offensive lineman after the struggles of Logan Bruss, but 6-foot-7 316-pound offensive tackle Jack Nelson could change your mind quickly. Nelson is the most versatile offensive linemen of the bunch, with experience at all offensive lineman positions sans center. And that versatility could make Nelson a top choice for the Rams, particularly if he remains on the board late on Day 3.

Nelson does not have the natural athleticism to dominate, but he more than makes up for his physical limitations by staying one step ahead of his opponent by outthinking them. He is constantly on the move, a flurry of corrections and overcorrections. With a bit of refinement and coaching, he will shave much of his expended energy and be a better all around performer. He needs a bit more power, and of course the refinement of his hand and footwork as well.

Projection: Round 7

With immediate roster needs met, the Rams front office can start to consider future needs as they stretegize for the 2025 NFL Draft. The team is almost certain to select a tight end or wide receiver on Day 1. But Day 3 options are wide open. I suspect that the team will invest in the offensive line once more, and perhaps with an eye to landing a successor for Rob Havenstein.

And that would be an excellent selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

As always, thanks for reading.

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