What are the key positions the Rams are looking to address in the 2025 NFL Draft? Which player is projected to be selected by the Rams at No. 26, and what qualities make him a suitable fit? How might Xavier Restrepo contribute to the Rams’ offense given the team’s existing depth at receiver? What role could Gunnar Helm play in the Rams’ offense, and how does his performance at Texas factor into his draft potential? In what ways could the Rams’ draft picks impact their overall performance in the upcoming season?
The Rams have three picks in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, but two of them are in the third round. As such, the team’s No. 26 pick is critical for finding a player who will either be a Week 1 contributor or someone who can become an impact player early in his career. Pro Football Network’s Reese Decker put together a three-round mock draft a little more than a month before the actual draft at the end of April and predicted that the Rams stay with their selections and take Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell at No. 26, Miami receiver Xavier Restrepo at No. 90 and Texas tight end Gunnar Helm at No. 101.
Two of the three picks make sense given the Rams’ needs at insider linebacker and tight end, but the Restrepo pick is intriguing given L.A.’s other need is cornerback and because the offense has solid receiver depth between Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington. But you can never have too many pass-catchers.
Here’s what Decker wrote about Campbell to the Rams, which is a pick a few other pundits have predicted as well:
"Campbell is a pure off-ball linebacker," Decker wrote. "Instinctive, disciplined, and quick to react, he gets his eyes in the right place and makes decisive plays. His reliability as a tackler makes him a perfect fit for a defense needing a steady, impactful presence."
Campbell finished the 2024 season with five sacks, 12 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and 117 combined tackles. He tallied 184 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions in 35 career college games. Campbell would immediately start in Chris Shula’s defense as another young piece of the core of Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Byron Young and Kobie Turner.
As for Restrepo, the 5-foot-10, 198-pounder would need to work his way up the depth chart to be an early contributor. He’s a solid slot receiver who posted two consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons with Miami and led the ACC with 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns this past season. Restrepo has 2,844 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns in 51 career games.
Helm, meanwhile, is a big-bodied tight end at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds. He’s a bit slow, though, after running a 4.84 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine this year. Helm was prolific in his final year at Texas with 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns. He would be the heir apparent to Tyler Higbee’s role in the offense.
All said, this would be a good haul for the Rams and solve some key roster holes ahead of the 2025 season. While it doesn’t fix everything, the Restrepo and Helm picks would give much-needed depth on offense. Campbell could be a stud on defense, too, which would give more firepower for an already emerging unit.
Rams Add Offensive Depth in New 3-Round Mock Draft
As the NFL Draft approaches, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves at a crucial juncture in their rebuild. After a disappointing season marred by injuries and inconsistent play, the Rams are focused on bolstering their roster, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. With their high-octane offense powered by quarterback Matthew Stafford and star wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the team recognizes the need for additional depth and talent to remain competitive in the ever-challenging NFC West.
In this latest 3-round mock draft, the Rams seize the opportunity to strengthen their offensive unit with strategic picks that align with their long-term vision.
Round 1: Offensive Line Stability
Pick 36 – O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
The Rams’ offensive line struggled last season, exposing quarterback Matthew Stafford to unnecessary pressure and limiting the run game. To address this issue, the team selects O’Cyrus Torrence, a powerful offensive guard from the University of Florida. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 340 pounds, Torrence boasts the size and strength to anchor the line. He is known for his agility, allowing him to excel in both pass protection and run blocking. Pairing him with established players like Rob Havenstein and Joseph Noteboom would give the Rams a more formidable offensive line, allowing Stafford to operate confidently in the pocket.
Torrence’s performance and physical attributes make him a natural fit in Sean McVay’s offense, which relies on a balance of quick passing and effective running plays. By securing a player of Torrence’s caliber, the Rams can ensure they have a foundation for both immediate and future success on the line.
Round 2: Versatile Skill Position Player
Pick 69 – Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
As the draft progresses, the Rams target another skill position to enhance their offensive arsenal, selecting Kayshon Boutte from LSU. Known for his explosive speed and agility, Boutte is not only an excellent route runner but also demonstrates the ability to stretch the field. His addition would complement Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson, providing a dynamic trio capable of causing havoc for opposing defenses.
Boutte suffered a season-ending injury in 2021 but made a strong comeback in 2022, proving that he can be a reliable playmaker. His versatility allows him to excel both in the slot and on the outside, providing quarterback Matthew Stafford with additional options when the pocket collapses or matchups favor the offense. With Boutte in the mix, the Rams would significantly elevate their vertical passing game, an area they’ll need to exploit to keep defenses honest.
Round 3: Projected Future Star at QB
Pick 104 – Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
While the Rams currently have a Pro Bowl quarterback in Matthew Stafford, the front office understands the importance of having a developmental quarterback on the roster, particularly given Stafford’s age and injury history. Enter Jake Haener from Fresno State—a quarterback who has consistently impressed scouts with his poise and accuracy.
Haener is known for his strong arm and decision-making under pressure. He completed over 68% of his passes during his time at Fresno State, demonstrating a high football IQ. With McVay at the helm, Haener would have the luxury of learning and developing behind one of the best in the business. Bringing in Haener not only provides insurance for Stafford but also allows the Rams to plan for the future while investing in a potential franchise quarterback.
Building Depth and Flexibility
The selections in this mock draft reflect a larger trend in the NFL: prioritizing depth and versatility. The Rams are clearly focused on building a roster that can withstand the rigors of a 17-game season and future playoff contests. With Torrence solidifying the offensive line, Boutte adding an explosive dimension to the receiving corps, and Haener developing as a long-term quarterback option, the Rams are setting themselves up not just for the immediate future but for sustained success.
Moreover, these picks also provide the flexibility the Rams need as they navigate ongoing roster decisions in the coming years. With Kupp and Robinson heavily leaned upon in recent seasons, adding young talent like Boutte ensures offensive diversity. Similarly, investing in the offensive line promotes a balanced attack, which is essential to moving the ball efficiently down the field and scoring points.
Conclusion
As the Rams prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft, the emphasis on offensive depth is clear. By making calculated selections aimed at strengthening their offensive line, enhancing their receiving corps, and planning for the future at quarterback, the Rams are positioning themselves for immediate competitiveness and long-term success in the NFL. Financial margin for error is slim in today’s league, and the Rams are proving their commitment to not just winning today, but also securing a brighter future for their franchise. With an eye toward balancing experience with youthful exuberance, the Rams are once again poised to make noise in the postseason.
Sure! In this updated 3-round mock draft, the focus is on enhancing the Rams’ offensive depth. The aim is to target players who can immediately contribute while also providing future potential.
Round 1: The Rams address a crucial need with a dynamic playmaker. With the offensive line struggling in recent seasons, selecting a top-tier tackle would be ideal to provide solid protection for the quarterback and open running lanes. A versatile offensive lineman who can play multiple positions would help solidify the trenches.
Round 2: Wide receiver depth becomes a priority here, especially to complement the existing talent. Targeting a speedy receiver with strong route-running skills could provide the Rams with a valuable weapon in the passing game. This addition would enhance the offensive scheme, creating mismatches against opposing defenses.
Round 3: A tight end who excels in both blocking and receiving is selected to bolster the offensive versatility. This player could serve as a reliable outlet in the passing game while also providing support in run blocking, which is vital for developing a balanced offensive attack.
With these selections, the Rams focus on building an impactful offense that can compete in a tough division, while also focusing on long-term growth and stability.