The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and anticipation is building around the Los Angeles Rams’ strategy as they prepare to make their first-round selection. Leading up to the draft, renowned ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. predicted that the Rams would select Florida State cornerback Azareye'h Thomas with the 26th overall pick. Last season, the Rams struggled defensively, finishing 20th in pass defense, allowing an average of 223 passing yards per game. With the return of cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon through free agency, Kiper believes enhancing the secondary is crucial, stating, "The Rams went heavy on Florida State defenders last April, drafting Jared Verse and Braden Fiske in the first two rounds. They both had great rookie seasons. Why change the approach now? Let’s give L.A. another Seminole, this time in the secondary."
Ahkello Witherspoon, who re-joined the Rams as part of free agency, is expected to provide additional experience alongside the promising rookie Thomas. Over three seasons at Florida State, Thomas tallied an impressive 53 tackles, deflected four passes, and recorded an interception in the 2024 season. His physical profile is noteworthy as he stands at 6'2" and weighs 198 pounds, making him an appealing prospect for NFL teams looking to boost their defensive capabilities.
In the lead-up to the draft, the Rams have also been quite active in the free agency market. They have added four new players, re-signed seven, and lost 10 players due to expired contracts during this offseason. This includes the recent signings of defensive lineman Larrell Murchison, linebacker Nate Landman, and Witherspoon, which collectively help to mitigate some of the urgency the team would feel to draft a day-one starter in the first round.
As a result of these signings, the Rams now have a bit more flexibility regarding their draft strategy. Rams General Manager Les Snead, known for making bold moves in the draft, has opened the door for potential trades. Snead has previously shown his willingness to trade up to secure promising talent, as he did last year when he moved up to add defensive tackle Braden Fiske, who ended up being in the running for Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) honors along with teammate Jared Verse, both drafted from Florida State. The recent wave of new signings allows the Rams to assess whether they want to trade up for a higher pick or trade back to acquire more valuable assets.
Experts also acknowledge that the Rams might not have a singular pressing need in the draft, thanks in part to their successful free agency activity. With various mock drafts circulating, quite a few analysts have identified Thomas as a compelling choice for Los Angeles. Along with Kiper, Jourdan Rodrigue from The Athletic also sees Thomas as a solid match for the Rams at 26, emphasizing his ability to fill a significant void in the secondary.
Diante Lee of The Ringer recommends Georgia safety Malaki Starks, arguing that his versatility would complement the Rams' defensive schemes. Todd McShay pointed out that Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston represents a fitting player for the Rams on defense, having demonstrated elite speed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.28-second 40-yard dash. On the other hand, Daniel Jeremiah from NFL Media supports the potential choice of Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos, who clocked a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, citing his physicality and ball skills. Additionally, Kyle Crabbs and Ryan Fowler noted that UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger could fill a pressing need in the defensive alignment, reflecting the Rams’ longstanding inclination to fortify that position, despite the historical context of investing early in linebackers.
Interestingly, the Rams’ established trend of selecting defensive players from Florida State suggests Kiper's prediction might indeed ring true. With the rising success of the defensive recruits from the school, it seems almost natural for the Rams to continue this selection pattern. In fact, Kiper described Thomas' skill set as a decisive factor in bolstering the Rams' pass defense, which last season allowed the fifth most passing touchdowns, tied with 29.
As the draft looms closer, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves in an advantageous position, having filled crucial needs while also maintaining the potential to adapt their strategy based on the flow of the draft. With an array of talented defenders available, choosing Thomas at the 26th pick could solidify the Rams’ secondary, providing them with a cornerstone player to develop alongside Witherspoon, making him a formidable presence for opposing quarterbacks.
In summary, the 2025 NFL Draft poses a critical opportunity for the Rams to enhance their roster. Whether they choose to go with Kiper’s suggestion and draft Thomas or explore other solid avenues like Starks, Hairston, Amos, or Schwesinger, they are well-prepared to make a move. With Snead’s drafting acumen and a deeper understanding of their needs following a transformative free agency, the Rams are set to shape the future trajectory of their team as they aim to improve upon their previous season's performance.
