The Los Angeles Rams went into the 2025 football draft with one big idea—fix spots where they needed help and get more good players. They made a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, moving out of the first round and getting a first-round pick for next year instead. This year? Just six new guys.
Every pick shows the Rams were thinking about what the team needs most, mixing strong players with the hope they’ll be even better in the future. So, let’s look at these new guys and see what each one might do for a team that’s slowly building back up under Sean McVay.
Terrance Ferguson: A Tight End Ready To Help Now
With pick number 46, the Rams took Terrance Ferguson, a tight end from Oregon. He did really well in college. He caught the most balls ever for a tight end at his school in one year (43) and had 591 yards. He can run fast (4.63 seconds in the forty), jump high (39 inches), and he’s big (6′ 5″; 247 pounds).
The Rams already have Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Davis Allen at tight end, but last year, these players didn’t perform well. They had the lowest yards of any team (459).
Ferguson could take over for Higbee, since Higbee’s contract is almost done. He has long arms, starts fast, and could play soon—if he can block. If Ferguson proves himself in practices and on game days, the Los Angeles Rams odds could shift favorably for the upcoming season. This is especially true if the team’s attack gets stronger.
Josaiah Stewart: Tenacity on the Edge
The third-round addition of Michigan linebacker Josaiah Stewart adds firepower to a defensive front in transition. With 14 career sacks—9.5 from the edge in Ann Arbor—Stewart offers a high-motor presence to a pass rush that lost Michael Hoecht in free agency. At 6′ 1″, he may be undersized for an edge defender, but he compensates with relentless energy and explosiveness.
Los Angeles seems settled with Byron Young and Jared Verse as starters, but Stewart projects as a high-effort rotational piece. His ability to convert speed to power and win one-on-one matchups could earn him early snaps on passing downs. With development, Stewart could become more than a depth option.
Jarquez Hunter: More Than Just Insurance
Running back wasn’t a major need, but the Rams clearly valued Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter, trading up to draft him at No. 117. Hunter led the SEC in yards after contact per attempt (4.03) in 2024. He also tallied 1,201 rushing yards, eight touchdowns, and 21 catches.
Kyren Williams is still the presumed starter, but Blake Corum underwhelmed as a rookie, creating opportunity. Hunter’s contact balance and tackle-breaking ability give him a shot to climb the depth chart. Though his pass protection and receiving still need work, he fits naturally into a rotation that values vision and burst.
Ty Hamilton: Strength in the Trenches
The Rams doubled down on need by moving up in the fifth round to draft Ohio State defensive tackle Ty Hamilton. A dependable interior presence, Hamilton started all 16 games last year. Known for anchoring against single and double blocks, he’s missed just six tackles since 2021. This highlights his consistency.
With Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner headlining the line, Hamilton isn’t expected to start but is poised to contribute as immediate run-stopping depth. His discipline and power could make him an early-down asset. With more coaching and conditioning, he could eventually start, especially if injuries strike the Rams’ front. His addition also factors into NFL current betting data and trends, as analysts adjust their outlook on the Rams’ defensive depth.
Chris Paul Jr.: An Underrated Coverage Linebacker
The Rams’ fifth-round investment in Chris Paul Jr. was a strategic move to fill the void left by Christian Rozeboom and Jake Hummel. Paul led Ole Miss with 84 tackles in 2024 and totaled 222 since 2022, fifth-most in the SEC. Impressively, he didn’t allow a touchdown across 665 coverage snaps last season.
Currently projected as the third inside linebacker, Paul joins a rotation of league-average veterans. But his coverage skills and sideline-to-sideline range stand out. More than a special teams candidate, he’s poised for early situational use, especially in nickel. If he continues to flash in camp, Paul could push for a bigger role by midseason.
Konata Mumpfield: Late-Round Steal or Camp Depth?
Seventh-round pick Konata Mumpfield may face a tough climb in a stacked wide receiver room, but there’s enough on tape to warrant intrigue. Despite testing poorly at the NFL Combine—running a 4.59 at just 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds—Mumpfield showed strong production at Pittsburgh, averaging 15.6 yards per reception with 813 yards and five touchdowns in 2024.
He joins a crowded receiver corps featuring Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, and Tutu Atwell. That said, Mumpfield’s route-running and spatial awareness could give him a shot at carving out a role in the slot. His best chance to stick on the roster may come via special teams or practice squad development, but his polish gives him a better chance than most seventh-rounders.
Measured Steps Toward Future Success
The Rams focused on steady improvement instead of chasing headlines in this year’s draft. They made careful, intentional moves to strengthen weak spots from their 2024 season and add depth to the team. By targeting future needs at tight end, upgrading the defensive line, and providing backfield backup, they set the stage for long-term success.
The early impact of these rookies will vary, but each one was chosen with a clear plan in mind for growth and competition. This shows the team’s front office is thinking beyond just this season and planning ahead for what’s to come.
