The Los Angeles Rams are making a splash back into the first round of the NFL Draft, holding the 13th overall pick after a strategic trade with the Atlanta Falcons last year. With Matthew Stafford leading the charge to an impressive 2025 season and earning league MVP honors, the Rams are poised to fill some key roster gaps through the draft.
Let's dive into the Rams' draft strategy, as projected by the PFF mock simulator.
First Round - 13th Overall Pick: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Rams are focusing on fortifying their offensive line, selecting Georgia's Monroe Freeling. This move is all about protecting Stafford and grooming the line for the future.
Freeling, who started every game in his last two seasons with Georgia, is a solid choice to keep the Rams' offense humming. With Alaric Jackson approaching free agency, it's a smart move to secure a reliable tackle early.
Second Round - 61st Overall Pick: Skyler Bell, WR, Connecticut
The Rams are eyeing another playmaker in Skyler Bell. Bell's standout season at UConn, with 101 catches and 1,278 yards, makes him a promising addition to the receiving corps. Les Snead has a knack for finding gems beyond the first round, and Bell could be another success story, adding depth and dynamism to the offense.
Third Round - 93rd Overall Pick: Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State
In the third round, the Rams address their defensive needs by picking Keyshaun Elliott from Arizona State. Elliott's 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks showcase his potential to energize the Rams' defense. While some might see this as a slight reach, Elliott's upside could prove valuable in the competitive NFC West.
Seventh Round - Picks 207, 232, 251, 252
- Pick 207: Tyrem Montgomery, WR, John Carroll University
The Rams take a chance on Tyrem Montgomery, a Division III standout with 119 catches last season. Montgomery's impressive performance at John Carroll University highlights his potential to surprise at the next level.
- Pick 232: Noah Thomas, WR, Georgia
Noah Thomas joins from Georgia, a teammate of Freeling. Despite modest college stats, the Rams see potential in Thomas as a late-round sleeper.
- Pick 251: Keagen Trost, OT, Missouri
Keagen Trost, an offensive tackle from Missouri, is another strategic pick. With only one sack allowed in 891 snaps last season, Trost could become a key depth piece on the line.
- Pick 252: Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas
Finally, the Rams look to the future with Jalon Daniels from Kansas. With Stafford nearing the twilight of his career, Daniels offers a developmental option, bringing 2,500 passing yards and 22 touchdowns from his final college season.
The Rams are clearly building for both the present and the future, aiming to maximize Stafford’s remaining years while laying the groundwork for sustained success.