Rams Draft Day Steal: Team Trades Back, Snag Star Playmaker in Shocking Move
The Los Angeles Rams should be considered contenders in 2025 after making the playoffs in back-to-back years, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. They have some holes to address this offseason, particularly on the offensive side of the ball where the team underperformed in 2024.
As of now, tight end, wide receiver, cornerback and offensive tackle are among their biggest roster needs and we addressed all of them in our latest mock draft. Using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator, we went three rounds and filled some of the Rams’ biggest roster holes.
We traded back from No. 26, moving all the way out of the first round in a deal with the Giants for No. 34 overall. The benefit? Adding an extra third-round pick at No. 65.
TRADE: 34. CB Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
Trade details
- Rams receive: No. 34, 65
- Giants receive: No. 26
The Rams moved back from No. 26 to 34 in this deal, picking up the 65th overall selection in the process. That bridges the gap between their first and second picks, giving them an additional third-rounder.
With the 34th pick, the Rams land one of the best cornerbacks in the draft. Thomas is 6-foot-1 and is a physical corner, fitting the mold of what L.A. could be looking for in a cornerback. He can play press-man or drop into zone, making him a versatile boundary defender.
The Rams need cornerback help with Ahkello Witherspoon hitting free agency and Darious Williams getting older, so Thomas would be a perfect fit at the top of Round 2.
65. WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
With the extra third-rounder from the trade with New York, the Rams scoop up an exciting wide receiver prospect. Higgins is 6-foot-4 and showed impressive agility at the Senior Bowl, running some outstanding routes and dominating in one-on-one drills.
The Rams should be looking for more versatility on offense this offseason and Higgins would give them a big wideout who can stretch the field and win 50-50 balls. That’s not something they currently have on the roster. Higgins would be a fun player in Sean McVay’s offense, making him a nice complement to Puka Nacua.
90. OT Anthony Belton, NC State
Whether Alaric Jackson signs an extension or not, offensive tackle is a need for the Rams. Rob Havenstein is getting older and is entering the final year of his contract, so his future is uncertain.
Belton is a left tackle but there’s no reason to think he can’t play right tackle if needed, too. He’s 6-foot-5 and 345 pounds, so he has plenty of size to play either position. In fact, right tackle might be his best position in the NFL with the power and physicality he plays with.
100. TE Gunnar Helm, Texas
Helm doesn’t have the athleticism or explosiveness of some other tight ends in this class, but he’s the type of prospect L.A. could be looking for at the position. He can play in-line or split into the slot, showing the willingness and ability to block on the edge.
If the Rams miss out on some of the other top tight ends earlier in the draft, Helm would be a nice selection in Round 3. He’d add some youth and pass-catching skills to a tight end group that’s led by Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson.
