Looking at the Los Angeles Rams’ roster right now, they don’t necessarily have any glaring needs. Yes, they could use cornerback help, a pass-catching tight end, maybe another receiver and an inside linebacker, but the roster is set up for success in years to come.
Their biggest positional needs could very well change after free agency, though – especially with Alaric Jackson’s contract expiring. It’s possible the Rams will lose their stud left tackle in free agency, which will make that position their biggest hole.
It’s why ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has the Rams taking a left tackle in the first round of his initial mock draft of 2025. At No. 26 overall, Kiper gave the Rams Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr., but only after considering a quarterback at that spot for Los Angeles.
Here’s what Kiper wrote about the possibility of the Rams taking a quarterback at No. 26, despite there not being a clear-cut QB3 in the first round.
This is the primary spot where I considered including a third quarterback. All signs point to Matthew Stafford returning to the Rams next season and still playing at a high level. But he’s also going to be 37 when training camp starts. Retirement isn’t out of the question, and even if he does come back, Los Angeles would be smart to start making future plans. One of the league’s best draft-and-develop teams could choose to do that with one of the QB3 options: Syracuse’s Kyle McCord — who is rising after declaring for the draft — Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe would all be in the mix.
But … I’m not ready to put a third passer into Round 1, so I’m instead trying to help the Rams keep Stafford protected. Conerly has fantastic movement traits and maintains a clean pocket for his quarterback. He gave up just two sacks over three seasons in Eugene. He started two of those seasons and has been a consistent blindside wall.
After Cam Ward and Shadeur Sanders, there isn’t another quarterback worth taking at No. 26. There may not be a third quarterback taken at all in the first round. As badly as the Rams need to figure out a succession plan in the event that Stafford retires in the next two years, they shouldn’t reach for one out of necessity.
Conerly is the much more sensible selection, regardless of whether Stafford returns or not. If Jackson leaves and signs a massive contract elsewhere, which is a real possibility, the Rams will be left searching for their next left tackle. Conerly is capable of filling in right away and could solidify the line for the next four-plus years.
