There’s a lot of time between now and the 2025 NFL draft and plenty will change before the big event. The Los Angeles Rams, for one, will determine which positions are their biggest needs in the draft this year, mostly based on which players leave in free agency and whether Matthew Stafford is back under center.
It’s still relatively early in the draft process but one position is clearly becoming popular among experts when it comes to predicting what the Rams will do in April. Here’s a mock draft roundup from various outlets showing who they expect Los Angeles to take at No. 26.
Curt Popejoy, Draft Wire: Texas OT Cameron Williams
Williams would make logical sense for the Rams, given their needs at both left and right tackle.
If the Rams trade away Cooper Kupp they are confident in their offensive skill players so we opt for a top-tier pass blocker and run blocker to go with them.
Christian D’Andrea, For The Win: Minnesota OT Aireontae Ersery
Ersey brings great size and length to the position at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds. D’Andrea notes that his floor might be lower than some other prospects but his ceiling is high, especially if he takes on a role as a swing tackle initially.
Ersery has the chops to be a long term solution. He’s a massive (6-foot-6, 330 pounds) tackle who has improved throughout his college career. He’s got quick feet and sound technique along with experience playing both tackle positions. While his floor may be slightly lower than other blockers available, he could hang out as a swing tackle for a year before growing into his enormous ceiling as a pro.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.
Conerly is one of the best left tackle prospects in the draft and would fill an immediate need if Alaric Jackson leaves in free agency.
A young OT with good upside who still needs development, Conerly would have the chance to come in and learn behind the Rams’ veteran tackles before taking over a starting spot in 2026.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.
Another pick for Conerly at No. 26, who’s quickly becoming the most popular prospect for the Rams in Round 1.
I’m still getting used to seeing the Rams make picks in the first round after their seven-draft gap from 2017 to 2023! The team pored resources into the defensive line in the last draft. They flip the script and take care of the offensive line in the first round this year.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.
Brugler likes the fit with Conerly heading to the Rams after the big improvements he made as a junior in 2024.
It’s hard to say how many more years Matthew Stafford will play, But investing in the offensive line, helping to keep him healthy and maximizing his final years with the organization would be a logical plan. After becoming a starter in 2023, Conerly took a big jump as a junior — he didn’t allow a pressure in 10 of Oregon’s final 12 games.
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.
Count Kiper as someone on the Conerly bandwagon for the Rams. Here’s part of what he wrote about the Oregon tackle after nearly mocking a quarterback to Los Angeles at this spot.
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.
Mason Cameron, PFF: Missouri OT Armand Membou
Armand was excellent as both a pass protector and run blocker last season, earning a 90.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
With Alaric Jackson set to test free agency and Rob Havenstein entering his age-33 season in the final year of his contract, the Rams will undoubtedly prioritize offensive tackle in this draft.
Membou, who earned a 90.4 overall grade in 2024, graded in the 87th percentile or better as both a run and pass blocker. His athleticism and versatility would provide the Rams with a flexible, high-upside option on the outside.
Matt Miller, ESPN: Florida State CB Azareye’h Thomas
Finally, someone other than an offensive tackle. Thomas is one of the best cornerback prospects in the draft, boasting great size and athleticism to play on the outside.
Thomas is a press cornerback with easy movement ability and the reach at 6-foot-2 to line up across from WR1 types. He had one interception this season, but he also allowed only 12 receptions and 94 yards in coverage. Plus, Thomas was the best cornerback during practices at the Senior Bowl, showing off his press coverage ability and answering any questions scouts had about his ability to run with receivers down the field.
