Rams mock draft roundup: Final 1st-round projections from NFL experts

[ASFN Admin]

Experts have put the finishing touches on their mock drafts with the big event just a day away, attempting to predict who will land where in the first round. The Los Angeles Rams are a particularly difficult team to pin down because they could take a quarterback, a wide receiver, a linebacker or a prospect at a variety of other positions.

Rounding up the latest mock drafts from analysts, there's no real consensus about which direction the Rams will go in Round 1. Trading up for a tight end is one option, which The Athletic reports is in the cards, but moving back is also a good possibility with Los Angeles missing a second-round pick.

Here's one final collection of NFL mock drafts, painting a picture of who experts predict the Rams to take on Thursday night.

Draft Wire: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan​

In Curt Popejoy's final mock draft, the Rams get a steal with Loveland at No. 26 overall – a player they're probably not expecting to fall into their laps. This would be a perfect pick for the Rams in Round 1, finally getting the young tight end they've been searching for.

NFL Wires: CB Will Johnson, Michigan (trade up to No. 22)​

• Broncos receive: No. 26 (1st) and No. 101 (3rd)
• Rams receive: No. 22 (1st)

With cornerback being one of the Rams’ biggest needs, I decided to move up for arguably the best pure corner in the class – Travis Hunter excluded. There’s a chance Johnson slips on draft night because of concerns about his medical history but this is far enough for him to fall. The Rams would be thrilled to come away with a 6-2 cornerback with his ball skills and coverage ability at this point in the first round. The cost to move up would be a third-round pick, but the Rams are in position to potentially trade up with how well they’ve done building out their roster already this offseason.

ESPN (Peter Schrager): Trade down to No. 34​

If the draft falls this way, I think the Rams would be OK with this. They don't currently have a second-round pick, but if they agreed to this deal, they'd have four picks on Day 2.

I think the Giants would pounce on Dart. I just am not 100% certain.

ESPN (NFL Nation): WR Matthew Golden, Texas​

Before the Rams signed wide receiver Davante Adams in free agency, they believed they had to draft a receiver at No. 26 to fill out that room. But even with Adams, third-year receiver Puka Nacua and receiver Tutu Atwell, it's hard to pass up the speedy Golden in the first round to give quarterback Matthew Stafford another weapon -- and the Rams another long-term option at the position.

Todd McShay: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State​

A smart, strong, savvy receiver with a team-first mentality in Sean McVay’s system. It makes too much sense. Not many rookie receivers could step in and earn Matthew Stafford’s trust like Puka Nacua did last season. Egbuka is the most capable of any receiver in this class of doing just that.

CBS Sports: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama​

As much as I would love to send L.A. a quarterback here, there are simply greater needs for the championship-window Rams and the value is off the charts. It's possible Campbell goes to Cincy or Tampa in the teens, and I think the Rams would be quite pleased to get the Alabama backer right here. I'm told his recovery from shoulder surgery is going well and there shouldn't be concerns for his 2025 availability.

NFL.com (Charles Davis): WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State​

A tremendous route runner and pass catcher, Egbuka is also up for the challenge of blocking in the run game, which is a must for receivers under head coach Sean McVay.

NFL.com (Bucky Brooks): OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State​

The talented edge blocker might be too talented to bypass at this selection. Simmons’ athleticism and movement skills could make him a star early in his career.

33rd Team: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama​

The Rams have a need at linebacker, and they have a good enough roster to be patient with Campbell early in 2025 if need be.

Still, imagine Campbell being healthy down the stretch and playing in the Rams' fast, explosive, and aggressive front. If this happens, the shoulder injury may be a blessing and a curse for Campbell.

Pro Football Focus: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan​

While needs at other positions might be greater, one of the more exciting offensive weapons in the draft falls to the Rams here instead. It's no secret Sean McVay covets dynamic tight ends, and he adds the Michigan product as the Rams load up for a Super Bowl run. Loveland's 90.6 PFF receiving grade since 2023 ranked third in college football.

The Draft Network: LB Carson Schwesinger, UCLA​

A former walk-on who became a key piece of UCLA’s defense, Carson Schwesinger brings the toughness, intelligence, and physicality that fit exactly what the Rams look for on that side of the ball. He’s a downhill player with strong instincts and projects as a long-term green dot leader in the middle. With the Rams continuing to build through the front seven, Schwesinger fills a clear need at linebacker. His ability to diagnose, react, and finish consistently makes him a seamless addition to a defense built on speed and disruption.

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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2025 NFL mock drafts: Final expert projections for Rams in 1st round

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