Teams don’t draft players exclusively based on how much they’re going to play as rookies. The draft is for building a roster capable of competing for a championship 3-4 years down the line – as well as finding some instant-impact players.
In the last two years, the Rams have gotten contributions from their rookies right away. Puka Nacua, Steve Avila, Jared Verse, Braden Fiske and Byron Young are just some of the rookies who have impacted the team from the start. There could be a few more players in that mold this year, but it remains to be seen how this class will play out.
Looking toward the 2025 season, we ranked each Rams rookie based on their potential impact in Year 1.
1. TE Terrance Ferguson, Oregon (2nd round)
The transition from college to the pros is difficult for tight ends but that doesn’t mean Ferguson won’t have an impact as a rookie. In fact, he should be the most impactful draft pick for the Rams in 2025. Tight end has been a focal point for Los Angeles in recent years and Sean McVay has finally found his guy – and he’s going to use him.
Les Snead already hinted at the Rams using more 12 personnel after adding Ferguson in the second round so it shouldn’t be hard to get him on the field alongside Tyler Higbee. Colby Parkinson was a disappointment last season and got benched at one point, so his stock is trending down.
Ferguson is an athletic pass-catcher who can make plays over the middle of the field, which will open up things on the outside for Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
2. OLB Josaiah Stewart, Michigan (3rd round)
Stewart may not have the measurables or athleticism of a prototypical edge rusher but he plays with as much effort and energy as anyone. That’s going to get him on the field early and it should help him stand out in practice during training camp.
The Rams lost Michael Hoecht in free agency and none of the other edge rushers on the roster have a clear path to replacing Hoecht as the OLB3. Stewart should beat out Nick Hampton, Brennan Jackson and Keir Thomas to take on that role, even if it’s not by Week 1. He should be playing at least a quarter of the snaps by the end of the season.
3. LB Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss (5th round)
Paul was the Rams’ second-to-last pick of the class but he’s widely viewed as being one of the best values and a possible steal. Not only does he have a higher ceiling because of his athleticism and speed, but he also fills a need at inside linebacker. That gives him a clear opportunity for playing time.
If he can improve in coverage and become the Rams’ best linebacker against the pass, he has a real chance to be a three-down player. But to begin with, he should get on the field as a weakside linebacker alongside either Omar Speights or Nate Landman. At a position that’s lacking talent, Paul has a great chance to contribute right away.
4. RB Jarquez Hunter, Auburn (4th round)
Hunter would be higher on this list if not for the presence of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum (duh) but even with two backs ahead of him on the depth chart, Hunter fills a void on offense. He’s a more explosive running back than Williams and Corum, showing an ability to create big plays and break off long runs.
That actually makes him a better change-of-pace back than Corum, which McVay will take advantage of. It doesn’t mean Hunter will immediately become the No. 2 running back, but when it comes to third down, Hunter could get opportunities. McVay knows the ground game wasn’t good enough last year and Hunter has a chance to change that in 2025.
5. DL Ty Hamilton, Ohio State (5th round)
The Rams are obviously high on Hamilton after trading away a 2026 fourth-rounder to move up for him, but unlike some of the other rookies on the roster, there isn’t as clear a path to playing time for him. Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Poona Ford are all penciled in as starters. Though they won’t play every snap, they should stay on the field for the majority of the game.
Hamilton doesn’t offer more upside as a pass rusher than Ford at nose tackle, and certainly not more than Turner or Fiske at defensive tackle/end. So it could take either a dominant performance in camp or an injury to give him a regular chance to contribute.
6. WR Konata Mumpfield, Pittsburgh (7th round)
Mumpfield doesn’t do anything particularly different than Adams, Nacua or Tutu Atwell. He brings average size and speed to the receiver room, which could make it difficult for him to earn snaps. However, he is a terrific route runner and is always willing to go over the middle for tough catches, which the coaching staff will give him credit for.
Jordan Whittington didn’t play much last season when everyone was healthy so it’s hard to imagine Mumpfield getting many reps this year unless there’s an injury.