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Will the Rams address the linebacker position in the 2025 NFL Draft and who are the best fits?
Arguably the biggest need for the Los Angeles Rams is at the linebacker position. While they signed Nate Landman in free agency and brought back Troy Reeder, that shouldn’t have an effect on whether or not the team drafts a linebacker. That player may not be in the first round, but linebacker should certainly be an option on days two and three of the draft.
Since the 2020 NFL Draft, I’ve done a series called Snead’s Snacks. In other words, we’re going to find and look at common themes and traits of previous Les Snead draft picks and see which players in the upcoming NFL Draft fit the mold for the Rams.
The focus for today’s edition of “Snead’s Snacks” will be in the secondary at linebacker. In past years, I’ve correctly predicted Ernest Jones as a potential draft pick.
Overview of Pick
Ernest Jones was one of the first hits of the Snead’s Snacks series. His arm length and explosiveness made him the ideal fit. He was good in coverage and was a disciplined tacker with a good football IQ. Throughout his Rams career, Ernest Jones was the heart and soul of the defense. There was a point in which it was thought that the Rams may extend Jones past his rookie contract. However, Jones was traded last offseason.
Overview of Pick
Micah Kiser has tended to be the blueprint for what the Rams like at the linebacker position. He tested great in the explosiveness drills during pre-draft testing and then had the traits and intangibles that the Rams value in the position. Kiser had good college production, was a disciplined, instinctive tackler, and played with a relentless motor. Kiser spent four years on the Rams as a special teams contributor and defensive starter.
Overview of Pick
While Travin Howard was never a full-time starting linebacker for the Rams, he made one of the biggest plays in team history as he sealed their spot in the Super Bowl back in 2021. Howard had great explosiveness testing to go with solid college production. He’s also one of a few players on this list with a safety background.
Overview of Pick
The only first round pick and the player that gives fans hope that the Rams might actually prioritize the position in the draft is Alec Ogletree. While he only played one year in the McVay era, he was still drafted by Snead and carries some traits. Ogletree tested in the 91st percentile in the broad jump, displaying explosiveness, had good college production, and was a safety converted linebacker...
