Turf Show Times
What can be expected of the Rams rookie class in 2025?
Over the past two seasons, the Los Angeles Rams have benefitted from several rookies becoming immediate contributors. In 2023, those players included Steve Avila, Byron Young, and Puka Nacua. Last year, it was Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, and Kam Kinchens.
However, under Sean McVay, the Rams have typically been a team to bring their rookies along slowly. With the roster in a better spot than it was two years ago or even last year, it’s possible that the team gets back to that development path. Some of these picks were made more with 2026 in mind rather than 2025 While fans are certainly going to be excited about a rookie class, it’s also important to have realistic expectations. Here’s what can be expected from each player in the Rams 2025 draft class for their rookie seasons.
Ferguson was the first pick from the Rams in the 2025 NFL Draft and because of that, there will be high expectations. It won’t matter that he was a second-round pick drafted outside the top 45. Look no further than Tutu Atwell or Logan Bruss who were drafted outside the top-50 or top-100 in Bruss’ case who were the first selections of their respective draft class.
Still, in Ferguson’s case, there are a few important things to remember. The first is that Tyler Higbee is still on the roster and will be the team’s starting tight end. Even if the Rams move to more 12 personnel, they will still primarily be an 11 personnel team. In cases when there is just one tight end on the field, that player will likely be Higbee.
Looking back at Gerald Everett’s rookie season, he had 16 catches for 244 yards. Everett was also a second round pick. It’s worth noting that Cooper Kupp ended up in a larger role than expected. With that said, Everett played just 28.8 percent of the team’s snaps in 2017. That feels realistic for Ferguson. He may end up with more than 16 receptions, but anything over 500 yards receiving may be optimistic.
Heading into the season, Stewart will likely be a rotational piece at best. The Rams already have a starting duo on the edge in Jared Verse and Byron Young. However, this is a group that needs somebody to step into that rotational role with the loss of Michael Hoecht. It’s very possible that player ends up being Stewart, but this does seem to be a group to monitor during training camp.
Nick Hampton is heading into year three and had seven pressures last year during the preseason. While it may have only been the preseason, it was productivity that hadn’t been seen out of Hampton. Brennan Jackson is also in his second year and is more in the mold of Hoecht. This will come down to which player the Rams trust most not to be a liability against the run....
