Stu Jackson
As part of theRams.com's preview coverage leading into this year's draft, we'll be taking a look at each position on the team's roster.
We continue with the wide receiver position.
Why it's likely viewed by analysts as a position of need
The Rams signed veteran Davante Adams and brought back Tutu Atwell, but Adams is on a two-year deal and Atwell a one-year deal.
Jordan Whittington chipped in 22 receptions for 293 yards while starting in three of 15 games played, but was primarily a special teams contributor when Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were both healthy. Xavier Smith likewise mainly contributed on special teams.
The Rams of course will have Nacua in the fold for his third season.
At the same time, they released Kupp and lost Demarcus Robinson in free agency, so adding to the position's depth would make sense.
Current wide receivers on the roster
Adams, Atwell, Quintez Cephus, Nacua, Smith, Drake Stoops and Whittington.
Cephus and Stoops signed reserve/future contracts to remain on the team's offseason roster earlier this offseason.
Projected names
Texas'Matthew Goldenhas been one of the most common names to appear in analysts' predictions, though using pick 26 on a wide receiver became less frequent of a projection after the addition of Adams and return of Atwell. More recent mock drafts featuring three-round projections from Bleacher Report, ESPN and The Athletic do not have the Rams taking a receiver on Day 1 or 2.
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah has Golden at No. 16 in his most recent overall Top 50 prospect rankings, which would put him as the No. 2-ranked receiver, inclusive of Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter.
For what it's worth, though, it's not a position that they may need to address with their highest selection. Jeremiah noted on a pre-NFL Combine conference call in February that wide receiver along with cornerback and tight end are good position groups depth-wise on Day 2 of the draft.
Los Angeles' 2025 Draft Picks:
- Round 1: No. 26 overall
- Round 3: No. 90 overall
- Round 3: No. 101 overall (special compensatory)
- Round 4: No. 127 overall
- Round 6: No. 190 overall (from Atlanta Falcons)
- Round 6: No. 195 overall (from Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Round 6: No. 201 overall
- Round 6: No. 202 overall (from Chicago Bears in Jonah Jackson trade)
