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.
TE Terrance Ferguson
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.
EDGE Josaiah Stewart
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. If Stewart can show that he can hold his own in that area, he could jump Hampton and Jackson.
RB Jarquez Hunter
It has somewhat been assumed that Hunter will be a 1a/1b with Kyren Williams this season at the running back position. However, McVay typically hasn’t played rookie running backs. Darrell Henderson had 39 carries as a rookie and Blake Corum had 58. At this point, it’s clear that unless McVay trusts a rookie in pass protection, their carries will be limited. Hunter ranked 82nd in college football in pass blocking last season according to PFF. As Kyle Crabbs of The 33rd Team wrote, “As a pass protector, he can be tardy or inefficient when framing blocks on the edges, which leaves his pocket setting shaky and inconsistent.”
It’s been speculated that Corum didn’t see a lot of playing time because he needed to improve in pass protection. If Corum improves in that area and it’s also something that Hunter needs to become comfortable with, the second round running back out of Michigan may be the player with more carries at the end of the year. The Rams need an explosive running back and that is probably more Hunter than it is Corum. However, if Corum has the edge in pass protection, Hunter will solidly be the third running back in the rotation.
DL Ty Hamilton
The Rams are very deep along the defensive line. While Hamilton is exactly the type of run-stopping presence the Rams need, his real impact may come in 2026 rather than 2025. Larrell Murchison was brought back and is someone that the Rams have trusted on early downs. Tyler Davis also played in a rotational role last season. Hamilton will almost certainly find some snaps in the rotation. However, it’s unlikely that he plays significant snaps as a rookie and is someone that the Rams develop for 2026.
LB Chris Paul Jr.
Despite being a fifth-round pick, there will be some expecting Chris Paul Jr. to be the team’s starting linebacker next to Omar Speights in Week 1. While Paul may be on a path to eventually start, that may not happen immediately. It’s worth noting that both Speights and Ernest Jones didn’t make their first starts until Week 8 of their rookie seasons.
It will also depend on the play of Nate Landman. The Rams brought in Landman in free agency from the Atlanta Falcons. He should start the season as the primary linebacker next to Speights. If Landman plays well, it may be difficult Paul to break into the starting lineup this season. With that said, if Landman is a liability and the Rams need a change at the position, Week 9 after the bye against the New Orleans Saints is a game to circle. Until then, Paul’s impact may primarily be on special teams.
WR Konata Mumpfield
It’s hard to see Konata Mumpfield breaking through in the Rams receiver room as a rookie. He got some attention in OTAs, but as a seventh round pick, he’ll be competing for a spot on the roster. As the team’s final pick in the draft, nothing is guaranteed. Mumpfield is a good fit in the offense, but will still need to prove himself as a depth piece.