Los Angeles Rams Face Playoff Miss Risk Amid Draft Uncertainty

The Los Angeles Rams face skepticism heading into the 2025 NFL season, with concerns about quarterback Matthew Stafford's declining performance and a defense ranked near the bottom of the league, leading some analysts to doubt their playoff prospects. Their offseason moves, including acquiring veteran wide receiver Devante Adams and drafting tight end Terrance Ferguson in the second round, have not significantly bolstered the team, and Ferguson is predicted by some analysts to underperform in his rookie year despite coach Sean McVay's optimism. Historically, the Rams have had mixed draft success, from the notorious 1963 pick of Terry Baker, considered one of the worst in NFL history, to recent successes like Aaron Donald and Puka Nacua, who have been pivotal to the franchise’s achievements since 2013. In contrast, the Rams narrowly missed out on wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr, who excelled as a rookie with the Jacksonville Jaguars and was considered a better choice than Marvin Harrison Jr, selected by the Arizona Cardinals ahead of the Rams' interests. These factors combine to shape a cautious outlook for the Rams, highlighting both past draft triumphs and current roster challenges as they prepare for the upcoming season.