Cris Collinsworth thinks Rams will take an OT in the 2025 NFL Draft
Cris Collinsworth thinks Rams will take an OT in the 2025 NFL Draft
The Los Angeles Rams are thinking Super Bowl in 2025. That's why they brought back Matthew Stafford, re-signed Alaric Jackson and added Davante Adams in free agency.
But one of the most important events of the offseason has yet to happen: The 2025 NFL Draft. The Rams have the No. 26 pick, which means they'll likely go with the best player available that can help them compete this season with no clear gaps in their roster.
Legendary NFL broadcaster Cris Collinsworth made his 2025 draft predictions for Pro Football Focus and picked Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. for the Rams' first-round pick.
'This is the team that came closest to knocking the Eagles out of the playoffs," Collinsworth said. "I think the Rams are close, and the defense is built the right way, but the one thing I think that could hurt them is if they don't get Matthew Stafford enough protection.'
It's a safe pick for the Rams who get one of the best offensive linemen in the draft but don't have to start him immediately. Banks played at least 800 left tackle snaps in each of the past three seasons for the Longhorns and allowed just one sack and two hurries in 2024, per PFF.
Banks would be a backup to start his career if the Rams draft him. What's nice, though, is he can learn behind Jackson and right tackle Rob Havenstein, two veteran tackles, before potentially taking over for either in the years to come. Jackson is young but is on a three-year deal while Havenstein is turning 33 and is in the final season of his contract. Banks could even more inside to guard if he and the Rams are comfortable with a positional switch.
While Banks isn't a flashy pick — offensive linemen rarely are — this is a savvy move that gives the Rams much-needed depth on the line to keep Stafford protected in a pivotal season.
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