A round-by-round look at the greatest draft picks in Rams history
A round-by-round look at the greatest draft picks in Rams history A historic look at the Rams' all-time best draft picks, featuring legends who defined eras and value steals who left their mark.
The NFL draft is the foundation of every franchise, and few teams have struck gold across all seven rounds, quite like the Los Angeles Rams. From early-round legends who anchored Super Bowls to late-round steals who exceeded all expectations, the Rams have built rosters full of Hall of Famers, record-setters, and fan favorites.
In this all-time draft class, we spotlight the greatest pick from each round in franchise history, a collection of players who defined their eras and left a mark in Rams lore.
Round 1: Merlin Olsen (1962, No. 3 overall) – DT, Utah State
A cornerstone of the legendary "Fearsome Foursome," Olsen earned 14 Pro Bowl selections, made eight All-Pro teams, and was a dominant force for 15 seasons. As a Hall of Famer, a member of the 1960 and 1970 All-Decade teams, and the 75th and 100th NFL anniversaries, Olsen is one of the greatest defensive tackles ever. Had it not been for Olsen, another all-time great defensive tackle, Aaron Donald, would have made the list. However, let's not forget tackle Orlando Pace, guard Tom Mack, and defensive end Jack Youngblood.
Round 2: Isaac Bruce (1994, No. 33 overall) – WR, Memphis
The heart of the "Greatest Show on Turf," Bruce finished with over 1,000 receptions, 15,000 career receiving yards, and 91 touchdowns. Bruce was named to four Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 1999. He helped the Rams win the franchise's first Super Bowl in 1999 over the Tennessee Titans, a game in which he scored a 73-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to help the Rams prevail 23-16. In 2020, Bruce was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Round 3: Jackie Slater (1976, No. 86 overall) – OT, Jackson State
Slater, also known as Big Bad Jackie, was the epitome of stability and durability for the Rams over his 19-season career, all spent with the franchise. A seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, Slater is a Hall of Famer who protected a generation of Rams quarterbacks. He holds the record for the most seasons played with a single franchise among all offensive linemen.
Round 4: Az-Zahir Ali Hakim (1998, No. 96 overall) – WR/RS, San Diego State
Fans will remember the "Greatest Show on Turf" for names like Isaac Bruce, Marshall Faulk, and Torry Holt. Let's not forget Az-Zahir Ali Hakim, who in four seasons made an impact as a receiver and returner. In 1999, Hakim recorded 677 yards and seven touchdowns, adding 461 punt return yards and a touchdown. The following season, he totaled 734 yards, four touchdowns, a career-high 489 punt return yards, and one score. He was named a first-team All-Pro for his special team contributions.
Round 5: Kevin Greene (1985, No. 113 overall) – LB/EDGE, Auburn
A Hall of Fame pass rusher with 160 career sacks and 23 forced fumbles, Greene spent eight seasons with the Rams and was a cornerstone of their 3-4 defense. The Auburn product played 15 seasons in the NFL and was named a five-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, 1996 defensive player of the year, a two-time sack leader, and a member of the 1990s All-Decade Team.
Round 6: Greg Zuerlein (2012, No. 171 overall) – K, Missouri Western
"Greg the Leg" had one of the most powerful legs during his eight-year tenure with the Rams. In 2017, Zuerlein finished as the league-leading scorer (158 points) after converting 38 of 40 field goals and was named a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. Zuerlein holds the record for the longest field goal made in team history, a 61-yarder in 2015, and was a perfect 100% on PATs over four different seasons with the Rams.
Round 7: Ryan Fitzpatrick (2005, No. 250 overall) – QB, Harvard
Yes, for those that may not know, Fitzmagic, who played for nine teams, began his career with the St. Louis Rams in 2005. Despite just two seasons with the team, Fitzpatrick delivered a memorable first career game in his rookie season, coming in relief of Jamie Martin and leading the Rams to a 33–27 overtime road win over the Houston Texans, a game in which the Rams trailed 24-3 at halftime. The young Harvard graduate finished 19 of 30 for 310 yards and three touchdowns for a 117.4 quarterback rating. He played for eight teams between 2007 and 2021 and finished 34,990 passing yards and 223 touchdowns.
UDFA Kurt Warner (1994) - QB Northern Iowa
Let's not forget that following every draft class is a group of UDFA who have made a name in the league. From bagging groceries and playing Arena Football to leading the 'Greatest Show on Turf,' Kurt Warner is one of Pro Football's greatest stories. A career that spanned 12 seasons, six with the Rams, Warner was a two-time league MVP and led the Rams to a pair of Super Bowl appearances, including a 23-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV, and was named MVP of the game. Though the Rams were not the team to initially sign him, he is certainly the best undrafted free agent in franchise history.
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