Instant Analysis: The Rams Select Terrance Ferguson and Josiah Stewart taken in Van Nuys (Los Angeles Rams)

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Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson (TE08) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

VAN NUYS, Calif. -- On Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected tight end Terrance Ferguson from Oregon with their 2nd-round pick and edge Josiah Stewart from Michigan with their 3rd-round pick. The Rams did not have a selection on day 1 of the draft due to making a trade with Atlanta, where they received a 2nd-rounder this year, a 7th-rounder this year, and a 1st-rounder next year, which is an incredible haul for a later 1st-round pick. The Rams used the 2nd-rounder, which was the 46th pick from the Atlanta trade, on day 1 to take Ferguson, and Josiah Stewart was selected with the 90th pick in the 3rd round. 

The Rams' offense needs more depth at tight end with their number 1 option, Tyler Higbee, missing most of last season with injury and only getting older. Higbee does not have much left in the tank, and with Ferguson, the Rams get a very consistent option in the receiving game as well as a consistent blocker in the run game, which McVay does like to establish with his zone schemes.  

McVay has also shown the ability to develop elite playmakers like Puca Nacua and Cooper Kupp, so with his coaching, Ferguson can turn into a formidable option for Stafford and eventually surpass Tyler Higbee as the starter. 

Another factor that plays into Ferguson's hands is the fact that he has played in high-stakes games in his career at Oregon, such as the Big 10 championship game and the Rose Bowl this past January, which prepares him for stages like the playoffs. Overall, Ferguson is a great addition for the future of the offense as well as a way to maximize Matthew Stafford's production and the current Super Bowl window.

Transitioning to the defensive side of the ball, the addition of Josiah Stewart adds to an already deep position group in the defensive line. Stewart provides versatility as a potential edge rusher as well as an outside linebacker. His ability to rush with speed and power can complement any combination of defensive linemen on the field for LA to either condense the pocket or be a spy to keep the quarterback contained. Stewart also has an innate ability to shut down plays from the backside with his speed and high-level motor. 

As an off-ball linebacker, Stewart also provides great play recognition and the ability to fill open gaps in the run game. His matchup ability against tight ends can be very valuable in a division with elite players at those positions, like George Kittle and Trey McBride. 

With the addition of Stewart, the Rams have increased their flexibility in fronts and coverages in the front 7. The combination of Byron Young, Jared Verse, and Josiah Stewart will no doubt give offenses a difficult time blocking them and accounting for them in coverage. 

With these picks, the Rams put themselves in a great position to contend and maximize their current roster now as well as build the foundation for a successful run in the future. 

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