VAN NUYS, Calif. –– The Los Angeles Rams capped their 2024 NFL Draft with a flurry of aggressive trades on Day 3, moving up three times to secure four players who address critical needs while injecting youth and production into their roster. Headlined by Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter and Ohio State defensive tackle Ty Hamilton, the Rams’ final-day haul prioritized immediate rotational contributors and long-term upside. Here’s a breakdown of each pick and how they fit into L.A.’s plans:
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Auburn Tigers running back Jarquez Hunter (27) hurdles Alabama A&M Bulldogs defensive back Elijah Eberhardt (13) as Auburn Tigers takes on Alabama A&M Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.
Jarquez Hunter | RB | Auburn | Round 4, Pick 117
Key Stats:
- 1,201 rushing yards, 8 TDs (2024) | 6.5 yards per carry (led SEC)
- 42 rushes of 10+ yards (8th in FBS) | 27 carries of 15+ yards (9th)
- 4.44-second 40-yard dash (Combine)
Hunter, a compact, explosive back at 5-foot-9, gives the Rams a dynamic complement to starter Kyren Williams, who is entering a contract year. With Blake Corum as the primary backup, Hunter’s breakaway speed and efficiency (career 6.0 yards per carry) could carve him a role in a backfield that lacked big-play pop in 2023. His ability to churn out chunk runs (second-best explosive run rate in the draft class) directly addresses an offense that ranked 28th in carries of 10+ yards last season. Hunter’s SEC-tested toughness and low center of gravity make him a natural fit for Sean McVay’s outside-zone scheme.
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Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Ty Hamilton (58) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Ty Hamilton | DT | Ohio State | Round 5, Pick 148
Key Stats:
- 51 tackles, 6 TFLs, 3.5 sacks (2024)
- 24 run stops (9th among FBS interior DL)
Hamilton, brother of Jaguars lineman DaVon Hamilton, brings much-needed run-stopping prowess to a Rams defense that allowed the seventh-most yards per carry (4.6) in 2023. His 24 run stops—a metric marking failed offensive plays—signal his ability to anchor alongside Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske. With Bobby Brown III and Neville Gallimore departing in free agency, Hamilton’s power and technique (6-foot-3, 299 lbs) should earn him snaps early in rotational duty. His addition underscores L.A.’s commitment to rebuilding a defensive front that surged late last season.
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Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi linebacker Pooh Paul (LB22) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Chris "Pooh" Paul Jr. | LB | Mississippi | Round 5, Pick 172
Key Stats:
- 88 tackles, 11 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 1 INT (2024)
- 4.5% missed tackle rate (5th-lowest among FBS LBs)
Paul, the first linebacker drafted by the Rams since 2021, arrives as a tackling machine with elite reliability. His 54 defensive stops (13th among FBS LBs) and aggression in the box make him a potential special teams ace and rotational linebacker behind Ernest Jones IV. With L.A.’s linebacker room largely composed of undrafted free agents (Omar Speights, Nathan Landman), Paul’s instincts and sure-handed tackling (just 4.5% misses) could fast-track him to a meaningful role in Chris Shula’s defense.
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Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Konata Mumpfield (9) catches the ball as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Marcus Allen (29) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium.
Konata Mumpfield | WR | Pittsburgh | Round 7, Pick 242
Key Stats:
- 813 receiving yards, 5 TDs (2024) | 15.6 yards per catch
- 363 intermediate yards (10-19 air yards, 2nd in ACC)
Mumpfield adds depth to a receiver corps reshaped by the departures of Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson. While Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Tutu Atwell headline the group, Mumpfield’s knack for intermediate routes (363 yards, 3 TDs in that range) aligns perfectly with McVay’s play-action-heavy system. His crisp route-running and experience as a three-year starter at Pitt (154 career catches) could make him a developmental slot option, though he’ll need to add strength to his 186-pound frame.
The Big Picture
The Rams’ aggressive trading—jumping up 10 spots for Hunter and twice in the fifth round—signals confidence in their evaluations. Hunter and Hamilton project as immediate contributors, while Paul and Mumpfield offer high-upside depth. By targeting Hunter’s explosiveness, Hamilton’s run defense, Paul’s tackling reliability, and Mumpfield’s route polish, L.A. addressed weaknesses (run defense, backfield depth) while staying true to their "draft for traits" philosophy.
With training camp looming, these picks could prove pivotal as the Rams aim to build on last year’s playoff resurgence—without sacrificing future flexibility.
