Fowler: Rival GM believes Rams will target pass rusher early in draft

The Los Angeles Rams' draft plans remain a mystery at the moment, as all positions appear to be on the table with the No. 13 pick. And while many experts have projected an offensive playmaker with the Rams' only first-round pick, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that a rival general manager thinks L.A. will, at some point, look at edger rusher.

The reason? The Rams' top two pass rushers will be looking at contract extensions within the next two seasons. Byron Young is eligible for a new deal this offseason and will be an impending free agent after the 2026 season, and 2024 first-round pick Jared Verse is entering his third season and could get a new deal next offseason. The franchise tag is on the table for both, too, but that could be costly. Verse also has a fifth-year option that the Rams don't need to decide on for awhile.

This new development leaves some openings for the Rams to make a bold move at No. 13 if the right player is there for the taking. Someone like Rueben Bain or Arvell Reese might be interesting for the Rams to consider, or perhaps a different player if L.A. trades back.

The Rams could also look at this position on Day 2, where L.A. owns the Nos. 61 and 93 picks. Depending on how the first round goes, there could be several solid options available for the Rams at the beginning of the second day of the draft.

With so many other high-profile contracts coming up soon (Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner and Steve Avila come to mind), the Rams may want to shore up edge rusher in case they can't keep Young and Verse (or either).