The Los Angeles Rams went into Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft with the No. 26 overall pick, but ended up trading back to acquire a future first-rounder from the Atlanta Falcons.
As a result, the Rams did not make their first selection until No. 46, when they chose Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson in the second round.
Before that, the Rams made a strong push to acquire the No. 8 overall pick from the Carolina Panthers to take Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
A video was shared on social media that gives a behind-the-scenes look of the negotiations between the Rams and Panthers, via Josh Norris of Underdog:
Panthers released some excellent behind-the-scenes footage of the 2025 NFL Draft
including their negotiations with the Rams, who wanted to move up from No. 26 to No. 8 pic.twitter.com/gs3suGdISP
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) June 2, 2025
The Panthers had their sights on McMillan from the start and it was clear they needed to be blown away in order to pass up the chance to draft him.
The Rams at the very least explored the possibility of giving up a boatload of future picks as discussions with the Panthers went down to the wire. However, Carolina’s asking price was ultimately too rich and L.A. shifted their focus elsewhere.
The Rams wound up selecting only one wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft, which was Pittsburgh’s Konata Mumpfield in the seventh round.
In the end, the Rams still got a player they coveted in Ferguson and also picked up an additional first-round pick in next year’s draft, so they have to be thrilled with the outcome.
Rams preferred Terrance Ferguson over Mason Taylor in 2025 NFL Draft
The Rams had other players they liked in the 2025 NFL Draft, including LSU tight end Mason Taylor, but Ferguson reportedly was higher on their list.
Taylor was one of three tight ends chosen before Ferguson, along with the Chicago Bears’ selection of Colston Loveland at No. 10 and the Indianapolis Colts’ pick of Tyler Warren at No. 14.
Ferguson, who is Oregon’s all-time receptions and touchdown leader for tight ends, gives Matthew Stafford another weapon on offense to go along with Davante Adams, Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams, among others.
“I think I bring a lot of things, versatility being the biggest, being able to stretch the field and creating mismatches with linebackers or safeties but also being able to put my nose on somebody,” Ferguson said of being drafted by the Rams.
“The God-gifted ability, but also the versatility and ability to be able to line up anywhere and be able to make an impact however I need to.”