What the Los Angeles Rams will do in the 2025 NFL Draft podium with the 26th overall pick in Round 1 is not the only question facing fans. Perhaps the more important question, as we all prepare for our final approach, is what the other 25 NFL teams will do with their picks before the Rams step up to the podium. After all, all indications so far with the 2025 NFL Draft are that it invariably loses a consensus among draft analysts early in Round 1. I believe all mock drafts currently project the Tennessee Titans selecting QB Cam Ward with the first overall pick.

After that selection, paths start to diverge.

Perhaps there are some developments that may bind the draft back to predictable moments. Some of the predictable keys to the draft are the moments when draft-needy teams tap the draft for a rookie quarterback prospect. So far, only the Titans have committed to a rookie QB prospect. But a recent development could alter the plans of the New Orleans Saints, as their anticipated starting quarterback Derek Carr's availability for the 2025 NFL season is now very much in question.

Prior to this update, the Cleveland Browns (2nd overall), New York Giants (3rd overall), and New Orleans Saints (9th overall) were viewed at helping themselves to the elite non-quarterback talent on the draft board among the first 10 draft selections or so. But if the Saints may deviate from that track, then any team in the hunt for a quarterback must not ponder the need to draft a quarterback before the Saints step up to the draft podium.

That, in turn, could be changing the draft strategy of other NFL teams as well. Are the Giants back in the hunt for a QB early in Round 1?

So how will this alter Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, and how might that aide the Rams draft strategy? If the Saints sudden need for a quarterback this season plays out, they will likely take the best quarterback on the board when they make their selection. That, in turn, could force the Giants to make a quarterback selection before the Saints (either by trading back or by trading back into Round 1 at the eighth overall picks.

As to the Rams? Suddenly a scenario that may have played out with one rookie quarterback off the board in the first 10 selections turns into a scenario with three rookie QBs off the board within the first 10 players chosen. And since the Rams are unlikely to shop for a quarterback in Round 1, the sudden rush on quarterbacks is unlikely to hurt the team in terms of depleting the board of optimal rookie targets.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to take the best available quarterback remaining on the board when they make their choice with the 21st overall pick. With four quarterbacks gone before the Rams make a selection with a 26th overall pick, the chances of a top Rams rookie target falling to the team are suddenly improved dramatically

That is great news for the Rams and Rams fans. Perhaps TE Colston Loveland, CB Jahdae Barron, or WR Matthew Golden fall to the Rams at 26. If that happens, the Rams may elect to add an unexpectedly talented rookie to the roster, or surrender that selection to a very motivated trade partner.

There are many favorable draft scenarios that have gotten a new lease on life with the latest turn of events.