Rams Trade Up, 2 RBs Picked in Top 15 in Colin Cowherd’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Rams Trade Up, 2 RBs Picked in Top 15 in Colin Cowherd’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, and Colin Cowherd’s latest mock draft has already sparked major discussion. Cowherd makes an unexpected prediction: the Los Angeles Rams will trade up into the top 10 and two running backs will be selected in the top 15—rare in today's NFL, which favors passing the ball.

Rams Make a Bold Move Up the Board

The Rams, who had a poor record in 2024 but showed signs of competitiveness, trade multiple picks to move into the top 10 in Cowherd's mock draft. The objective? a dynamic offensive playmaker to take the place of Cooper Kupp, who is getting older, or an elite defensive player to help their young core. With Sean McVay still at the helm, the Rams have never shied away from aggressive moves (see: Matthew Stafford, Jalen Ramsey trades). Cowherd suggests that they might be interested in Byron Young and Kobie Turner, Byron Young, or an explosive pass rusher like Colorado's Travis Hunter. A significant trade-up would indicate that the Rams believe they are just a few pieces away from another Super Bowl push, given their recent lack of first-round picks.

Running Backs Make a Surprising Resurgence

Cowherd's mock's prediction that two running backs will be selected in the top 15 is perhaps the most shocking takeaway. This would represent a significant shift in draft philosophy in an era when teams frequently undervalue the position. Cowherd predicts that Texas' Jaydon Blue will be traded early to a Dallas Cowboys or Tennessee Titans team that needs a running back. Blue, a versatile back with breakaway speed and reliable hands, could be the next star in a league that still values bell-cow backs when they’re truly elite.

The second back projected in the top 15 is Penn State’s Nick Singleton, a powerful runner with home-run ability. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens or Miami Dolphins—who prioritize a strong ground game—could see Singleton as the missing piece in their offensive schemes.

Two running backs have been selected in the top 15 for the first time since Saquon Barkley and Rashaad Penny in 2018, indicating that some teams continue to prioritize the position.

Why This Would Be a Major Shift in Draft Trends

Over the past decade, NFL teams have increasingly avoided drafting running backs early, opting instead for cheaper committee backs or late-round finds. The success of Christian McCaffrey (2017, No. 8) and Bijan Robinson (2023, No. 8) has kept the debate alive, but most GMs remain hesitant.

If Cowherd’s projection holds, it could mean:

1.Positional Value Outweighs Elite Talent – Blue and Singleton may be regarded as transcendent prospects who merit early picks.

2.Offensive Philosophies Are Evolving – With defenses prioritizing pass defense, some teams may revert to punishing ground games.

3.Rookie Wage Scale Makes It More Palatable – First-round running backs are subject to cost control for five years, making the investment less risky. The rookie wage scale makes it more palatable.

Final Thoughts

This year's mock draft is no exception to Cowherd's reputation for being a conversation starter. The Rams trading up would fit their bold team-building approach, while two running backs in the top 15 would challenge modern draft conventions.

Is it likely to occur? The future will tell. But if it does, the 2025 draft could be a turning point in how NFL teams value the running back position, and it could also determine whether the Rams' aggressive strategy works again. One thing’s for sure: April’s draft just got a lot more interesting.