The Best Late-Round Steals in Rams History and Why They Slipped

From Aaron Donald to Puka Nacua, the Rams have consistently found value in the draft. Here are the biggest steals in franchise history.

Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) on the field in the first quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Throughout the Les Snead era, the Los Angeles Rams have done well finding gems throughout the NFL Draft. Back in 2014, the Rams drafted Aaron Donald, who was a steal in the first round. More recently, the Rams drafted Puka Nacua in the fifth round. Every draft has its late-round gems, and the Rams will look to find another one when they make their selections next week. Let’s take a look at some of the top draft steals in Rams history. 

Dec 12, 1959; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Baltimore Colts receiver Raymond Berry (82) catches a ball in front of Los Angeles Rams defensive backs Eddie Meador (21) at the Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: David Boss-Imagn Images | David Boss-Imagn Images

5. 1959 - DB Eddie Meador (7th Round)

Eddie Meador did a little bit of everything on the football field and was the original Travis Hunter. Meador played tailback, rushing for 3,410 yards, was a defensive back, and a return specialist. When he was drafted in 1959 he was taken in the seventh round as a cornerback by the Rams. Meador was overlooked after playing at Arkansas Tech and there were questions about where he would play. Meador is still the Rams all-time interceptions leader with 46 and is tied for the franchise record in defensive touchdowns with five.

Nov 29, 1992; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams tackle Jackie Slater (78) on the field against the Minnesota Vikings at Anaheim Stadium. FILE PHOTO; Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images | RVR Photos-Imagn Images

4. 1976 - OT Jackie Slater (3rd Round)

Before Orlando Pace, the Rams had Jackie Slater. He holds the franchise record for most games played, appearing in 259 games over his 20-year career. Slater played at Jackson State for three years, blocking for Walter Payton. At the time, HBCUs weren’t scouted regularly and Slater was seen as a long-term project. The Rams didn’t start Slater until 1979, and he didn’t look back. With Slater at the helm, the Rams offensive line allowed a league-low 23 sacks and he blocked for Eric Dickerson during his record-breaking rookie season. He was also a key piece of the offensive line when Dickerson broke the single-game playoff rushing record with 248 yards in 1985.

Sep 28, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) runs the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

3. 2023 - WR Puka Nacua (5th Round)

While 31 teams passed on Puka Nacua, the Rams initially did as well. In fact, Nacua was the team’s fourth pick in the fifth round as they selected him after taking Nick Hampton, Warren McClendon, and Davis Allen. Nacua would go on to break the rookie receptions and receiving yards record. Last season, he was a unanimous First-Team All-Pro as one of the best receivers in the NFL.

Nov 8, 1970; Los Angeles, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Deacon Jones (75) chases Atlanta Falcons quarterback Bob Berry (17) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Long Photography-Imagn Images | Long Photography-Imagn Images

2. 1961 - DL Deacon Jones (14th Round)

Deacon Jones was mostly overlooked because he played at Mississippi Valley State. The Rams found Jones while scouting running backs and became the face of the Fearsome Foursome defensive line. He would go on to essentially invent the sack and revolutionize the position. Jones is arguably the best Rams draft pick of all time.

Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. The Rams defeated the Bengals 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

1. 2014 - DT Aaron Donald (13th Overall)

Donald isn’t technically a late-round steal, but he was taken much later in the first round than he should have been. The only way to describe Aaron Donald is as a draft steal. The 2014 class had some good players, kicking off with Jadeveon Clowney, selected by the Houston Texans. Odell Beckham Jr. went to the Giants at 12 right before the Rams took Donald. Coming out of Pitt, Donald was considered undersized, with his height and weight below the 10th percentile. However, he was quick at the snap and extremely explosive. Donald won the Defensive Player of the Year Award three times.