The NFL Combine begins in a little under 72 hours. It brings together the next set of NFL prospects, the media, fans, agents, and NFL executives to create one of the biggest events on the league's calendar. That said, the Los Angeles Rams just received some devastating news right before it's set to begin.
According to Tom Pelissero, the Jacksonville Jaguars have hired Rams director of scouting strategy James Gladstone as their new general manager. While Gladstone's loss may not hurt Los Angeles in the immediate, it will definitely hurt them in the future.
The #Jaguars are hiring James Gladstone as their general manager. pic.twitter.com/l3Wm2k2Jfe
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 21, 2025
Rams Lose Director of Scouting James Gladstone Days Before NFL Combine
Gladstone has been the Rams' director of scouting strategy for the last eight seasons. During that time, Los Angeles went seven straight drafts without a first-round pick and was still able to field competitive rosters. Some of the Rams' late-round fins include wide receiver Cooper Kupp ( #rd round)and Puka Nacua (5th round).
As well as running back Kyren Williams (5th round) and safety Quentin Lake (6th round). That said, Gladstone was also successful in finding talent when he had picks in the first and second rounds. In 2024, the Rams selected edge rushers Jared Verse in the first round and Braden Fiske in the second round.
Both Fiske and Verse turned out to be difference-makers as rookies. Furthermore, in 2020, Los Angeles selected running back Cam Akers in the second round. Although Akers was injury-prone in his time with the Rams, he was electric when he was on the field.
Though Gladstone's' help with finding the late-round gems is more impressive, his eye for talent is felt in every round of the draft. General manager Les Snead will no doubt miss Gladstone in the scouting process. Now, Sneed must quickly find a suitable replacement for Gladstone.