Pick 26 Then and Now: The Rams, Cleveland Gary, and the 2025 NFL Draft

Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams hold the 26th pick in the first round. What will they do with it? Will they trade out of the 1st round? Do something crazy and move up for someone they love?

It's all guesswork - what we do know is what they did the last time they made a selection with the 26th pick in the draft.

Back in 1989, the Los Angeles Rams were looking to bring some power and punch to their backfield. So, with the 26th overall pick, they called the name Cleveland Everette Gary—a hard-running, no-nonsense running back out of the University of Miami. He was named First Team All American in college and set a Miami record for catches out of the backfield that still stands. It was clear to see why the Rams selected him.

And for a few seasons at least, Gary ran well and led the NFL in some key categories.

From the U to the Rams: A Backfield Beast

Gary wasn’t just big—he was explosive. Standing 6'0" and tipping the scales at 220 pounds, he brought a rare blend of size and speed. After transferring from the University of Georgia to Miami, he made a name for himself with punishing runs and soft hands out of the backfield.

When the Rams snagged him with the 26th pick in '89, they weren’t just drafting a hard nosed running back, they were bringing in a weapon to improve the offense as a whole.

Peak Power: The 1990 Breakout

It didn’t take long for Gary to prove his worth. In the 1990 season (his 2nd in the NFL), he led the entire NFL in rushing touchdowns with 14, while also racking up 808 rushing yards, 30 receptions for 150 more. 

In an era dominated by ground-and-pound football, Gary was a force. He was a third-down machine, a goal-line nightmare, and a fan favorite for his gritty, determined style.

He was a dual-threat before it became the norm, catching passes out of the backfield and shouldering the Rams’ offensive load.

Although Gary never repeated his 14-touchdown explosion, his best all-around season came two years later in 1992. That year, he ran for 1,125 yards and 7 touchdowns, while also catching 52 passes for 293 yards. By today's standards they aren't fantastic numbers - but back then? Not too shabby.

Career Snapshot

Over 5 seasons with the Rams Gary totaled:

• 66 Games Played

• 2,634 rushing yards.

• 24 rushing touchdowns

• 855 receiving yards and 5 TDs

No, he’s not in the Hall of Fame. But ask any Rams fan from that era and they'll tell you: Cleveland Gary was a quality starter for the Rams.

A Legacy of Toughness

While his NFL career was relatively short, Cleveland Gary left his mark. He played with heart and scored often. Today, he's remembered as a Ram who ran with purpose and made every carry count.

Not bad for the 26th pick.

What Will the Rams Do with Pick 26 in 2025?

Flash forward to 2025, and the Rams once again hold the 26th pick in the first round. 

Will lightning strike twice?

Well, it's unlikely they go running back at 26.

This year, the Rams have needs at corner and along the offensive line, but there’s buzz around adding more playmakers too. That's more likely to be a tight end than a running back - but I guess you never really know with the LA Rams.

If they decide to stay and pick at 26 then history says that draft position can be a difference-maker for the Rams. 

Whether they pick a corner, a tight end, or pull off a trade, Rams fans can look to 1989 and remember: pick 26 has delivered before. 

Just ask Cleveland Gary.