Introduction to the NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Rams have been rebuilding their roster over the past two years, primarily through the use of draft picks. General Manager Les Snead has found success in the past two drafts, selecting some of the NFL’s top young players, including Puka Nacua, Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Byron Young, and Steve Avila.

Rebuilding the Roster

The Rams enter the upcoming draft with only a handful of clear needs, but a vital opportunity to upgrade their depth. They have eight picks in this draft, including the 26th overall selection, which is high enough to land a top defensive back. This position is where the Rams appear to have the greatest need, but it also must be tempting to Snead to use it as trade capital for a proven veteran who can push his team toward the league’s top level.

Needs

The secondary isn’t nearly as impressive as the Rams’ defensive line, and a cornerback who can play right away would be a welcome addition to a defense that got by last season with Darious Williams and Cobie Durant. They’re also looking for a swing tackle and/or eventual successor to right tackle Rob Havenstein, their longest-tenured player.

Positions of Less Need

Nacua’s prominence, Davante Adams’ heralded arrival, Tutu Atwell’s $10 million free-agent deal, and promising second-year pro Jordan Whittington probably won’t allow much playing time for a rookie receiver. The offensive line appears set, although depth is always necessary. And while the Rams don’t have a standout interior linebacker, that’s normal for this team.

Skill Positions

McVay always welcomes more skill, and tight end is an obvious area to address after Tyler Higbee got injured last season and his backups didn’t contribute much. Los Angeles has chosen only two tight ends in the previous seven drafts: Davis Allen and Brycen Hopkins, who have a combined 29 career NFL receptions.

Quarterback Question

Although Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo are back, McVay’s interest in the upcoming quarterback class is an annual topic of speculation. This year’s group has compelling names, and many observers have linked LA to USC/Ole Miss passer Jaxson Dart, who likely would require a first-round pick. Will the Rams try again for their quarterback of the future, two years after using a fourth-rounder on third-stringer Stetson Bennett?

Sixth-Round Picks

The Rams have two third-round picks, a fourth-round pick, and four selections in the sixth round. That’s been a solid round for the Rams, who found Whittington and starting center Beaux Limmer last year and do-it-all safety Quentin Lake two years earlier — and Nacua was the final pick of the fifth round, of course.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles Rams have a great opportunity to bolster their contending roster with another strong showing in the NFL draft. With a few clear needs and a number of draft picks, including the 26th overall selection, the Rams can upgrade their depth and potentially land a top defensive back or other key positions. If they get it right again in the upcoming draft, they might already have another championship contender.

FAQs

• Q: What are the Rams’ biggest needs in the draft?
  • A: The Rams’ biggest needs are in the secondary, where they could use a cornerback who can play right away, and at swing tackle and/or eventual successor to right tackle Rob Havenstein.
• Q: Who are some potential draft targets for the Rams?
  • A: Some potential draft targets for the Rams include top defensive backs, tight ends, and quarterbacks, such as USC/Ole Miss passer Jaxson Dart.
• Q: How many draft picks do the Rams have?
  • A: The Rams have eight draft picks, including the 26th overall selection, two third-round picks, a fourth-round pick, and four selections in the sixth round.