Los Angeles Rams (Last Year: 10-7)
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
19. Jared Verse, DE, Florida State – B- Grade
It has to be disappointing for the Rams that they couldn’t get Byron Murphy. It makes sense though that they would target a front-seven player because their offense is so explosive. I’m not crazy about this pick because Jared Verse isn’t close to the other two edge rushers who were chosen earlier, yet he’s being taken so close to them. I don’t hate this pick – Verse likely belonged in the 20s – but it’s a bit underwhelming for a team that hadn’t drafted in the first round since 2016.
39. Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State – A- Grade
The Rams traded up 13 spots for Braden Fiske, and it’s easy to understand why. There’s been a run on defensive tackles, and I would have been shocked had Fiske fallen to No. 52. Someone like Fiske was needed with Aaron Donald announcing his retirement.
83. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan – B- Grade
This is a disappointing destination for Blake Corum because he’s not going to be able to play very much while Kyren Williams is healthy. However, Williams was hurt on multiple occasions last year, so I understand the Rams finding a quality insurance policy.
99. Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami – B+ Grade
I thought Kamren Kinchens would go way earlier than this during the pre-draft process, but it was clear he would fall because of some injury concerns. However, Kinchens is an instinctive safety who will be able to play right away. The Rams needed defensive backs after having so many issues in that area last year.
154. Brennan Jackson, DE, Washington State – B+ Grade
Brennan Jackson could have gone a round or maybe even two earlier than this, so I love the value the Rams are getting with him in the middle of the fifth frame. Jackson, considered a sleeper by some of Charlie’s sources, fills a need as an edge rusher for the Rams.
196. Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson – B+ Grade
Tyler Davis was a productive player at Clemson who enjoyed a solid Senior Bowl. However, he fell to the sixth round because he’s small and not lengthy, so the upside isn’t quite there. Still, the Rams are getting a solid prospect in the sixth round at a position of need.
209. Joshua Karty, K, Stanford – C Grade
I can’t be excited about a kicker pick. I’m just sad I couldn’t berate a team for drafting one earlier than the sixth round, but it makes sense for the Rams to take one here.
213. Jordan Whittington, WR, Texas – B+ Grade
Cooper Kupp doesn’t have much time remaining in the NFL, so it makes sense for the Rams to draft a receiver at this spot. We had Jordan Whittington pegged in the fifth round, so some slight value is nice here toward the end of Round 6.
217. Beaux Limmer, G/C, Arkansas – A+ Grade
I’ve had Beaux Limmer in the third or fourth round of my mock draft, so I love this value. I also am a big fan of adding to Matthew Stafford’s protection. Beaux Limmer can play both guard and center.
254. KT Leveston, G, Kansas State – B Grade
KT Leveston’s stock fell this past year, but he still makes sense in the seventh round. Protecting Matthew Stafford is important, so I like taking a flier on some more protection.
Season Summary:
The Rams were one of the hottest teams down the stretch, posting a 7-1 record in their final eight games once many of their top players returned from injury. They lost right away in the playoffs, but nearly took out the Lions in the opening round.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Defensive Tackle: Aaron Donald has retired, and those are some huge shoes to fill.
- Edge Rusher: The Rams miss Von Miller. They had solid production out of Byron Young last year, but they don’t have an elite edge rusher.
- Two Cornerbacks: Los Angeles needs to work on its secondary. Quentin Lake played well this past season, but the team didn’t have much else at the position. Signed Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams
- Two Safeties: Jordan Fuller is an impending free agent. Even if he’s re-signed, the Rams will need another safety. Signed Kamren Curl
- Linebacker: Help is needed at linebacker to complement Ernest Jones.
- Guard: Kevin Dotson was the Rams’ top offensive lineman last year. He’s due to hit free agency in March. Signed Jonah Jackson
- Quarterback: The Rams need to think about finding a young quarterback to develop behind Matthew Stafford.
- Kicker: Los Angeles had kicking issues all year.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Los Angeles Rams Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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