Solid Starter
Steve Avila, C, TCU – Round 2 
The Rams had a terrible offensive line in 2022 and obviously really missed Andrew Whitworth. While the organization added a young guard in Logan Bruss in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the team needed more talent for the interior of the offensive line, so it used its second-round pick to take Avila.
The 6-foot-3, 332-pound Avila was a steady and reliable pass protector at TCU. He has the strength to rock defenders and often knock them off balance to slow them down. His hands also help him to sustain blocks, although he could stand to improve his hand placement. With good size and strength, Avila can stop bull rushes. Avila’s weight, however, can be a problem. If he gets too heavy, his center of gravity can extend over his toes, which will lead to problems against pro speed rushers. Avila must stay on top of his weight and conditioning in the NFL to remain a functional pass protector.
Avila was a dependable run blocker for the Horned Frogs, who had a lot of success running behind him. He is strong at the point of attack and has the mass to rock back defenders. With his thick build and upper body, Avila can drive block and create a push. He does have some issues with bending at the waist at times, which can limit his push in the ground game. In combination with Avila’s weight issue, the waist-bending can leave him lunging after defenders. Thus, he is a better fit as a power-man blocker rather than a zone-based lineman.
The Rams have an open depth chart on the inside of the offensive line, so Avila could start quickly at left guard. Avila also could potentially play center or right guard if the Rams can find a better combination of players. While Avila may have limitations that keep him from being a boom pick, he looks like a safe bet to turn into a solid starter for Los Angeles.
2022: Logan Bruss, G
2021: Tutu Atwell, WR
2020: Van Jefferson, WR
2019: Greg Gaines, DT
2018: Joseph Noteboom, OT
2017: Cooper Kupp, WR
2016: Pharoh Cooper, WR
2015: Jamon Brown, G
2014: Aaron Donald, DT
2013: Stedman Baily, WR
Most Likely To Bust
NONE The Rams were without a first-round pick thanks to the Matthew Stafford trade, and I don’t see true bust potential among their second-day selections of of Steve Avila, Byron Young and Kobie Turner. The majority of picks in the third round or lower don’t pan out for NFL teams, so a selection is really not a bust after Round 2. Los Angeles did not have a pick high enough to quality as a true bust if they don’t stick in the NFL.
2021: Bobby Brown, DT
2020: Terrell Lewis, DE
2019: Bobby Evans, G
2018: Brian Allen, C
2017: John Johnson, S
2016: Jared Goff, QB
2015: Rob Havenstein, OT
2014: Tre Mason, RB
2013: T.J. McDonald, S
Potential Boom Pick
NONE Thanks to acquiring Matthew Stafford, the Rams didn’t have a first-round pick, and none of their selections from Day 2 truly look they could be boom picks. However, I do think each of the team’s three second-rounders has the potential to turn into a solid starter.
2021: None
2020: Cam Akers, RB
2019: Taylor Rapp, S
2018: Micah Kiser, LB
2017: Gerald Everett, TE
2016: Mike Thomas, WR
2015: Todd Gurley, RB
2014: Greg Robinson, OT
2013: Tavon Austin, WR
Future Depth Player
Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia – Round 4 
Bennett was a very interesting choice for the Rams in the fourth round. Clearly, the Rams need a capable backup because Matthew Stafford is aging and has dealt with a lot of injuries in his career. Stafford missed a good amount of the 2022 season, so having backup talent is a necessity. Bennett does not have skill set of a starter with elite size, arm strength, or running ability. However, he is a gamer who overachieves and plays an efficient style of football. While he may never become a starter in the NFL, Bennett could have a long career as a quality backup.
2021: Robert Rochell, CB
2020: Terrell Burgess, S
2019: Darrell Henderson, RB
2018: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, LB
2017: Josh Reynolds, WR
2016: Josh Forrest, LB
2015: Sean Mannion, QB
2014: E.J. Gaines, CB
2013: Zac Stacy, RB
Walt’s 2023 NFL Draft Grades:
36. Steve Avila, G/C, TCU – B+ Grade
If you watched the Rams at all last year, you know how dreadful their offensive line was. The poor blocking gave Matthew Stafford no chance, and then Stafford got hurt and missed the second half of the season. Steve Avila will be a nice boost up front, and he can play both center and guard, which will be very helpful for a team with numerous holes on the offensive line.
77. Byron Young, DE/OLB, Tennessee – A- Grade
The Rams really needed an edge rusher in the wake of Von Miller’s departure. They had no edge rush, so perhaps Byron Young will help. Young has a low floor, but he’s an explosive player with high upside.
89. Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest – MILLEN UNDERSIZED KIELBASA Grade
The Rams made fun of the Patriots for reaching last year. My, how the turntables have turned! Kobie Turner is a late-round prospect who is undersized. He should not have been chosen this early.
128. Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia – A+ Grade
The Rams have their quarterback of the future, something they needed with Matthew Stafford old and injured. Stetson Bennett is a great leader with an underrated arm. He’s short, but that’s his only downfall. Sean McVay should be able to develop him very well.
161. Nick Hampton, LB, Appalachian State – B+ Grade
Nick Hampton is a versatile linebacker I had in the fourth round. The Rams needed a linebacker after losing Bobby Wagner, so perhaps Hampton can challenge for playing time right away.
174. Warren McClendon, OT/G, Georgia – C Grade
Warren McClendon is a limited athlete, so he may have to move to guard. However, he’s a versatile player and could fight for a starting spot in the interior of the Rams’ dreadful offensive line.
175. Davis Allen, TE, Clemson – B Grade
Davis Allen fell because of speed concerns, but he has nice receiving and blocking potential for the next level. The Rams needed another tight end, so Allen is a solid choice at thsi juncture.
177. Puka Nacua, WR, BYU – C- Grade
I didn’t have Puka Nacua as a draftable prospect. He has separation issues and isn’t a very good route runner. He also missed some time with an injury last year. Receiver was a need though.
182. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU – A+ Grade
What great value! I thought Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson could have potentially gone late on Day 2. He’s an extremely fast cornerback. He has size issues, but he’ll be able to play in the slot at the very least.
189. Ochaun Mathis, DE, Nebraska – C Grade
The Rams needed another pass rusher, but the player they chose is questionable. Ochaun Mathis regressed at his time in Nebraska, so he’ll need to be coached up to turn his football career around.
215. Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss – A Grade
Zach Evans is undersized, but explosive. He can compete to be the Rams’ second running back. I like this pick, as Evans easily could have been drafted a couple of rounds earlier than this.
223. Ethan Evans, P, Wingate – B Grade
Wingate sounds like Boris College. We’re not sure if it’s real, but apparently it is.
234. Jason Taylor, S, Oklahoma State – B+ Grade
Jason Taylor was one of the top performers at the combine among the safeties, both in the workout numbers and on-field drills. Thus, I’m shocked he fell this far. The Rams won’t complain, as they had to find a replacement for Taylor Rapp. I like this value.
259. Desjuan Johnson, DT, Toledo – B- Grade
Desjuan Johnson is an explosive player, but he’s undersized and lacks length. There’s not much room for growth here from this year’s Mr. Irrelevant.
2023 NFL Draft Team Grade: B. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.
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