The Rams don’t have a first or second round pick this year. To some, this would be a nightmare. To the Rams and their fans, it’s just another offseason. Rams mock drafts haven’t necessarily been the most exciting for the past few years. Some may ask how a team that gives up so much draft capital can continue to find ways to succeed. It is a fair question. Especially since the Rams have been using this logic for a few years now. So how have the Rams been able to keep the ship afloat?
An Eye For Talent
The Rams have found success in their “wheeling and dealing” ways due to their success in the draft. Though most of their draftees do not turn out to be superstars, the Rams typically end up with a few future starters through the draft. Let’s take a look back at 2017, where the Rams drafted Gerald Everett, Cooper Kupp, John Johnson, Josh Reynolds, and Samson Ebukam back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back. All without a first-round pick. These are all names many NFL fans know and have heard over the years.
In 2018, the Rams drafted Joseph Noteboom who is now the Rams starting LT. They also drafted Brian Allen, who was their starting center last year, and is assumed to be the starter this year. The Rams also drafted Micah Kiser and Sebastian Joseph-Day, both players who made an impact on the field but are now on different teams. L.A. drafted amazingly well in 2019 too. They selected: Taylor Rapp (rotational S), Darrell Henderson (rotational RB), Bobby Evans (potential RG this year), Greg Gaines (rotational DL), David Edwards (starting LG), and Nick Scott (rotational DB).
In 2020, the Rams got their starting RB in Cam Akers, and some youth at WR with Van Jefferson. They also drafted Jordan Fuller, who was named a team captain in 2021 in just his second year. Terrell Lewis and Terell Burgess were also drafted by the Rams in 2020. They both have shown flashes in the past two years.
And finally, the 2021 class. This one is still up in the air, but it doesn’t seem up to par with the others of recent memory. Ernest Jones may be the Rams’ future at inside LB, but that’s Bobby Wagner’s spot for now. It may just be too early to tell with this class.
Ronan’s Rams Mock Draft
Okay now that I have shown you how the Rams have drafted over the past few years, it’s time to try to be Les Snead and make some picks. This is my first and probably my only Rams mock draft. I tried to be a tad unpredictable, as Snead typically is during the draft. Yet I still tried to fill positions that I thought the Rams would go after in this year’s draft.
Round 3: 104th overall
Zyon McCollum (CB) – Sam Houston State
For the first pick in my Rams mock draft, I have them taking the uber athletic corner out of Sam Houston State. The Rams lost Darious Williams in free agency and need to sure up their CB2 spot. While McCollum may not be able to step in right away and start, the Rams may look to go with a developmental option anyway. David Long Jr. and Robert Rochelle are two inhouse options that could replace Williams. Both will fight for CB2 in the preseason, it is unlikely the Rams land a corner that can start immediately in the third round.
McCollum has a big frame at about 6’2 and ran a 4.33 forty-yard dash at the combine. He has good size, and was the team captain. He tackles well and has instincts you can’t coach. Pairing a developed McCollum with Jalen Ramsey could be a match made in heaven.
Round 4: 142nd overall
Eyioma Uwazurike (EDGE) – Iowa State
I have the Rams taking an edge rusher with their second pick in my Rams mock draft. The Rams are now without Von Miller and need to find their future at edge rusher. There is a reason the Rams went out and traded for an edge rusher midseason. Edge rusher is an area the Rams need to fill, and the Iowa State alum could be their answer. Uwazurike has size and athleticism on his side, as well as length. He is versatile, being able to play anywhere on the defensive line. The four-year starter would wildly benefit from lining up next to Aaron Donald, and he would be able to use his athleticism to win pass rushes. Keep your fingers crossed Rams fans.
Round 5: 175th overall
Dontario Drummond (WR) – Mississippi
Next in my Rams mock draft, I have them grabbing a receiver. Unless Odell Beckham Jr. comes back, WR legitimately needs to be a position to keep an eye on for the Rams. There are a few names they could go with, Jalen Nailor, Josh Johnson, but I have them taking Dontario Drummond out of Ole Miss. The Rams went out of their comfort zone taking a young speedy wideout last year with Tutu Atwell, and he got injured immediately. I could see the Rams going back to their roots and taking an older guy that is good at route running. Drummond is 24, and was Matt Corral’s top target in college. He may not be the quickest, but he is good at grabbing contested catches and he’s elusive. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Drummond go to the Rams.
Round 6: 211th overall
Joshua Ezeudu (OL) – North Carolina
The Rams lost Austin Corbett in free agency, and now are looking to find their new starting RG. Bobby Evans, who was drafted as a tackle, could slide over to guard and start for the Rams. It seems like he will get the first crack at the starting job, but the Rams surely need to address OL at some point in the draft. Some may believe the Rams will go OL earlier than I have them doing so, and i think they definitely could. I just don’t think it is as big of a need as some think it is. Ezeudu has experience playing both tackle and guard and could eventually become a starter for the Rams. His versatility makes him much easier to draft, if he’s still there the Rams may at least consider taking him.
Round 6: 212th overall
Noah Elliss (DI) – Idaho
L.A. currently has back-to-back picks in the 6th round, and in my Rams mock draft I have them taking an interior defensive lineman with the 212th pick. They lost Sebastian Joseph-Day this offseason and could look to add depth in the trenches. Noah Elliss is the adopted son of former NFL All-Pro defensive lineman, Luther Elliss. Elliss takes up a ton of room and has the potential to be a great run stopper in the middle of the trenches for the Rams.
Round 6: 218th overall
Leddie Brown (RB) – West Virginia
Los Angeles traded for running back Sony Michel during the season. He ended up being extremely important for the Rams on their final stretch. He is not on the roster anymore, and the Rams currently have Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson, and Jake Funk. Funk played well on special teams, but I’m not sure how much McVay wants to turn to him if one of his top two backs goes down. Leddie Brown out of West Virginia runs similar to Michel, absorbing contact and falling forward. The Rams don’t have that punishing back on their roster at the moment, and Brown could be perfect to run the ball in certain situations.
Round 7: 238th overall
Nate Landman (LB) – Colorado
We are deep in the Rams mock draft now, and these picks are where it gets even muddier than the typical late round pick. The Rams could use some inside linebacker depth, and Landman could be the guy they call if he’s still available. He was a team captain, and showed he could make noise in the NFL for Colorado. The Pac-12 second team all-conference member could be a great addition to the Rams linebacker room.
Round 7: 253rd overall
Tre Sterling (S) – Oklahoma State
It’s the last pick in my Rams mock draft, and I thought I would add some secondary depth to finish the draft off. Sterling’s stock was hurt due to an injury, but when healthy he is a real threat in the secondary. The Rams have four safeties that can play in different places respectively, adding another one wouldn’t hurt.
Thanks for reading!
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