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znModeratorBreaking down Rams’ draft picks and undrafted free-agent signings
GARY KLEIN
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2023-04-29/rams-2023-picks-why-they-were-drafted
The Rams did not have a first-round NFL draft pick again this season, last one coming in 2016 with the No. 1 pick of Jared Goff, but they did select a whopping 14 players over the last two days.
L.A. grabbed six offensive players, seven defenders and a punter. The Rams entered the draft without a kicker, punter or long snapper on the roster. They addressed both lines on Day 2 of the draft, in rounds two and three. On Day 3, they had a fourth-round pick, four fifth-round picks, three sixth-round picks and three seventh-round picks.
Breaking down the picks and how they might contribute with the Rams next season.
Steve Avila — offensive lineman
6 feet 4, 331 pounds, Texas Christian, Round 2, Pick 36
Notable: Avila, a Texas native, played guard, center and tackle during his college career. He started at left guard in 2022 for the Horned Frogs, who advanced to the College Football Playoff title game.
Last season: Avila played in 15 games and did not give up a sack. He was voted to the All-Big 12 Conference team.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams’ offensive line underperformed last season even before injuries began to mount. The Rams let guard David Edward leave as a free agent and unproven Tremayne Anchrum is returning from an ankle injury he suffered in the season opener. Logan Bruss, the Rams’ top pick last season, also is coming back from a knee injury suffered during the second preseason game.
Byron Young — edge rusher
6 feet 2, 250 pounds, Tennessee, Round 3, Pick 77Notable: According to Tennessee’s website, Young worked at a Dollar General store for about 18 months before making the team at Georgia Military College. He played two seasons at the junior college and transferred to Tennessee.
Last season: Young had seven sacks and 12 tackles for losses for the Volunteers. He was voted All-SEC by the league’s coaches. Young had 12½ sacks in his two seasons in Knoxville.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams are in desperate need of edge rushers. Last season, the Rams released outside linebacker Justin Hollins and Terrell Lewis. After the season, they released edge rusher Leonard Floyd. Converted defensive lineman Michael Hoecht and Daniel Hardy, a second-year pro who was injured last season, are on the roster.
Kobie Turner — defensive lineman
6 feet 2, 288 pounds, Wake Forest, Round 3, Pick 89Notable: Turner, a Virginia native, walked on at Richmond and amassed 14½ sacks in three seasons before transferring to Wake Forest for his final season.
Last season: Young played in 13 games but did not start. He posted 10 tackles for losses, including two sacks. He also forced four fumbles for the Demon Deacons.
Why the Rams drafted him: Aaron Donald is a three-time NFL defensive player of the year but the Rams need reinforcements on the interior line. After last season, the Rams let Greg Gaines and A’Shawn Robinson leave as free agents. Turner joins a defensive line group that includes Bobby Brown and Marquise Copeland.
Stetson Bennett — quarterback
5 feet 11, 192 pounds, Georgia, Round 4, Pick 128Notable: Bennett is the first quarterback selected by the Rams during the Sean McVay era — and only the fourth since Les Snead became general manager in 2012.
Last season: Bennett, who began his career as a walk-on, led Georgia to the College Football Playoff championship. He passed for 27 touchdowns, with seven interceptions.
Why the Rams drafted him: Rams starter Matthew Stafford is 35, and he is coming off a season in which he worked through right-elbow issues, suffered a concussion and was sidelined for the final seven games because of a spinal bruise. Bennett will presumably be able to learn from Stafford, who also played at Georgia, before ultimately succeeding him.
Nick Hampton — edge
6 feet 2, 236 pounds, Appalachian State, Round 5, Pick 161Notable: Hampton caught the attention of NFL scouts when he recorded 11 sacks as a junior in 2021.
Last season: Despite missing three games because of injury, Hampton had 9½ tackles for losses, including seven sacks.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams released Justin Hollins, Terrell Lewis and Leonard Floyd, leaving converted defensive lineman Michael Hoecht and second-year pro Daniel Hardy as the only remaining edge rushers on the roster. Hampton joins third-round pick Byron Young as young players who will try to fill the void.
Warren McClendon Jr. — offensive tackle
6 feet 4, 306 pounds, Georgia, Round 5, Pick 174Notable: McClendon was a three-year starter at right tackle for Georgia, which won back-to-back national titles.
Last season: McClendon was voted All-Southeastern Conference after starting 14 games. McClendon helped protect quarterback Stetson Bennett, who was selected by the Rams in the fourth round.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams are in need of offensive linemen to improve a unit that underperformed and was riddled with injuries last season. McClendon could back up veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein. McClendon was the second offensive lineman drafted by the Rams, joining second-round pick Steve Avila of Texas Christian.
Davis Allen — tight end
6 feet 6, 245 pounds, Georgia, Round 5, Pick 175Notable: Allen spent most of his first two seasons as an on-line blocker before breaking into the starting lineup as a pass-catching threat as a junior.
Last season: Allen, who caught 28 passes as a junior, grabbed a career-best 39 passes for 443 yards and five touchdowns.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams want to build tight end depth. Veteran Tyler Higbee is entering his eighth season — and possibly the final year of his contract. Brycen Hopkins is in the final year of his rookie deal, and the Rams acquired Hunter Long in the trade that sent star cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins.
Puka Nacua — wide receiver
6 feet 2, 201 pounds, Brigham Young, Round 5, Pick 177Notable: Nacua played his first two college seasons at Washington before returning to his home state and playing for the Cougars.
Last season: Nacua caught 48 passes for 625 yards and six touchdowns. He also is a threat as a rusher.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams are searching for receivers to complement star Cooper Kupp, who is returning from an ankle injury that required surgery. The Rams recently traded Allen Robinson. Van Jefferson is in the final year of his rookie contract, and Tutu Atwell and Ben Skowronek have shown improvement.
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson — cornerback
5 feet 8, 178 pounds, Texas Christian, Round 6, Pick 182Notable: Hodges-Tomlinson is the nephew of Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
Last season: Hodges-Tomlinson was an All-American and won the Jim Thorpe Award as college football’s top defensive back. He intercepted three passes.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams did not re-sign veteran Troy Hill, who played as a nickel back. So Hodges-Tomlinson could compete for that role in a cornerback group that includes Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick and Robert Rochell. The cornerbacks are once again coached by Aubrey Pleasant, who returned to the staff after stints with the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.
Ochaun Mathis — edge
6 feet 5, 250 pounds, Nebraska, Round 6, Pick 189Notable: Mathis, a Texas native, played three seasons at Texas Christian before transferring to Nebraska for his senior season.
Last season: Mathis started 12 games and recorded five tackles for losses, including 3½ sacks.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris continued their search for players who can work with star tackle Aaron Donald and consistently pressure quarterbacks. Mathis joins fellow draftees Byron Young and Nick Hampton to help fill the void left by the release of Leonard Floyd and others.
Zach Evans — running back
5 feet 11, 202 pounds, Mississippi, Round 6, Pick 215Notable: Evans began his career at Texas Christian and played two seasons for the Horned Frogs before transferring to Ole Miss.
Last season: Evans was sidelined at times because of a hip injury and a concussion, but he rushed for 936 yards and nine touchdowns.
Why the Rams drafted him: Running back Cam Akers, who rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the final three games last season, will be a restricted free agent at the end of this season. Second-year pro Kyren Williams was injured most of last season. Evans gives new running backs coach Ron Gould some depth.
Ethan Evans — punter
6 feet 4, 238 pounds, Wingate, Round 7, Pick 223Notable: Evans is the first punter to be drafted by the Rams since 2005, when they selected Reggie Hodges of Ball State.
Last season: Evans averaged 40.3 yards per punt for a Wingate team that won 11 games.
Why the Rams drafted him: With no specialists on the roster, new coordinator Chase Blackburn needed players. Last season, Riley Dixon replaced longtime Rams punter Johnny Hekker but the Rams released Dixon and let kicker Matt Gay and long-snapper Matt Orzech leave as free agents.
Jason Taylor II — safety
6 feet, 204 pounds, Oklahoma State, Round 7, Pick 234Notable: Evans, an Oklahoma native, was a two-year starter who made plays in the secondary and on special teams.
Last season: Taylor was named All-Big 12 Conference after making 99 tackles and intercepting six passes.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams needed depth at safety. Nick Scott and Taylor Rapp, starters last season, signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills, respectively. Jordan Fuller is returning from injury and Russ Yeast and Quentin Lake will be second-year pros.
Desjuan Johnson — defensive lineman
6 feet 2, 285 pounds, Toledo, Round 7, Pick 259Notable: Johnson was selected with the 259th and final pick in the draft. The Rams acquired the pick when they traded pick No. 167 to the Texans for Nos. 174 and 259.
Last season: Johnson had 16½ tackles for losses and 5½ sacks for Toledo, which had a 9-5 record.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams did not waste an opportunity to add another potential contributor to a defensive line group that lost Greg Gaines and A’Shawn Robinson. Several late-round picks in the last few drafts demonstrated late last season that they could play as rotational players.
znModerator
znModeratorThings you love to see: Matthew Stafford back at it. pic.twitter.com/cxoazhHjnx
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 1, 2023
znModeratorI’m still rounding up data but I have impressions.
You know initially when they took Avila, I was disappointed–I thought, they have guards aplenty, why draft one. Ah but I quickly got over that. He may be one of the best guards they’ve ever had. Certainly at least in Saffold and Timmerman territory. A naturally huge, strong guy with left tackle caliber feet and movement, a team captain and leader, a head on his shoulders, has the right attitude, and plays with some anger. It’s really a great gift that a line needing interior guys with good feet find a big muscle guy who actually fits their style. This is the best Snead/McVay 2nd round pick of them all–they have actually been a little iffy with their 2nd round picks, but this pick has no doubts attached to it at all.
znModeratorDeadpoolI really wanted a boundry CB, and they were there for the taking all over the place. They just never grabbed one. I also had Branch as my #1 player on the Rams stacked board. I am really confused by his slide. I’m assuming its the fact he didn’t show out at the combine and they are worried about his play strength and fit. If he is a CB, he is slow. I really thought the Rams put blinders on with the Avila pick. Take the BPA, you have holes literally everywhere. Don’t force a OL pick. That said. I love the fact that they got a stud OL. Finally, after years of me trying in mocks, they do it in a year I don’t mock them one.On to the picks:
2.36 Steve Avila – IOL – TCU – 6′-3” 332 lbs. – A power blocking OG with an incredible anchor. Could he be an OC? Maybe. Lacks movement skills. OG power blocking scheme.
My 71st overall prospect
My 6th overall IOL.
My #2 overall pure OG (Mauch and Skoronski are OTs probably moving to OG)Interesting pick with Torrence, Mauch, Schmitz and Tippmann available, as well as Branch, Cam Smith and a ton of edge rushers. I didn’t have Avila on my Rams Stacked Draft Board because I didn’t think he was a fit. I like him in Gap schemes or inside zone schemes. Rams must think otherwise, and I differ to them. If he doesn’t pan out, its due to scheme fit or some weird injury you can never predict. He is a powerhouse with a tremendous anchor, vice grip hands and good length. Seems intelligent, but at times is slow to see stunts and twists. He is unlike any IOL the Rams have had in years. The IOL just got bigger, stronger and nastier. I love it. I agree with Alyo that I don’t think he is an OC. TCU agreed, because they moved him from OC to OG when they brought in a transfer to man the pivot.
3.77 Byron Young – EDGE – Tenn. – 6’-2” 250 lbs. – Fluid, fast with a hot motor. He’s a handful from the snap. Needs to get stronger. 24 years old. 34 OLB
My 76th overall prospect
My 13th rated Edge (some of those were 43 DEs and not fits at all)
My 58th ranked player on my Rams Stacked boardFrom Mock 2.0:
Byron Young – EDGE – Tenn. – 6′-2″ 250 lbs. – This guy just competes. He is super bendy and athletic. A bit undersized, but consistently finds his way to the QB. Seems like a super coachable kid as he has elevated himself from JuCo football to Tenn. Thats not by accident. Senior Bowl standout, so that matters to the Rams. If the Rams go EDGE in round 2, they don’t go with Young in round 3. If they don’t, he is very much still in the conversation.I obviously love this pick. He just turned 25, so a tad older, but IDC. He plays early and often. I agree with Alyo, high floor, high ceiling. He was the last of my real top flight edge rushers.
3.89 Kobie Turner – DL – Wake Forest – 6′-2″ 288 lbs.
He as unranked across all my boards. He fit into the 7th round group but didn’t make my board. I really thought this was a weird pick. With a more athletic, more accomplished DL in Adetomiwa Adebawore on the board, he made more sense. There has to be a reason he slid. I’m assuming its positional fit. Turner is 3 double double animal style in and out burgers from 295, so he can work inside and out. Tough, powerful and a bigtime motor. He lacks the length to disengage at times. He had modest production, but I think he is an arrow up type of player. Word is he was climbing boards, but I work with what I have and when I saw him, he was pedestrian. I must have caught him on an off game. A reach? IMO yes. Was it a big reach? Probably not.
4.128 Stetson Bennett – QB – Georgia – 5′-11” 192 lbs. – Ok arm, Undersized, mobile, not a dual threat. Just a gamer, can’t count him out.
My 256th overall prospect
My 14th ranked QB
Unranked on my Rams Stacked BoardNot a fan of this pick. He is undersized. He got a public intoxication and then “you know who I am” to the cops. He skipped the Senior Bowl when he had plenty to prove yet. He needs to get his head right or he won’t last long. Beyond that stuff. he has a good enough arm. He is accurate, very mechanically sound. Can manipulate the pocket. His size may be an issue, but Georgia has always had huge OLs, so I’m not so worried about that. His size and ability to withstand punishment worries me more (same goes for Haener and Young TBH) It’ll be interesting to see how he does when not surrounded by an allstar cast. The run on mid tier QBs started with Haener right in front of the Rams, then Stetson, DT-R, Tune, Clifford (yuck) and Hall. So I doubt the Rams were getting him in the 6th round, let alone the 7th. So even though he was a reach on my board, he wasn’t a reach in the draft IMO. I preferred Tune and his upside, but Bennett should work as a career backup with spot starter upside, and maybe as a starter for a year or 2 until the Rams get their next franchise QB.
5.161 Nick Hampton – EDGE – App. State – 6′-2” 236 lbs. – Bendy, fluid and has an explosive first step. Run defense is not his forte due to size. 34 OLB.
My 134th overall prospect
My 23rd ranked EDGE
My 106th ranked player on my Rams Stacked BoardLove the value of this pick. He will start as a situational pass rusher until he gets bigger and stronger. He is an absolute tasmanian devil on the field. He’s an absolute playmaker. He’s long with a decent pass rush arsenal. And a red hot motor. Looks like a great STer early. Run defense lacks, thats why he is a situational pass rush specialist. But those types are in demand. This is where the Rams got back on track IMO (at least according to my board)
5. 174 Warren McClendon – OT – Georgia – 6′-4” 306 lbs. – Good/ not great size, aggressive, good mover with good power. Not a technician. RT in any scheme.
My 153rd overall prospect
My 13th ranked OT (4th RT)
My 121st ranked player on my Rams Stacked BoardAgain, great value. Did I hear they want him as an OC? That’s interesting. I wouldn’t discount him as a RT. And Havs eventual replacement. He was the alpha dog and a line that had 5 studs (their OC is went back to school, but is a highly ranked OC).He’ a hard worker, intelligent and a technician. Needs to add strength and maybe some good weight (depending on where they slot him on the line. I think he can play OC, RG or RT and his floor is super sub, active on gamedays not too far down the road.
5.175 Davis Allen – TE – Clemson – 6′-6” 245 lbs. – Clemson played him everywhere or he’s versatile, smooth athlete with good hands. I’d can him an average blocker for the position.
My 103rd overall prospect
My 7th ranked TE
My 82nd ranked player on my Rams Stacked BoardSuper value and personally the most under rated TE in a stacked TE draft. Rare TE with great size with amazing ball skills that can actually block well for the position. If the ball is coming his way, its his. He isn’t a dynamic TE, but he catches everything, is a great blocker and a really good redzone threat. He is completely different from every other TE the Rams have had in a while. He could be TE 2 early on. Esp in 12 personnel. His QB play was spotty at best, so Stafford could really elevate his game.
5.177 Puka Nacua – WR – BYU – 6′-2” 201 lbs. – Physical, as a pass catcher and blocker. Also has linear speed. Not a good route runner. Possession WR.
My 172nd overall prospect
My 26th ranked WR
My 137th ranked player on my Rams Stacked BoardSo let me get this straight. I ranked him 172, and he went 177…very cool. I think he is a steal IF he can stay healthy. He has been dinged constantly. Health is the key factor in whether or not he makes it. I personally knocked him a solid round due to injuries, otherwise he is a solid late 3rd to 4th round guy on my board. Not a HR hitter over the top, but extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands. Good ball skills, plays a physical rand of football and had 5 rushing TDs last year. He’s a real good jet sweep option and not afraid to block. I think fans will like his style of play.
6. 182 Tre’vius Hodges-Tomlinson – CB – TCU – 5′-8” 177 lbs. – Super fluid, athletic CB with speed to burn. His size is his only limitation. Scheme diverse, prefer man.
My 74th overall prospect
My 13th ranked CB
My 57th ranked player on my Rams Stacked BoardAmazing value. The top CB in the country award winner this year. Size is his issue. Highly athletic, great ball production and aggressive as all get out. He allowed less than 35% completion rate last year which is elite. He looks like a slot/nickel back early on. Has to cut down on his penalties. Solid against the run. Should be a fan favorite. And no, he is not a clone of Burgess.
6.189 Ochaun Mathis – EDGE – Nebraska – 6′-5″ 250 lbs.
Unranked on all my boardsThey lost me with this pick. With already 2 edge rushers on board, why not target another position? He has a 7th to UDFA grade from me. Reasoning is his production kept slipping every year, even after transferring. So I think this is a case of the Rams buying low and hoping they can return him to 2020 form. He is a situational pass rusher for now (so redundant with hampton). He has great size and length for the position. He needs to get stronger to defend the run and to help with his long armed rush attack. Bendier than he looks.
6.215 Zach Evans – RB – Ole Miss – 5′-11” 202 lbs. – Quick and can go the distance. Good vision. Not a power back. OZS
My 147th overall prospect
My 12th ranked RB
My 117th ranked player on my Rams Stacked BoardI’m back on board with this pick. I had him as a 4th round back. So getting him in the 6th is a steal. He is more well rounded than some of the other backs taen before him. Low wear and tear. Got stuck behind a freshman this year that might have been the 2nd best RB in college already. Plenty of speed. OK size and power. Not super dynamic but uses his vision and balance to avoid tacklers in the open field. Contact balance is good and can gain yards after contact. Fumbles are my main concern.
7. 223 Ethan Evans – P – Wingate – 6′-4″ 235 lbs.
Not ranked on any boards
He’s a gigantic punter. Thats all I have. Sorry guys.
7. 234 Jason Taylor II – SAF – Okla St. – 6′-0″ 204 lbs.
Not ranked on any boards
I liked him alot as an UDFA, so this is not a reach to me. He’s an absolute thumper that has some missed tackles (I’m assuming due to over aggression) Super athletic. Needs work in coverage, but in a Rams style system, he should be fine. ST demon is his floor. Def. adds toughness to the DB room.
7. Desjaun Johnson – DE – Toledo – 6′-2″ 285 lbs.
unranked on all boards
He was an UDFA so literally 1 pick away from that. The Rams obviously have a type, and he is it. 6′-2″ 280 something pounds. He is tough as nails, but lacks length. Trouble disengaging OL. Nice project. And really nothing to lose at the end of the draft. The little I saw him, I came away uninspired I guess is a good word.
UDFAs
I’ll touch on the ones I know or have some info on.
Tiyon Evans – RB – Louisville – 5′-10” 225 lbs. – He’s a thumper with excellent contact balance. Lacks a top gear. Pretty quick into the hole. Not a pass catcher. Any scheme.
My 193rd overall prospect
My 17th ranked RBThis is a really nice get. The RB room now has a RB at 200 lbs, 205 lbs, 215 lbs and 225 lbs. I think he can stick as a 4th RB if they carry 4, which they should.
Rashad Torrence II – SAF – Florida – 6′-0” 193 lbs. – Big time effort guy willing to throw his face in the fan against the run. Good instincts and in the passing game. Size/speed limitations. Scheme diverse.
My 237th ranked overall prospect
My 19th ranked SAF
My 187th ranked prospect on my Rams Stacked BoardAnother really good get. Does he stick? Who knows but I like his skill set and size. I’m usually tough on Florida players, but there is something about him I really like.
Alex Ward – LS – UCF – 6′-4” 240 lbs. – He long snaps…footballs.
My 259th (and last) overall prospect
Ok so a little credit here. You guys wanted punters, Long Snappers and Kickers, so I gave you one of each. I nailed the LS. He should stick, since they need a LS. Bonus credit for the best description of his skill set that you will find.
Jaiden Woodbey – SAF/LB – Boston College – 6′-0″ 222 lbs. – A safety that works well in the box, is a bit of a tweener, but his lack of speed probably makes him a 3rd down cover backer. Plays a physical brand of football. Should be a good ST member.
My 205th ranked prospect on my Rams Stacked Board
I added him to the stacked board, because the Rams seem to grab a guy like this every year and the Rams showed interest. It’ll be interesting to see what they do with him.
Tyler Hudson – at 6′-2″ and 193 he has great size, but tested really poorly and ran a 4.69. He is a very good route runner and has decent hands. Has the size to be a possession WR. He’s got an uphill battle to make the Rams roster.
Sam James – a 5′-11″ 180 lb WR with return skills. Runs a 4.5. If he makes the team its due to STs. He was a big play threat for the Mountaineers.
Xavier Smith – a 5′-9″ Return guy with a ton of speed. I think he was the MVP of the HBCU Bowl. Electric little jitterbug. He may be the return specialist.
Braxton Burmeister – A QB turned WR. I find that interesting. 6′-0″ 193 lbs.
Rams really hit the Hulu Bowl: Tyon Davis, Ethan Evans, Alex Ward and Tanner Brown all played in it. So did Tyler Hudson
Matthew Jester – He is the type of guy that can make the PS and develop for a year.
Tanner Ingle – An absolute Hammer from the SAF position. He can be frustrating to watch at times, but when he hits you…
Kelechi Anyalebechi – ILB – Incarnate Word – Played the Bison in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs, had 2 tackles and wasn’t much of a factor. I doubt he makes the team.
Anyhow, I was fairly pleased. I felt like they needed a NT and a boundry CB, and came up empty. I am not a fan of Bennett, but if he checks himself at the door, he has the skillset to be successful. My biggest concern is if you think he can be a dual threat type, you will be disappointed. Running will get him murdered.
I also wasn’t a huge fan of Turner. But I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.
Otherwise, I thought it was a very good draft. They finally went hard after IOL. That is amazing. The Rams could be actually building that line. At least they have options.
Speaking of options, it looks like competition everywhere but Outside CB.
Thank you to everyone that stopped and commented or asked questions and made my 2023 draft experience worthwhile. I wouldn’t bother with a lot of this stuff if the board wasn’t full of great posters.
znModeratorLMU93
Just personal opinions on how this Draft played out and the path ahead…
Overall, I give Snead, McVay and the scouting department credit. To me the initial judging of a Draft can really only come from estimating value picks vs. reaches. And overall I think the Rams mostly drafted value. It was more of a common sense, “safe” Draft than they’ve had in a while, seemed to have more logic (and maybe humility?) to it than in some past years. There could be no WTF picks with their top few selections and they needed most of their day 3 picks to be guys that were largely anticipated to go earlier. They did that. And I think they largely drafted very good athletes with high motors and good work ethics. That counts for a lot.
As Jourdan has said, in recent years when the roster was more loaded they were more willing to be bold (and a little arrogant?), taking fliers on guys and even drafting some mid-round picks purely for special teams, etc. And they realized they couldn’t do that this year. I give Snead credit for seeming to get just how much the roster needed. All along I had wanted them to end up with fewer and higher (top 150-160) picks vs. quantity. And really, they were able to end up doing both. 7 in the top 175 and 14 selections overall.
Of course, no matter what not all these guys will work out. But most have the ability and experience to at least provide depth. More will contribute as rookies than usual. And in the longer term it will benefit the team as they ‘bridge’ this year to 2024 when they have all their draft capital back and a decent amount of cap space.
Thoughts on some specific picks and positions:
– I didn’t look at Avila at all because I just never thought they’d take an OG like him at 36. I’m so pleasantly surprised. He is a day one starter at LG and, as others have written, might settle in there for 10 years. Exactly the type of attitude OL the team needs. Would fit really well in my opinion in between Jackson at LT and Shelton at C. He’s the type of pick that will have a positive cascade effect on the OL as a whole.
– Young at 77 is the type of guy that can come in and play situationally from day one while he learns the larger game and can grow into more of an every-down role in 2024. No matter who they drafted on the edge- even if they’d taken one at 36 (which was what I expected), they are riding at least somewhat on the development of guys like Hoecht, Hardy and Keir Thomas. For them to get better QB pressure this year at least 2 of those 3 guys have to take notable steps forward. It’s a big question mark entering camp.
– I know nothing about the Wake Forest DT, Turner, other than thinking he could maybe be used to spell Donald 10 snaps/game and help them based on pure motor and effort while he learns the position. Maybe their biggest reach pick? And maybe never more than a rotational DL. But you need those guys too. I really thought TE Tucker Kraft was going to be the pick there (who went the very next selection to Green Bay…). Or the CB Ringo.
– Like others, I was really disappointed when they took Bennett at QB, both for the value itself and given who else was on the board. I thought he could have been taken later until those other 5 later round QBs also went off the board in the next 30+ picks. A lot of us wanted to take a QB around #180-190 overall but that just wasn’t going to happen. Once all those other QBs came off the board it became pretty clear that the idea of waiting on a QB until the 6th round just would not have been feasible. Maybe it was group-think and just one of those runs on a position, but the Rams were one of 6 teams to take QBs between 127 and 160 overall and all six were guys projected to go later. I remain skeptical Bennett can be the QB2 this year. But that seems like their plan. His average arm strength doesn’t matter at all to me. He’s played on the biggest stages against top-level competition. 32 starts which is a big plus for QBs. If his poise, decision making and accuracy are good then his arm strength is just fine. Hopefully he’s mature and a good teammate. Seems like that’s a bit murky?
– If they reached on Turner I thought Hampton helped make up for it by being a pretty good value selection. So was the TE Davis who I think joins Hunter Long as their TE2 and TE3 and ends up with Hopkins cut (saving them $1M) in late August.
– Taylor was probably my favorite day 3 value pick of theirs. He could have gone 50 picks earlier. The Rams seem to feel good about Fuller this year and with Yeast and Lake joining him it can allow Taylor to develop as a rookie and maybe take a bigger role in 2024.
– Hodges-Tomlinson and Evans are intriguing. Each could carve out a year one role for themselves. Or not. Given the CB situation I think there is more than a few people crossing fingers that Tomlinson can. Being related to an all-time great NFL player like LT can only help as far as knowing how to prepare and work. But the Rams CB situation? I like Durant. He got a lot of work the final 6 games and held his own. He’ll be ready for a full-time starting role. But otherwise right now they are counting on two of the three between Rochell, Kendrick and Hodges-Tomlinson to be able to handle starting duties. I like Pleasant a lot as their DBs coach, but that’s asking a lot….
– I know nothing about the punter other than thinking it was a good spot to take one and I’m sure they did diligence on a lot of them. If you’re going to draft a Division II guy punter is a good place to do it. He was also PFF’s top-rated punter.
– I know nothing about Nacua either but it seems like his only real issue is health. If he can stay healthy, great, he could grow into a depth role. He’s athletic and competitive and competing for a WR6 spot this year. Maybe he can learn some things from Kupp. Mathis and Johnson weren’t inspiring picks but we’ll see.
Looking ahead, I think my biggest 2023 concerns are at Edge rusher and CB. They really have to hope a surprise emerges at each spot very early on or the defense will have some growing pains. A healthy Fuller would really help the secondary. And I actually think the DL depth is pretty good. I’m also skeptical they have anyone capable of playing next to Jones at ILB on the roster.
I like what they come into 2023 with at RB, WR and TE. And the Avila addition is again a real positive for an OL that needed both talent and attitude infused in a hurry. They need a strong running game and Avila can obviously help there from day one. Adding him also likely allows Noteboom some breathing room in his recovery. If someone wins the RG spot (not just by default) between Bruss and Anchrum I think things are looking steadier there overall.
Looks like Bennett will likely take 80% of the snaps in preseason which, if he’s going to enter the season as QB2, is a must. Let’s hope he takes advantage of the opportunity.
This Draft helped them- both for 2023 and beyond. I have no doubts there. Enough to make a playoff run this year? Tough to say but the NFC is not nearly as daunting as the AFC. Seattle did seem to solidify their status as NFC West favorites though.
They’re thinner and more questionable at some spots than others. The kicker and punter spots are still very much TBD which isn’t great. But in the end if Stafford, Kupp and Donald are healthy and the OL overall is healthier they can make things happen while the very young team around them develops. And they will enter 2024 with more than adequate salary cap room/flexibility and all their Draft ammo.
By the way, Arizona could very well end up with two of the top five picks in 2024 (and 3 of the top 37).
znModeratorMitchell Schwartz@MitchSchwartz71
All GMs have to do these days to get draft acclaim is trade down and draft the top guy on the consensus board at their pick. Draft analysis is getting boring and trite. Everyone has the same talking points about what positions you can/can’t draft 1st round, trading up, etc.I get it. I agree with some of it since it’s coming from a place of understanding value and what brings the most to the table for teams. But the “picking guys who dropped on the consensus board” part has been driving me nuts the last few years. I know wisdom of the crowd theory.
But: I don’t think it’s a complete view we get. The consensus boards are not team driven, they’re media/independent analysts. Some might get insight from teams, but not all. Without full medical + mental evals all these boards show is physical projection. Which is great, except:
By now we kind of all know it’s not that big a piece of the puzzle if there’s a baseline of talent. Work ethic, motivation levels, development, coaching, scheme fit, teammates, mentorship, it all plays as big if not a bigger role than “what can he do on film in college.”
Isn’t that literally the reason we all say the draft is a crapshoot? And that we laud trading back and getting more picks. So if the people with all the info aren’t better than flipping a coin, why do we take as gospel the collective boards of those without all the info?
znModeratorRams drafted two of these DTs https://t.co/wipY74ljav
— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) April 30, 2023
znModeratorKoll_0ne@Koll_0ne The Rams added one last UDFA, Sam James. James is a 6’ 185 WR from West Virginia.
James shows off his ability to break tackles and find YAC https://t.co/g8k5UcCw8l
— Koll_0ne (@Koll_0ne) May 1, 2023
znModeratorByron Young was one of the most athletic edge rushers in the class, and that shows on the field in his highlight reel https://t.co/uHzdw7ypUn
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) May 1, 2023
znModeratorTom Courts@RamsBeat
Here’s the Rams current roster of 82 players:QB – Matthew Stafford
QB – Stetson Bennett
QB – Dresser Winn
RB – Cam Akers
RB – Zach Evans
RB – Kyren Williams
RB – Ronny Rivers
RB – Tiyon Evans
WR – Cooper Kupp
WR – Van Jefferson
WR – Ben Skowronek
WR – Tutu Atwell
WR – Lance McCutcheon
WR – Puka Nacua
WR – Austin Trammel
WR – Tyler Hudson
WR – Xavier Smith
WR – Sam James
TE – Tyler Higbee
TE – Brycen Hopkins
TE – Hunter Long
TE – Davis Allen
TE – Christian Sims
OL – Rob Havenstein
OL – Alaric Jackson
OL – Coleman Shelton
OL – Steve Avila
OL – Logan Bruss
OL – Brian Allen
OL – Joseph Noteboom
OL – Tremayne Anchrum
OL – AJ Arcuri
OL – Zach Thomas
OL – Warren McClendon Jr.
OL – Sean Maginn
OL – Mike McAllister
DL – Aaron Donald
DL – Kobie Turner
DL – Marquise Copeland
DL – Bobby Brown
DL – Jonah Williams
DL – Earnest Brown
DL – TJ Carter
DL – Desjuan Johnson
ED – Michael Hoecht
ED – Byron Young
ED – Daniel Hardy
ED – Keir Thomas
ED – Nick Hampton
ED – Ochaun Mathis
ED – Zach VanValkenburg
ED – Larrell Murchison
ED – Matthew Jester
ILB – Ernest Jones
ILB – Jake Hummel
ILB – Christian Rozeboom
ILB – Kelechi Anyalebechi
ILB – Ryan Smenda Jr.
ILB – DeAndre Square
CB – Decobie Durant
CB – Derion Kendrick
CB – Robert Rochell
CB – Tre’Vius Tomlinson
CB – Shawn Jolly
CB – Timarcus Davis
CB – Tyon Davis
CB – Jordan Jones
CB – Cameron McCutcheon
S – Jordan Fuller
S – Russ Yeast
S – Quentin Lake
S – Jason Taylor II
S – Richard LeCounte
S – Collin Duncan
S – Tanner Ingle
S – Quindell Johnson
S – Rashad Torrence
S – Jaiden Woodbey
LS – Alex Ward
K – Tanner Brown
P – Ethan Evans
K – Christopher DunnznModeratorREAD: Warren McClendon Jr. excited to reunite with Georgia teammate Stetson Bennett on Rams https://t.co/60WahQdU9t
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) April 30, 2023
znModeratorREAD: A confident blocker and pass-catcher, Davis Allen ready to continue improving with Rams https://t.co/Ug4LafUKot
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) April 30, 2023
znModeratorREAD: Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson using size as motivation, and to his advantage, as he joins Rams https://t.co/uvBqPBK4Sa
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) April 30, 2023
znModeratorRams signing Matthew Jester as a UDFA.
Koll_0ne@Koll_0ne
Matthew Jester is a 6’3 252 EDGE from Princeton. However he worked out as a FB as well at Princeton’s pro day. He’s an athletic specimen and strong. The Rams view him as an NFL FB.
At Princeton’s pro day he was out through FB drills and impressed teams in attendance. He was a smooth catcher of the ball per reports. The Rams may be finally adding a FB to their team.znModeratorRams Wire@TheRamsWireWith 14 players, the Rams had the largest draft class in the NFL this year, one away from tying the league record.Stu Jackson@StuJRamsThe NFL record for the seven-round draft format, by the way, is held by the Minnesota Vikings, who made 15 total picks in 2020. So one off from tying it.znModeratorKoll_0ne@Koll_0ne
The Rams added one last UDFA, Sam James. James is a 6’ 185 WR from West Virginia. James is a speedy and shifty WR who played outside early in his career and then became a slot. IMO he was the better WR at West Virginia. He is a shifty slot WR who can get YAC. He is smooth in and out of his breaks. James is able to win vertically. He has good ball tracking and body control. He didn’t test well but his tape shows a guy who can get separation and make plays. He adds value as a kick returner as well. James has good vision with the ball in his hands. He did struggle with drops at WVU. James is an underrated WR who could have made a bigger impact and name for himself if not for his drops.znModeratorBeat writers’ favorite 2023 NFL Draft picks: One intriguing player from all 32 teams
from https://theathletic.com/4472161/2023/05/01/nfl-draft-2023-favorite-picks/
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Los Angeles Rams: Steve Avila, OL, TCU
Not only is Avila massive (6-3 and 332 pounds) and a total road-grader in the run game, he also didn’t give up a single sack in 2022 at TCU. “Tough guy. I mean, a large human being who moves very well for that size,” said Cedric Jones, who was the lead area scout on Avila. “A guy that is in the business of moving people.” As a person, Avila draws rave reviews for his character and work ethic. He’s exactly the kind of player the Rams need to help stabilize a roster in disarray and should be a foundational player on their roster for years to come. — Jourdan RodrigueznModeratorznModeratorJourdan Rodrigue
Why don’t you think it isn’t a more natural fit for Atwell. Didn’t seem like he got too many chances, but I felt like he produced when he did get the chance.
RODRIGUE: I have written about this before but – when I say that I mean they had to scheme him into opps. An offense that was going mostly empty/dropback is not the right fit for him whereas a play-action concept IS so he doesn’t have to physically press off the line and instead has time to get into his gear. When they had a QB who likes play-action/had to utilize it bc dropback game was not his strength (Mayfield) then Atwell really got going. So the thing will be: Can he stay on the field for non pass downs so you don’t have to sub? Can the offense and the QB blend more concepts that do work for him? It’s about both he and the game plan meeting each other halfway.
Looking like a vet needed at CB, DL and DE. Any names? How does the cap money budget work? Any contract reworks coming?
RODRIGUE: They need to sign this class and have a budget for UDFAs. After that, very little left and you need about $10M in cash flow for roster churn through the year. They love Higbee even though a cut would mean savings. So hard to imagine that one. Restructures always possible too but they are limiting cash spending and what they push into the future. It will come from somewhere but hard to know exactly where.
I assume there has been a deep dive/analysis into the injury crisis that happened last year. An article about THAT and what the rams are doing to avoid a repeat would be a great story.
RODRIGUE: It’s always something I’m digging into but…whether medical privacy or them just not wanting to share their secrets it’s a tough one to truly get a grasp on. But I’m trying! Some of it definitely was workload management – the line between ascending workload into the season while also wanting to get these guys more rest after the longest season ever/surgeries etc.. Plus many other factors I am certain
Assuming equal health, you think Sheldon has jumped Allen at Center? If so, why?
RODRIGUE: I don’t know how Allen has come back from injury nor do I know how durable he could be. They love him at center but I put Shelton here because of the above factors and because Shelton, like Allen, is a great communicator. And I think Avila takes over long term.
I feel like the Rams are in a really good place on offense, but our defense really worries me, so young at every stage of the defense. With how inexperienced a lot of our secondary is and with the size of a lot of our corners, should we expect more of the “soft” coverage with this team like we’ve gotten in years prior?
RODRIGUE: Ideally they would get back to the full version of their match zone, which looks “soft” pre snap but asks the CBS to come down from depth and match over the top of routes so a zone look really becomes a man play. That’s what the overall covg ethos of this defense was always supposed to be. Now, they don’t have the length to play man at the line of scrimmage. But what interests me is a couple players – Tomlinson and Durant – very apparently have the speed and ball skills to get really aggressive over the top of those routes. To me if they’ve already decided defense is gonna have a tough year there should be no reason not to get those guys jumping routes out of that zone.
znModeratorSurfing a 115 foot wave 🌊 pic.twitter.com/asP8WGxlzB
— OddIy Terrifying (@OTerrifying) April 30, 2023
znModeratorRams signed UDFA Tyler Hudson who just had back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons at @LouisvilleFB pic.twitter.com/ks9YnYXUOd
— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) May 1, 2023
znModeratorLogan Bruss is coming off a season-ending knee injury in 2022, but he’ll be a full-go for the Rams this offseason. https://t.co/mb7eQsXyhk
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) May 1, 2023
znModeratorRams have a QB3 https://t.co/Mwxypwa0Ot
— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) May 1, 2023
znModeratorMel Kiper Jr. gave the Rams a ‘B’ for their draft class but he saw a lot of reaches by Los Angeles https://t.co/k6lXJrEl8A
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) May 1, 2023
znModeratorThe Rams can carry up to 90 players, but they don’t have to – and Sean McVay sees a benefit to having fewer players on the roster https://t.co/u1DPKKrcxD
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) May 1, 2023
znModerator69RamFan
With 14 players selected, I’m happy with our draft choices we made.
I like our backup QB Bennett, he has the ability to throw 50yds deep, has accuracy and has escape run abilities. He’s mature and should be soaking up Staff’s brain as much as he can.
On the defensive side, Young/OLB, should be a starter. I think he could average 10 sacks.
And I’m hoping that Turner/DT can be up to par and be part of rotation too.
As for our OL, I like both picks and McC should play LG and Bruss(coming off injury) at RG, both need to gain 10 to 15lbs each of muscle in the weight room,
with Avila at C, that should be a massive and mobile OL.Also, on our P/Ethan Evans
I think we found a gem, looking at his video, the kid has a leg, 60yds easy.
He seems like another Johnny Hekker, He can make those corner kicks.
To top it off, Evans has a leg for KO to kick it out the end zone. So by getting an accurate K/Christopher Dunn with 40+ range, His high being a 53yd.
I feel we’re in good shape.
znModeratorramsman34
The dude is there as a back up. Can he win 50% of games spot starting should Stafford have to miss a few? He’s a fiery competitor, advanced student of the game, and a winner, so I say yes. His MAIN purpose, however, is to be a haughty competitive advanced-level scout team QB to get our D really well prepared. And, 2nd to spot start/relieve due to injury.
He’s a perfect pick for that. No other rookie would fill that bill, and the Rams can’t afford a veteran back-up. Unless we drafted Hooker, there was no one we could get who had a realistic shot at being a long term starter. And even if we did take Hooker, we would need another QB to run the scout team since Hooker won’t be really ready for a while. Bennett serves the immediate purposes better (back-up in case Stafford misses games, relatively sophisticated scout team qb who can challenge the Rams defense).
He is going to make our defense better.
znModeratorThanks for posting UDFA news.
Thank you for saying that. Draft days here always benefit from your own investment in the issue. You and Invader and Jack. In terms of posting the info, frankly this is a bit exhausting! There are soooo many. I don’t have any idea which ones to focus on.
This is an example of Kroenke being an open-pocketbook owner. UDFAs are not cheap. Lately many across the league have been getting guaranteed contracts that are bigger than the contracts for lower round picks. That means that essentially, teams are buying them. The Rams reportedly at this point have 23 UDFAs. That’s a big investment. Kroenke is buying these guys. That’s straight-up out of pocket money.
And the Rams generally score with them too. They always have a few UDFAs on the roster and seem to come up with a decent contributor or two every year.
znModeratorFrom
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From Coach Clawson
“Everyone will tell you that they want guys who just want to win and to be a team player, but Kobie Turner lives it on and off the field. He wants to be great and will do anything to help the team win. In his one season with us, the impact he made on our program as a graduate transfer helped our team reach a program record seventh-straight bowl game, which is the second longest streak in the ACC. Kobie will be successful at anything he does in life and the Los Angeles Rams just got a player who will impact their franchise and community in a positive way.”
From Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network
“The second non-combine player to be picked. He’s fun to study. He’s a little undersized. 280 pounds. He played in the East-West Shrine bowl. He has a loosened bend. We talked about edge rushers often in terms of their loose and can they bend the edge? This is a real loose athlete along the interior. I think that’s going to come with getting stronger, but he’s very quick. He’s going to play on the other side of the line of scrimmage. And if you want to learn how to play that position, I guess maybe Aaron Donald could be a pretty good guy to learn from.”
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