Positives: Nice-sized corner who flashes next-level ball skills. Displays good instincts and awareness, is very effective facing the action, and possesses a closing burst of speed. Keeps the play in front of him, engages receivers at the snap, and stays with assignments. Nicely times pass defenses and quickly closes to the action. Solid special teams player who makes a lot of plays on coverage units.

Negatives: Slow flipping his hips in transition. Hesitates when he turns to run with opponents. Not a physical run defender. Inconsistent with his fundamentals and techniques.

Analysis: Rochell is an athletic corner with excellent size who has flashed ability. He comes with scheme versatility, and Rochell’s special teams’ ability could help him find a roster spot as a No. 4 cornerback.

Rams stay at No. 57, pick WR Tutu Atwell from Louisville on Day 2

Jourdan Rodrigue

https://theathletic.com/2556778/2021/04/30/rams-stay-at-no-57-pick-wr-tutu-atwell-from-louisville-on-day-2/#:~:text=Oklahoma-,Rams%20stay%20at%20No.%2057%2C%20pick%20WR%20Tutu%20Atwell,from%20Louisville%20on%20Day%202&text=When%20they%20traded%20for%20quarterback,deep%20ball%20%E2%80%94%20would%20be%20fixed.

When they traded for quarterback Matthew Stafford in January, the Rams made it clear that some of the things they weren’t able to do with their offense in 2020 — like throwing the deep ball — would be fixed.

Enter Tutu Atwell, the light-framed, lightning-fast wide receiver out of Louisville, for whom the Rams stood pat at No. 57, their first pick of this year’s draft Friday.

Atwell was a bit of a surprise move for the Rams’ first pick because centers Creed Humphrey and Quinn Meinerz were both available at the time (perhaps hinting that the Rams would seek Stanford’s Drew Dalman with a later pick), as well as a bevy of cornerbacks. But NFL Network said that Rams coach Sean McVay referred to Atwell as “DeSean Jackson Jr.” (the Rams also signed Jackson this spring on a one-year, incentive-heavy deal), and there’s no denying the bond McVay shared with a younger, similarly skilled Jackson during his Washington days. In fact, Jackson’s presence on the roster won’t preclude Atwell from being worked into the rotation, as Atwell is versatile enough to align from a variety of places (including from the backfield on sweeps and reverses) and will certainly compete at punt and kickoff return.

In recent days, McVay repeatedly has cited Stafford’s ability to activate all of his eligible wide receivers by the way he operates inside and outside of the pocket. The Rams also finished 29th in the NFL in passes of 15-plus air yards, and Jared Goff was 27th in completion rate on those same throws. Turnover issues that kept popping up and a lack of a true “deep threat” didn’t help the Rams’ cause. The offense moved toward higher-probability, shorter-yardage plays that should have made it easier to take care of the ball and help the offensive line not have to pass-protect as long as teams brought more creative blitz packages against Goff, who struggled against that pressure.

There will be some questions as to whether this pick could have been made either at a later point or via a trade back. General manager Les Snead has been open about his desire to trade at least one of his Day 2 picks.

Big Board ranking: Atwell was No. 95 on Dane Brugler’s list of the top 300 prospects.

Introduction: “Atwell has sudden feet and playmaking speed to separate before and after the catch, racing by coverage to consistently take the top off the defense,” Dane Brugler said. “However, he is a small target with obvious play-strength limitations and durability concerns. Overall, Atwell has a skill set very similar to Marquise Brown: vastly undersized with more drops than ideal, but his speed stresses every level of the defense. He projects as a home-run-hitting option outside or in the slot.”

How he fits: Atwell could see more time than initially expected if Jackson’s injury issues pop up. Atwell probably will be used for situational reps when aligned as a wide receiver and also run a variety of gadget plays out of the backfield. McVay likely will use him on a lot of pre and at-snap motions to stretch a defense widely, and of course, the Rams hope he can stretch a defense horizontally.

Second guess: We can’t second-guess Atwell’s speed (he ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash), but his 5-foot-9, 155-pound frame is a bit worrisome.

Rookie impact: Situational snaps at wide receiver (or plays in case of injury to Jackson), punt and kick return specialist.

Depth chart impact: WR4(b)

Fast evaluation: Clearly the Rams had Atwell ranked higher on their board than analysts did. His speed and the emotional connection of reminding McVay of the success he had with Jackson probably were big influences. I’d like to actually see him get some snaps as a rookie.

LIVE BLOG: The latest from the NFL Draft
ROUND 2-3 PICK BY PICK: Dane Brugler’s analysis
DRAFT GRADES: Sheil Kapadia’s report cards
BIG BOARD: Best available players remaining
ROUND 1: Brugler’s analysis | Kapadia’s grades

(Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

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Jourdan Rodrigue writes about the Rams after spending four years as an award-winning beat writer covering the Carolina Panthers. She froze during Pennsylvania winters as a Penn State football beat writer before that. A 2014 graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State, she’s on a never-ending quest for trick plays and the stories that give football fans goosebumps. Follow Jourdan on Twitter @JourdanRodrigue.
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from https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2021-04-30/rams-first-pick-nfl-draft-louisville-receiver-tutu-atwell-round-2

ERNEST JONES, linebacker

6 feet 2, 230 pounds, South Carolina, Round 3, Pick 103

Notable: Jones started two seasons at middle linebacker and was the leading tackler in both.

Last season: Jones made 86 tackles in nine games. He recorded more than 11 tackles four times and had a season-high 19 tackles against Louisiana State.

Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams return all of their inside linebackers from last season — Micah Kiser, Kenny Young, Troy Reeder and Travin Howard — but several are in the final year of their contracts. Jones can serve as backup and contribute on special teams.

Despite losing many defenders, Rams start NFL draft by picking a receiver

GARY KLEIN

https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2021-04-30/rams-first-pick-nfl-draft-louisville-receiver-tutu-atwell-round-2

The Rams lost five players and a coordinator from a defense that ranked among the NFL’s best in 2020.

But on Friday, they used their first pick in the NFL draft to add to coach Sean McVay’s offense.

The Rams selected speedy Louisville receiver Tutu Atwell in the second round with the 57th pick and then traded the 88th pick to the San Francisco 49ers for the 117th and 121st picks in Saturday’s fourth round. The Rams chose South Carolina inside linebacker Ernest Jones in the third round with the 103rd pick.

Barring more trades, the Rams’ have five remaining picks, including Nos. 117, 121 and 141 in the fourth round, 209 in the sixth and 252 in the seventh.

The Rams went into the draft having made two major offseason moves to improve an offense that slipped the last two seasons.

They traded quarterback Jared Goff and two first-round picks to Detroit for quarterback Matthew Stafford. And they signed veteran receiver DeSean Jackson to give Stafford a deep threat.

Now Stafford has another potential one in Atwell, “a big-time gift,” McVay said, for an offense that includes receivers Jackson, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson, a second-round pick in 2020.

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“The more weapons you can surround yourself with offensively, especially around a player like Matthew Stafford, that’s very important to us,” McVay said.

McVay said that Jackson was “one of the all-time deep threats.” He said the 5-foot-9, 155-pound Atwell had some similarities, in his ability to stretch the defense.

“I see a player that plays a lot bigger than,” his physical size, McVay said.

Rams general manager Les Snead conducted the draft from his home because he tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. He said Atwell had “this rare, unique ability to explode off the ball and keep running fast the longer the down went.”

Atwell played quarterback in high school in Miami. But he moved to receiver at Louisville and scored 21 touchdowns in three seasons.

In 2019, he led the Atlantic Coast Conference with 1,276 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns, and he caught four passes that resulted in gains of 70 yards or more.

Last season, Atwell caught 46 passes for 625 yards and seven touchdowns in nine games.

Atwell said during a videoconference with reporters that Rams receiver coach Eric Yarber told him, “Don’t be surprised if I don’t let you go past the second round.”

Atwell was happy the Rams followed through.

“Coach told me I would be a good fit for their offense and how they’re going to be able to use me, so I wasn’t surprised,” Atwell said. “Coach kept his word and I appreciate that.”

Though he has a small frame, Atwell said he overcomes that with skill and attitude.
“I just come with a chip on my shoulder at all times no matter what the situation is,” he said. “And I’m a go-getter.”

How McVay deploys Atwell remains to be seen. In 2017, McVay used Tavon Austin almost exclusively as a decoy. Austin was traded the following offseason.

Atwell sounded confident that he can contribute.

“I’m a great receiver,” he said, “and when the ball’s in my hands I know what to do with it. The thing is I just need the ball in my hands, and I’ll show you everything else.”

Peyton Manning was a role model when Atwell played quarterback, but he said he began to emulate NFL receivers when he switched positions.

“When I started getting into the receiver thing, I started watching the fast receivers and who I could be like,” he said.
He is looking forward to playing with Jackson, one of the league’s premiere deep threats.

“It will be awesome to pretty much play beside him and everything like that,” Atwell said.

Deadpool

Tutu Atwell

– this felt like a forced pick, I think (I have no inside info) they wanted Eskridge, and the Seahawks once again sniped the Rams. That said, Atwell IMO was a reach. He is not actually a deep threat. He is an explosive threat with his ball in his hands, but is once he has the ball in his hands. Screens, jet sweeps, rub routes. Basically manufactured touches. Any kind of contact and he is off his feet. Thats in a route or after the catch. He is not going to out physical anyone. He has a small catch radius and his route tree was extremely limited and he is not a nuanced route runner to say the least. But if McVay wants explosives, he can manufacture them. I would have preferred Dyami Brown, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Jaelon Darden, Seth Williams or oh my goodness Terrance Marshall, a guy that wins deep, wins contested balls and has plenty of field stretching. As others have noted, this feels like Trung, where McVay is pushing this explosives idea into his draft. And he’s at best a 5th option this year. Humphrey beats every OC on the roster. So does Meinerz. Missed opportunity IMO

Mike Tannenbaum@RealTannenbaum
Ernest Jones scored as the 3rd highest ILB in the class in the Athletic Success Indicator (ASI) by @The33rdTeamFB, ranking just below former 21st overall pick Jarrad Davis

Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
We’re on with new Rams ILB Ernest Jones, who is just beaming Pleading face. He says he did have a clue that the Rams would come get him in the draft. Sounds like they were very high on him throughout the process.

Jones says Chris Shula was largely his contact throughout the process and the two developed a good bond. He prides himself on preparation and study. Had a monster last two seasons as a tackler and adds, “I don’t feel like it’s right if the MLB doesn’t lead the team in tackles.”

Jones says “I woke up today with the Rams on my mind.”

On Jones, Brugler writes: Tough, great length to shed blocks, sometimes seems athletically limited in coverage but quick to react and has great instincts.

Jeremy Fowler@JFowlerESPN
Something to watch Day 2: A potential run of centers in the 50s up to the Texans’ early 3rd (No. 67). Steelers, Packers, Rams and others all need one.

Dodging a cash-in-transit robbery. The man has balls of steel from nextfuckinglevel

NFL draft winners, losers of Round 1: From Trevor Lawrence to Mac Jones, QBs reign https://t.co/8aNnwk6JNY

— Joe Curley (@vcsjoecurley) April 30, 2021

Deadpool

2. Liam Eichenburg – OT – Notre Dame – 6′-5″ 305 lbs. – Good size (could use some weight) and lots of power. He is an OK athlete and can climb to the 2nd level and get after LBers but he lacks quickness that allows speed rushers to give him an issue now and again. LT prospect.

3. Jalen Mayfield – OT – Michigan – 6′-5″ 320 lbs. – a somewhat raw RT, Crazy power with really good balance and good mobility. Needs some refinement in technique, but thats to be expected. RT/LT/OG prospect.

4. Azeez Ojulari – Edge – Georgia – 6′-3″ 240 lbs. – Great athlete with a big time motor, can rush and defend the run. Could stand to use some more good weight. 34 WOLB

8. Dillon Radunz – OT – NDSU – 6′-5″ 305 lbs. – Smooth mover with enough power to handle bull rushes. Could use some weight/strength for the NFL. Showed at the Senior Bowl he can play OG or OT.

9. Creed Humphrey – OC – Oklahoma – 6′-4″ 315 lbs. – OL leader and makes all the line calls, A better athlete than he gets credit for IMO. Good power/strength and is a gamer. OC in power or zone.

11. Joseph Ossai – Edge – Texas – 6′-3″ 245 lbs. – Nice quickness, really athletic with a good pass rush game. High rev motor. Needs to get stronger to handle run defense. 34 OLB

12. Sam Cosmi – OT – Texas – 6′-7″ 300 lbs. – A good athlete and a smooth mover laterally, combine that with his great length and there is a lot to like about his potential. Needs to add some weight and strength to that 6′-7″ frame to handle power. LT/RT prospect.

13. Asante Samuel Jr – 5′-10″ – FSU – 5′-10″ 185 lbs. – Twitchy athlete with a real natural feel for the position. Willing tackler, but size is a hinderance. Decent ball production. in/out CB

14. Jabril Cox – LB – LSU – 6′-3″ 232 lbs. – Top notch pass defender, at his best in a run and chase position, Very good athlete that has all sorts of range. Can blitz off the edge. Played outside in NDSUs 43, inside in LSUs 34. 34 ILB/43 WLB

15. Jamar Johnson – S – Indiana – 6′-1″ 197 lbs. – A physical safety with good range and good ball skills, he is effective equally against the run and the pass.

16. Aaron Robinson – CB – UCF – 5′-11″ 190 lbs. – Smooth lower half, ultra competitive and a willing tackler. Average athlete. Slot CB that could develop outside.

17. Quinn Meinerz – IL – Wisconsin Whitewater – 6′-3″ 320 lbs. – OG that learned OC during the pandemic, he is a decent mover, but can get a bit lungy in space. Crazy power and looks to hit anything until the whistle. Best fit as a OC in any blocking scheme.

18. Elijah Molden – CB – Washington – 5′-10″ 190 lbs. – Not a big or super athletic slot CB, but has very good ball skills, is a willing tackler and plays smart. He competes. Slot CB only

19. Rondale Moore – WR – Purdue – 5′-9″ 175 lbs. – Super electric, HR speed. Return specialist. Smaller frame and has extensive injury history. When healthy, must be accounted for. Slot WR

20. Baron Browning – LB – Ohio State – 6′-3″ 240 lbs. – Fast. Versatile (played all over) Good blitzer, plenty of range. Matches up with TEs well. OLB 43/ ILB 34

21. Teven Jenkins – OT – Oklahoma State – 6′-6″ 315 lbs. – Played OG and OT. OK athlete, but a guy I wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. He will beat you up for 60 minutes. Opted out halfway thru the season with a back issue. RT is his best spot.

22. Nico Collins – WR – Michigan – 6′-4″ 215 lbs. – #2 WR. Nice Size/speed combo that can win 50/50, over the top or deep. Good hands. Lack of production and opted out. #2 WR

23. Pat Freiermuth – TE – Penn State – 6′-5″ 255 lbs. – My #1 coming into the season, very good size/athlete combo with very good hands. Can block some. A seam buster. Used all over. Combo TE.

24. Richie Grant – S – UCF – 6′-0″ 195 lbs. – Ball hawk. Super versatile. Physical with plenty of range. Great athletic profile.

25. Landon Dickerson – OC – Alabama – 6′-6″ 326 lbs. – Power blocking team leader that can make all the calls, literally played all 5 spots for the Tide. Best suited as an interior blocker due to average athleticism. OC for a power blocking team. Multiple injury red flags.

26. Walker Little – OT – Stanford – 6′-7″ 307 lbs. – Agile, good length, smart. Was a 2020 opt out and missed ’19 with ACL. Decent strength, but could stand to get stronger. OZS OT

27. Ronnie Perkins – Edge – Oklahoma – 6′-3″ 250 lbs. – Powerful with great hands, not the most fluid athlete, he can make plays all over. Great motor. 34 OLB maybe a 43 end with weight gain.

28. Jevon Holland – S – Oregon – 6′-1″ 197 lbs. – Very good athlete. GOOD, like good ball skills, good in run defense, good range, good motor, good versatility.

29. Milton Williams – DT Louisiana Tech- 6′-4″ 280 lbs. – Makes a living in the other teams backfield. He isn’t explosive, but he is athletic, makes good use of his hands and has a good motor. Arrow up guy. 3/5 tech

30. Nick Bolton – LB – Missouri – 6′-0″ 232 lbs. – A good athlete and arrives with a pop. Struggles to shed blocks. I like him as a WILL in a 43. 43 WLB/ 34 ILB

31. D’Wayne Eskridge – WR – Western Michigan – 5′-9″ 190 lbs. – Good hands, plus route runner and can create separation. Big play ability esp. in the open field. slot/3rd WR

32. Ihmir Smith-Marsette – WR – Iowa – 6′-1″ 186 lbs. – Vertical threat thats dangerous in the open field. Jet sweeps, screens. He is diverse. Love to see him add strength to thrive outside. #3 WR

33. Brevin Jordan – TE – Miami – 6′-3″ 245 lbs. – Physical, explosive, competitive. Makes for a tough tackle after the catch. Willing blocker. Combo TE in any offense.

34. Quincy Roche – Edge – Miami – 6′-3″ 243 lbs. – Advanced pass rusher with decent athleticism and a good motor. Good explosiveness off the snap. 34 OLB

35. Paulson Adebo – CB – Stanford – 6′-1″ 190 lbs. – Very good athlete with good ball skills and a willingness to tackle. Good speed. Outside CB

36. Josh Myers – OC – Ohio State – 6′-5″ 310 lbs. – OC only prospect that will fit best in a zone scheme. Good, not great power, and a decent athlete. Room to grow, but a nice package.

37. James Hudson – OT – Cinncinnati – 6′-4″ 305 lbs. – Smooth mover with decent size, good power and plays with a bit of an edge to him. Raw, will need time. LT

38. Dyami Brown – WR – UNC – 6′-1″ 195 lbs. – Vertical WR with good hands and is a good athlete. OK route runner but was limited at UNC. Outside #3 WR

39. Kelvin Joseph – CB – Kentucky – 6′-1″ 191 lbs. – Love his length and ball hawk skill set. Only 20ish games under his belt due to transfer. scheme diverse outside CB

40. Jaylen Twyman – DT – Pitt – 6′-2″ 290 lbs. – 2020 opt out. 1st Pitt DT to lead his team in sacks since, I forget his name, Albert Darnold? Something like that. And there are similarities between AD and JT. Super explosive, plays low to the ground and lives in the backfield. Needs to add strength. And maybe come from Krypton. 3 tech, maybe 5 tech

41. Carlos Basham Jr. Edge – Wake Forrest – 6′-3″ 281 lbs. – He packed the stat chart. wins with decent quickness and lots of power. Can handle run duties due to his power. 43 DE

42. Cameron McGrone – LB – Michigan – 6′-1″ 235 lbs. – A bit raw, but good athleticism, not afraid of contact, developing coverage ability. Good blitzer. 34/43 MLB

43. Trill Williams – CB – Syracuse – 6′-2″ 200 lbs. – Super versatile (CB,slot, S ) aggressive against the pass and run. Great length. Great athlete. Little ball production. Jack of all trades/master of none. Inside/outside CB/Safety

44. Spencer Brown – OT – Northern Iowa – 6′-8″ 315 lbs. – Good athlete for his stature, good power and tons of length. finishes blocks. RT

45. Rashad Weaver – Edge – Pitt – 6′-4″ 265 lbs. – strong with ideal length. He can get after the QB. Not super athlete or explosive. Also a good run defender. 43/34 DE

47. Tyson Campbell – CB – Georgia – 6′-2″ 185 lbs. – Long, athletic CB. Questionable long speed. Ball skills are not a strong suit. Outside CB, Zone maybe press man.

48. Anthony Schwartz- WR – Auburn – 6′-0″ 180 lbs. – Literal track star speed. Slight frame and a raw route runner. Good hands. HR threat. Slot WR

49. Dylan Moses – LB – Alabama – 6′-3″ 235 lbs. – Love his range, plus blitzer, does well to drop in coverage. Athletically gifted. A thumper. SLB or MLB 43/ ILB 34 that can blitz off the edge.

50. Amari Rogers – WR – Clemson – 5′-10″ 211 lbs. – Small but physical. Good hands and dangerous in open space. Slot WR

51. Demetric Felton – WR – UCLA – 5′-9″ 190 lbs. – Dynamic athlete, good hands. a RB/WR combo that is dangerous once the ball is in his hands, Good speed. Offensive weapon/slot

52. Pete Werner – LB- Ohio State – 6′-3″ 240 lbs. – Surprising athlete in a good way. Can cover and play the run well. I like his physicality. A bit of a slower processor. 43 OLB/34 ILB

53. Elijah Moore – WR – Ole Miss – 5′-9″ 184 lbs. – Explosive athlete, dangerous in open space, lacks the bulk to play outside in the NFL. Needs route work. Solid hands. Slot WR

54. Marco Wilson – CB – Florida – 6′-0″ 190 lbs. – Smooth lower half, nice frame for a CB, successful as a blitzer. Needs to be coached up technique-wise. Slot/outside CB.

55. Stone Forsythe – OT – Florida – 6′-8″ 315 lbs. – Power, lots of it. Not the smoothest mover. Inconsistent anchor. A bit raw. Lots of tools. gap/power LT/RT

56. Ambry Thomas – CB – Michigan – 6′-0″ 190 lbs. – 2020 opt out. Physical corner that excels in press man. Willing tackler against the run. Outside CB press man

57. Chazz Surratt – LB – UNC – 6′-2″ 227 lbs. – Former QB. So a bit raw. Sideline to sideline range Getting better in coverage. Surprisingly physical. Traffic gives him issues though. 34 ILB or 43 WILL

58. Dayo Odeyingbo – Edge – Vanderbilt – 6′-6″ 265 lbs. – Athletic with power coming off the edge. Better against the pass than run. Torn achilles clouds his immediate value. 34/43 edge

59. Ifeatu Melifonwu – CB – Syracuse – 6′-2″ 215 lbs. – nice size/athletic combo that had decent ball production, an OK tackler that will mix it up. At his best facing the offense. Outside CB/ Safety

60. Benjamin St-Juste – CB – Minnesota – 6′-3″ 200 lbs. – physical and long, at his best in a press situation. Smooth, loose moving athlete for his size. Could transition to S. Outside CB.

61. Hamilcar Rashed Jr – Edge – Oregon State – 6′-4″ 254 lbs. – Decent athlete with good strength. Speed to power style pass rusher. very good run defender. Big motor. 5T/34 OLB

62. Marvin Wilson – DT – Florida State – 6′-3″ 320 lbs. – flashes that size/strength/explosive athlete combo, but he has just kinda topped out. The potential is there, needs the right coach. 3 tech.

63. Tommy Tremble – TE – Notre Dame – 6′-4″ 250 lbs. – Easy athlete with good, not great hands and decent speed that just lacked opportunities at ND. Competes as a blocker, but not his forte. motion action pass catching TE.

64. Janarius Robinson – Edge – FSU – 6′-5″ 265 lbs. – Smooth and quick, with great length that he uses well to maintain separation. 34 End

65. Hunter Long – TE – BC – 6′-5″ 255 lbs. – Good long speed and a seam splitter. Size mismatch in the middle of the field. Good, soft hands. Not physical enough right now as a blocker. Receiving TE.

66. James Wiggins – S – Cinncinnati – 6′-0″ 205 lbs. – Super versatile S that can line up anywhere in the middle of the field. Good run defender, quick and smooth athlete. Good ball skills. ACL concerns.

67. Brady Christiansen – OT – BYU – 6′-6″ 300 lbs. – An OK at best athlete. Good power, disciplined. RT/OG gap/power

68. Elerson Smith – Edge – UNI – 6′-6″ 260 lbs. – Good athlete that can use his length and athleticism to get after the QB. Run defense needs work. 34 Edge

69. Chauncey Golston – Edge – Iowa – 6′-5″ 268 lbs. – Lots of length, run defense is ahead of his pass rush. High effort guy. Stiff, with OK strength. 43 DE/ possibly 34 DE

70. Jonathan Adams Jr. – WR – Arkansas St. – 6′-3″ 210 lbs. – 50/50 ball magnet. Strong hands. Raw route runner. Nice size/speed combo Outside WR

71. Osa Odighizuwa – IDL – UCLA – 6′-2″ 280 lbs. – Lacks ideal size, but is athletic for the position. Good strength. Run defense lacks again due to size. 34 End/ 43 3T

72. Caden Sterns – S – Texas – 6′-1″ 207 lbs. – Outstanding athlete with good range, good ball skills. Spotty tackler. I think he can play any scheme.

73. Tutu Atwell – WR – Louisville – 5′-9″ 165 lbs. – Extremely fast. Dangerous with the ball. Serious HR threat from the Slot. Hands are OK. Small catch radius. Slot WR

74. Ar’Darius Washington – S – TCU – 5′-8″ 180 lbs. – Real heady player that makes up for ideal size with smarts. Nice range with good ball skills. Split Zone Safety

75. Jonathon Cooper – Edge – Ohio State – 6′-3″ 254 lbs. – Tireless. smooth moving defender with a nice arsenal of pass rush moves. Good against the run, esp from the backside. 34 OLB (weakside)

76. Rodarius Williams – CB – Okla. State – 6′-0″ 195 lbs. – Average play speed and a little stiff. Smart, with good instincts. Not a lot of ball production. Outside CB

77. Simi Fehoko- WR – Stanford – 6′-4″ 222 lbs. – Big play threat due to his size/speed combo. 50/50 balls are his. Not the shiftiest WR, but a good route runner. (gives me Claypool vibes) Outside WR

78. Tamorrion Terry – WR – FSU – 6′-4″ 203 lbs. – Long, lean, with deep speed. Hands are iffy. Routes can be lazy. HR hitter after the catch. Outside WR

79. Darrick Forrest – S – Cincinnati – 6′-0″ 200 lbs. – Smart, instinctual safety with good range, above average ball skills and a willingness to defend the run. Reminds me of JJ3. Scheme diverse Safety

80. D’Ante Smith – OT – East Carolina – 6′-5″ 295 lbs. – Nice combination of length and athleticism. Didn’t see him this year? opt out or injury? Functional strength, needs to get stronger. LT OZS

81. Garrett Wallow – LB- TCU – 6′-2″ 230 lbs. – tackle machine, sideline to sideline, can drop into coverage. Plays with an edge. Calls the defense. When kept clean, he’s dangerous. Traffic/blockers give him issues. 43 WILL/ 34 ILB

82. Tre McKitty – TE – Georgia – 6′-4″ 245 lbs. – Good hands, really fluid athlete for his size, willing blocker but needs more sand in his pants. A RAC machine. pass catching TE

83. Monty Rice – LB – Georgia – 6′-0″ 238 lbs.- Good athlete and can get sideline to sideline. Has shown the ability to defend the pass. Can get tied up with OL due to lack of length. ILB 34/43

84. Marlon Tuipulotu – IDL – USC – 6′-2″ 300 lbs. – Explosive, bull rushing 3T. Big motor, good run defender. Beyond bull rush, not mush pass rush variety. 3T DT

85. Thomas Graham Jr. – CB – Oregon – 5′-11″ 200 lbs. – Average athlete, average speed. Willing against the run. Good ball skills. Outside CB – zone

86. Justin Hilliard – LB – Ohio State – 6′-0″ 227 lbs. – Stuck behind a good LB group, he has shown an ability to play the pass, mix it up against the run and is a sure tackler. Can cover TEs. 43 SAM, or Rams sized ILB

87. Patrick Johnson – Edge – Tulane – 6′-3″ 255 lbs. – Real stat machine. Mixes up his pass rush, nice athlete with good burst. Solid against the run. 34 OLB

88. Robert Hainsey – OT – Notre Dame – 6′-5″ 302 lbs. – Rare prospect, an actual athletic RT that is more suited to OZS than gap/power. Easy mover, but needs to ad strength. RT OZS

89. Daelin Hayes – Edge – Notre Dame – 6′-4″ 260 lbs. – Long with some pop. A tad stiff, but has nice power. 34 OLB

90. Derrick Barnes – LB – Purdue – 6′-1″ 245 lbs. – A bit stiff as a mover. Lots of power to combine with a top end motor. 34 ILB

91. Keith Taylor Jr. – CB – Washington – 6′-2″ 190 lbs. – Press man with great length. No interceptions in 2 years. Willing tackler. Ok athlete. Scheme diverse outside CB.

92. Charles Snowden – LB/Edge – Virginia – 6′-6″ 232 lbs. – Ridiculous length as a LBer, good athlete and a smooth mover forward or backward. Excellent in coverage, decent pass rusher. needs strength/ weight. 43 WILL/ 34 OLB

93. Cameron Sample – Edge – Tulane – 6′-3″ 275 lbs. – Strong with heavy hands. Bull rusher and tough against the run. Ok athlete. 43 DE

94. – Austin Watkins – WR – UAB – 6′-2″ 207 lbs. – Love his size/speed combo. Great hands. Vertical threat and a good route runner. A bit raw and level of competition concerns. Outside WR

95. Nick Eubanks – TE – Michigan – 6′-5″ 255 lbs. – Michigans offense limited his pass catching opportunities, but a good blocker. Nice athletic profile with upside that can win in space. #2 TE in 2 TE sets.

96. Shaka Toney – Edge – Penn State – 6′-3″ 238 lbs. – Great burst off the LoS, twitched up athlete. High energy. A tweener, too small for DE, Has never stood up. Wide 5 or 34 OLB

97. Josh Imatorbhebhe – WR – Illinois – 6′-2″ 215 lbs. – Vertical threat with great athleticism, strong hands and great size. OK route runner, separating may be tough at the next level. Outside WR

98. Ernest Jones – LB – South Carolina – 6′-2″ 230 lbs. – Good tackler, with decent range. A bit stiff. Looks stronger than he is. 43 WILL, maybe 34 ILB

99. Dan Moore Jr. – OT – Texas A&M – 6′-5″ 309 lbs. – Nice combo of good, not great strength and agility. Needs some technique work. OZS LT/RT

100. Kendrick Green – IOL – Illinois – 6′-3″ 300 lbs. – Good power, decent lateral mover. Has technique issues timing everything up. OZS OG/OC

101. Shaun Wade – CB – Ohio State – 6′-1″ 195 lbs. – physical, good ball skills, kinda stalled out on the outside. Love his athletic toolbox, something is missing. Inside CB/ possible safety

102. Shawn Davis – S – Florida – 5′-11″ 200 lbs. – good athlete, fast and a ball hawk. Run defense can be hit and miss. Scheme diverse safety

103. Marquez Stevenson – WR – Houston – 5′-10″ 182 lbs. – HR speed. Inconsistant hands. Twitchy athlete. Gains separation with quickness and athletic ability, not route running. Slot WR

104. Olaijah Griffin – CB – USC – 6′-0″ 175 lbs. – Ok athlete with ok speed. Nice ball skills. and is a willing tackler in the run game. Outside CB

105. Malcolm Koonce – Edge – Buffalo – 6′-3″ 248 lbs. – Nice combo of agility/strength and burst. Can set an edge against the run. Raw as a pass rusher. Good motor. 34 OLB

106. Jaylon Moore – OT – Western Michigan – 6′-4″ 311 lbs. – Nice athlete that needs to add power. Technique is a bit sloppy. Zone scheme OT, maybe OG

107. Camryn Bynum – CB – CAL – 6′-0″ 200 lbs. – Easy moving CB with good speed. Not much ball production. High IQ. Outside CB

108. Paris Ford – S – Pitt – 6′-0″ 190 lbs. – Super aggressive, great athlete. May lack the instincts. Ball skills are ok. Zone safety

109. Tarron Jackson – Edge – Coastal Carolina – 6′-3″ 260 lbs. – Played at 275, Senior Bowl 260…good athlete with a decent burst and ok power. versatile edge defender depending on weight

110. Kary Vincent Jr. – CB – LSU – 5′-10″ 190 lbs. – oily lower body with great feet and good ball skills. Willing but ineffective tackler. Played slot and safety. Slot CB/eventual Safety?

111. Dez Fitzpatrick – WR – Louisville – 6′-2″ 202 lbs. – Multi-level threat with good size. Strong hands, only an OK athlete, nothing exciting. I like his physicality. Outside WR

112. Drew Dalman – IOL – Stanford – 6′-3″ 286 lbs. – Agile, undersized, smart OC that will need to add power/weight for the next level. OZS OC

113. Drake Jackson – IOL – Kentucky – 6′-2″ 290 lbs. – Easy moving OC with OK power, won’t blow you off the LoS. OK anchor. Zone OC

114. Darius Stills – IDL – West Virginia – 6′-1″ 281 lbs. – Nice first step. great athletic/strength combo. High rev motor. Can play a bit out of control/discipline. 34 DE/43 3T

115. JaCoby Stevens – S – LSU – 6′-1″ 216 lbs. – Played all over. Good ball production. Mixes it up against the run. Average athlete with limited range. Zone safety/big nickel LB[/quote]

Bonus Rams Stacked Big Board – These guys didn’t crack my top 200, but the Rams probably have interest in them:

116. Jaelon Darden – WR- North Texas – 5′-9″ 190 lbs. – Deep threat with electric athleticism in the open field. Can run routes, excellent in the return game

117. Trey Hill – OC – Georgia – 6′-3″ 320 lbs. – Plays with a bit of an edge, good lateral movement for his size. Can play OG. Can be a bit slow on picking up stunts. IOL in any scheme

118. Nick Niemann – LB – Iowa – 6′-4″ 220 lbs. – smart with good instincts. good athleticism to work inside in a 34. Rangy, but needs to add some good weight. ILB 34

119. Amen Ogbongbemiga – LB – Oklahoma State – 6′-1″ 235 lbs. – Run defense is ahead of his pass defense. Has enough range to drop into zone coverage in a 34. ILB 34

120. Trevon Grimes – WR- Florida – 6′-4″ 215 lbs. – Decent route runner with strong hands. Possession with redzone size and a chance to be a deep threat. I don’t think he plays to his 40.

121. Jim Morrissey – IOL – Pitt – 6′-3″ 300 lbs. – OK mover with average strength and a good anchor, intelligent. Absolutely a technician, not a brawler. OC OZS

122. Adrian Ealy – OT – Oklahoma – 6′-6″ 325 lbs. – Excellent mover in space, not as powerful as he should be. A perfect late round development type. OT OZS

123. Ben Mason – FB – Michigan – 6′-3″ 255 lbs. – An absolute hammer as a FB, moves well for his size. Soft hands when catching a pass. ST upside. A real throwback warrior. Stiif and not a great athlete.

124. Michal Menet – OC – Penn State – 6′-3″ 305 lbs. – Nice anchor, decent strength and good lateral agility. Needs mechanical work. Like his work ethic. OC OZS

125. K.J. Britt – LB – Auburn – 6′-0″ 235 lbs. – Tough, physical and instinctive against the run. Stiff and not very fluid against the pass. 2 down ILB 34/43

Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
Trevor Lawrence
Trey Lance
Justin Fields

All have one thing in common: They’re on the Rams’ 2021 schedule

===

Round Pick Overall Team Pick
1 1 1 Jacksonville Jaguars Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
1 2 2 New York Jets Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
1 3 3 San Francisco 49ers from Dolphins through Texans Trey Lance, QB, NDSU
1 4 4 Atlanta Falcons Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
1 5 5 Cincinnati Bengals Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
1 6 6 Miami Dolphins from Eagles Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
1 7 7 Detroit Lions Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
1 8 8 Carolina Panthers Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
1 9 9 Denver Broncos Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
1 10 10 Philadelphia Eagles from Cowboys DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
1 11 11 Chicago Bears from Giants Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
1 12 12 Dallas Cowboys from 49ers through Eagles, Dolphins Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
1 13 13 Los Angeles Chargers Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
1 14 14 New York Jets from Vikings Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC
1 15 15 New England Patriots Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
1 16 16 Arizona Cardinals Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
1 17 17 Las Vegas Raiders Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
1 18 18 Miami Dolphins Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami
1 19 19 Washington Football Team Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
1 20 20 New York Giants from Bears Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
1 21 21 Indianapolis Colts Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan
1 22 22 Tennessee Titans Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
1 23 23 Minnesota Vikings from Seattle Seahawks through Jets Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
1 24 24 Pittsburgh Steelers Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
1 25 25 Jacksonville Jaguars from Los Angeles Rams Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
1 26 26 Cleveland Browns Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
1 27 27 Baltimore Ravens Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
1 28 28 New Orleans Saints Payton Turner, DE, Houston
1 29 29 Green Bay Packers Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
1 30 30 Buffalo Bills Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
1 31 31 Baltimore Ravens from Kansas City Chiefs Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
1 32 32 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington

—

With the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cardinals select LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa#NFLDraft2021 pic.twitter.com/1RSSKek8bj

— PFF (@PFF) April 30, 2021

My thoughts on Aaron Rodgers/Packers: pic.twitter.com/jPlF3QOJNt

— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) April 29, 2021