Rams Mock Draft 1.0

The 2017 NFL Draft isn’t until April 29th or for the Rams until April 30th but that doesn’t mean its not too early to fill out a mock draft! This is the first of what will be many iterations over the course of the site as draft day gets closer and closer. As discussed earlier in the week, the Rams have the 37th overall pick and that represents their best chance to add a blue chip quality player to the team. For them the question becomes what should they spend that pick on as there are needs all over the field. The best guess is that pick will be used to find either a blocker or a weapon for Jared Goff as Les Snead has made it his mission to give Goff and new head coach Sean McVay the best possible chance to succeed. Everything will probably come down to value and if there’s a defensive player that falls then its likely the Rams will draft that person as Wade Phillips could still use several pieces on that side of the ball.

37th pick (2nd Round)-WR JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER USC

There will likely be a slew of corners still available here but the Rams might take a look at Trumaine Johnson and Keyvon Webster then feel that they are good at the moment. They would be wrong as they still lack depth at the position. Juju makes sense both because of the whole Los Angeles connection having been a Trojan but also from an athletic standpoint he’s 6’2 making him the tallest receiver on the roster. Goff needs weapons and perhaps the Rams go with a better prospect like Chris Godwin or Curtis Samuel but Smith-Schuster seems like the guy here. In a perfect world they would have a crack at a more high profile receiver like Corey Davis or a big play making tight end like Evan Engram but neither will be available here. For the record the Rams should go corner here but its doubtful they will.

77th pick (3rd Round)-S JOSH JONES-NC STATE

Quick name either of the safeties for the Rams! That’s right it can’t be done without Google. Josh Jones would be an instant upgrade at a position they sorely need. He’s 6’2 and would really help fortify the defensive backfield. Other possibilities here would be to either take a corner or defensive end.

112th pick (4th Round)-DE NAZIR JONES UNC

Robert Quinn will primarily be playing linebacker and they traded away Hayes so all of a sudden they could use an edge rusher. Jones would be a great fit in Wade’s 3-4 and is said to be great against the run. The Rams could choose here to go with a corner or interior lineman as those are the two areas that are in dire need.

141st pick (4th Round)-OT WILL HOLDEN VANDERBILT

Andrew Whitworth is a short term solution and Greg Robinson isn’t the guy at tackle which is why he’ll be playing guard. Holden will likely play right tackle or guard to begin his career. His quickness needs work but he has grit and positional know how so he’ll provide toughness along the line. Goff took too many shots last year so the more help the better.

149th pick (5th Round)- C/G Pat Elflein Ohio State

The Rams kicked the tires on Nick Mangold once he was released by the Jets but Mangold is an older player and commanded too high a price. A guy like Elflein could come in and play center right away and can plug in along the interior if need be. Center is a glaring need for the Rams and this is a great place to get value at the position. His strengths lie in run blocking which should make Todd Gurley happy plus the guy was a captain which means he is capable of being a leader in the near future.

189th pick (6th Round)-CB JEREMY CLARK MICHIGAN

Finally the Rams get the chance to draft a corner and Clark could be a steal. He is coming off an ACL tear which is concerning but as a sixth round pick that’s not the end of the world. He is 6’3 and has considerable length. If he’s able to regain his speed then he could potentially be a key contributor in a year or two.

234th pick (7th Round)-OLB KENNETH OLUGBODE COLORADO

The Rams could use a little more depth at linebacker and Olugbode would be a nice warm body to put on the roster.

That’ll do it for the first of many mock drafts between now and April 30th when the Rams will hopefully come away with someone who can help the team get better.