The 2023 NFL Draft may still be a while away, but for many Rams fans, it’s been what they’ve most been looking forward to for a while now. This upcoming draft for the team will likely determine the success of the franchise within the next 5 years so it is critical Snead makes quality picks. Let’s break down the likelihood a position is drafted and where they should pick them.
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Definitely Rams Draft Picks
Offensive Line
It’s a near guarantee that the Rams will be drafting to fill needs in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The Rams offensive line went through a multitude of combinations this past season and health will hopefully swing their way next season. However, I can’t see them picking a lineman with their first pick unless a great prospect falls.
Defensive Line/Pass Rusher
The defensive line isn’t what it used to be. Aaron Donald may be entering the final years of his career and he’s had barely any help in a while. Leonard Floyd has been decent, but the Rams need some guys that can pressure the QB more consistently. Whether that be a defensive end, outside linebacker, or defensive tackle. I’d expect them to target a pass rusher with their first pick.
Tight End
Tight end has been a polarizing position for the Rams in recent years as there’s been a few guys that just didn’t work out besides Tyler Higbee. Higbee himself is looking like a cap casualty and I wouldn’t be surprised if they draft a TE with one of their first three picks. If he falls to them, Dalton Kincaid from Utah would be a perfect fit.
Cornerback
It’s pretty obvious that Jalen Ramsey needs some help. There are a lot of young corners on the roster but none have been amazing. Troy Hill was signed to a one-year gap-fill contract So he, as well as David Long, will both be free agents. So there’s a need for depth on this roster. I’m sure the secondary is going to get at least one addition at cornerback, most likely in a later round.
Likely Rams Draft Picks
Wide Receiver
As much as we’d love to deny the Rams drafting another receiver it seems pretty likely they’ll do so with a late-round pick. Allen Robinson hasn’t panned out, Tutu Atwell showed flashes, and Van Jefferson was decent after returning from injury. Injuries to the core set of players this season will prompt at least a late-round flier on a receiver.
Running Back
The play of the Rams’ running back room this past season left a lot to be desired, despite the running game picking up at the end of the year. I think more teams are figuring out that a committee-based approach is better in terms of team-building purposes, and the Rams are not different. They’ve drafted a running back nearly every year under McVay and I don’t see why they would not do the same this year.
Safety
Taylor Rapp and Nick Scott are free agents, and Jordan Fuller‘s rookie deal will be up after 2023. The Rams have a bunch of young defensive backs on the roster and I could see Les Snead evaluating some of that next season, but they need to find an anchor at the position. The Rams have been very good at finding the talent they need having drafted Fuller in the sixth round and John Johnson III in the third.
Quarterback
This could be the year that Matthew Stafford‘s heir is drafted. The QB class is fairly deep and I could easily see the Rams using a 5th-round or later pick on a quarterback. If they do decide to draft a QB, Jake Haener out of Fresno State is exactly the kind of quarterback that could run McVay’s system whether it be as a backup or bridge QB. I think it also depends on what they do with Baker Mayfield. My prediction is that he leaves, opening up a backup QB competition.
Probably Not Rams Draft Picks
Kicker
Matt Gay should remain their top priority in free agency. He’s quietly been one of the best kickers in the league during his tenure with the Rams. Unless things drastically change, don’t expect a kicker’s name to be called.
Punter
Riley Dixon had a career year with the Rams and even though he wasn’t as good as Johnny Hekker, he’s a cheap option for the future. Similar to Gay, I’d expect the Rams to re-sign him as they’ve got slim options otherwise.
Middle Linebacker
Here’s an interesting position room that I don’t think will be getting any new members with any of the Rams draft picks. Bobby Wagner played his heart out for the Rams this year at middle linebacker and Ernest Jones will easily fill the role when Wagner hangs ’em up. It would be hard to see them adding another middle linebacker when Bobby and Ernest take up a majority of snaps anyway. I would expect a cheap free agent if they really need another backer.
