Los Angeles Rams First Round Draft Prediction

The Progression Of Jared Goff
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The Rams head into the 2019 NFL Draft with seven draft picks and one of the most talented rosters in the league. A case could be made for both sides of the ball in the first round and one may suggest a trade down out of the first round altogether. The Rams currently do not have a second round pick, but they do have two picks in the third round.

Los Angeles Rams First Round Draft Prediction

Offense

The Rams have a lot of weapons on offense and arguably the best offensive mind in the game for a head coach in Sean McVay. However, if you watched the Super Bowl, you are probably scratching your head. The last time the Rams took the field, they were only able to produce three points in the big game against Belichick and Co.

The skill positions for the Rams, for the most part, are set. Todd Gurley‘s knee is a concern, however. His knee remains the biggest mystery of the offseason, but the Rams hope it isn’t anything serious.

LA could use some help up front in the trenches. The offensive line was one of the strengths in 2018, but with Rodger Saffold signing with Carolina, and John Sullivan still unsigned, it would make sense for the Rams to inject some youth at the position and add depth. Players such as Dalton Risner, Chris Lindstrom, or Kaleb McGary are all names to look out for at the end of the first.

Defense

The Rams have arguably the best defensive, if not overall player, in Aaron Donald. They do have talent sprinkled around Donald but certainly could use some more. Whether they add a starter or draft for depth, LA could go corner, edge, interior d-line, or linebacker. Essentially, they could use help everywhere on defense.

The Rams are still in win-now mode and the signings of Eric Weddle and Clay Matthews back that up. Both signings are nothing more than stopgaps, but they both are quality veterans who still have some left in the tank.

When you have the best player in the league, leading your defense, he can single-handedly cover up a lot of issues. They need to continue to build around him with playmakers. In today’s NFL, you can be a good to great defense if you can create a splash on that side of the ball.

The Rams have a guy like Marcus Peters who specializes in creating turnovers, but last year was largely inconsistent. It is a big year for Peters who will soon be up for a contract extension. Some have reported that the Rams do intend to commit long term to Peters, but you need more than just one elite corner in today’s game. Aqib Talib isn’t getting any younger. The Rams can get back to the Super Bowl on the strength of their offense, but it would behoove the team to add talent on defense.

Prediction

With the 31st pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams select…

JEFFERY SIMMONS – IDL

Mississippi State

Simmons suffered a torn ACL back in February working out but still winds up going in the first round here. This could be the steal of the first round if the Rams land Simmons. Prior to his injury, he could’ve gone in the top fifteen due to pure talent and production at the college level. He could sit behind Donald and Michael Brockers until he is fully healthy and ready to play. The Rams in this scenario could have Simmons and Donald anchor the defensive line for the foreseeable future.