Here’s my effort.
NOTE: I don’t do trades.
For Days 1 and 2, I’ve included first alternates (at the same positions as the players I selected).
1 (19) Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Every time I mock the first 18 picks, I find myself taking the top three EDGE rushers (Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Liatu Latu) off the board. So, rather than reaching, I’m continuing the Rams’ apparent strategy of bolstering the defense from the back end forward. Arnold is a great fit, as he can excel in man or zone, is a good tackler, and (based upon an interview I heard him give on NFL.com) is very confident and passionate about the game. First Alternate: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
2 (52) Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
As it is not a particularly deep class at DT, this might be too late to grab Fiske, who put on a great show at the Combine. He is a solid all-around player who would provide some pass rush punch on the DL, complimenting Kobe Turner. First Alternate: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
3 (83) Austin Booker, EDGE, Kansas
The Rams need depth on the front 7, so I’m back to the well here with Booker. He strikes me as a “better than his measurables” kind of prospect. We’ve certainly done well with guys who fit that description before. First Alternate: Jonah Elliss, EDGE, Utah
3 (98) Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington
The Rams finally turn to the offensive side of the ball and add a crafty slot receiver who could be an understudy to Cooper Kupp. McMillan had a knack for getting open on 3rd down and converting. Sound familiar? First Alternate: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
5 (153) Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas
A tackling machine who could be an upgrade over Christian Rozeboom playing inside with Ernest Jones.
5 (154) Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
Arguably the best receiving RB in the draft, he is also an underrated runner and can return punts and kicks. A Senior Bowl standout.
6 (195) Tanor Bortolini, C, Wisconsin
The Rams currently don’t have any depth behind Steve Avila at center. Bortolini played the position in his final year of college, and also brings some position versatility, having played OG and RT, and is a solid pass blocker.
6 (209) Joshua Karty, PK, Stanford
And, hopefully, that’s the last time we’ll have to worry about the PK position for at least four years!
6 (213) Jordan Jefferson, DT, LSU
Some depth behind Bobby Brown. Jefferson has good size and can be a an effective run defender on the inside.
6 (217) Nathan Thomas, OT, Louisiana
Another depth selection. Thomas has extensive experience at the LT spot. Probably not a high ceiling, but a high floor who can fill in if needed.
7 (254) Daequan Hardy, CB/PR, Penn State
Hardy is mostly a special teams selection, and could become our punt returner as a rookie. His ability as a slot corner means he won’t be a wasted roster spot.
NOTE: I don’t do trades.
For Days 1 and 2, I’ve included first alternates (at the same positions as the players I selected).
1 (19) Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Every time I mock the first 18 picks, I find myself taking the top three EDGE rushers (Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Liatu Latu) off the board. So, rather than reaching, I’m continuing the Rams’ apparent strategy of bolstering the defense from the back end forward. Arnold is a great fit, as he can excel in man or zone, is a good tackler, and (based upon an interview I heard him give on NFL.com) is very confident and passionate about the game. First Alternate: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
2 (52) Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
As it is not a particularly deep class at DT, this might be too late to grab Fiske, who put on a great show at the Combine. He is a solid all-around player who would provide some pass rush punch on the DL, complimenting Kobe Turner. First Alternate: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
3 (83) Austin Booker, EDGE, Kansas
The Rams need depth on the front 7, so I’m back to the well here with Booker. He strikes me as a “better than his measurables” kind of prospect. We’ve certainly done well with guys who fit that description before. First Alternate: Jonah Elliss, EDGE, Utah
3 (98) Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington
The Rams finally turn to the offensive side of the ball and add a crafty slot receiver who could be an understudy to Cooper Kupp. McMillan had a knack for getting open on 3rd down and converting. Sound familiar? First Alternate: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
5 (153) Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas
A tackling machine who could be an upgrade over Christian Rozeboom playing inside with Ernest Jones.
5 (154) Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
Arguably the best receiving RB in the draft, he is also an underrated runner and can return punts and kicks. A Senior Bowl standout.
6 (195) Tanor Bortolini, C, Wisconsin
The Rams currently don’t have any depth behind Steve Avila at center. Bortolini played the position in his final year of college, and also brings some position versatility, having played OG and RT, and is a solid pass blocker.
6 (209) Joshua Karty, PK, Stanford
And, hopefully, that’s the last time we’ll have to worry about the PK position for at least four years!
6 (213) Jordan Jefferson, DT, LSU
Some depth behind Bobby Brown. Jefferson has good size and can be a an effective run defender on the inside.
6 (217) Nathan Thomas, OT, Louisiana
Another depth selection. Thomas has extensive experience at the LT spot. Probably not a high ceiling, but a high floor who can fill in if needed.
7 (254) Daequan Hardy, CB/PR, Penn State
Hardy is mostly a special teams selection, and could become our punt returner as a rookie. His ability as a slot corner means he won’t be a wasted roster spot.
