Rams mock draft: Plugging holes with a needs-based strategy

Identifying high-floor prospects

Quite similar to last year’s offseason, the Los Angeles Rams began 2024 by finding themselves needing to fill roster holes. While not quite the salary purge of 2023, L.A. not only has to deal with the huge loss of Aaron Donald, but a handful of veteran role players as well. Tyler Higbee, Coleman Shelton, Jonah Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon, Jordan Fuller, and John Johnson all had 500+ snaps.

Last year, the major roster needs were met through the draft. While the Rams have been active in free agency this season, one could again argue that this year’s draft should encompass needs.

On Monday, I posted my final Top 300 draft picks listing and used it to put together a needs-based mock draft for the Rams. No jumping around or taking players that were slotted early in rounds, instead playing it straight by the numbers. For example, the first 18 players were off the board, after #19 all the other players up to #52 went off and so forth, all the way through.

Here’s what needs-based mock draft might look like.

#19 DT Byron Murphy- Texas

The hole to fill is huge, but Murphy does possess the innate ability to create pass rush havoc from the interior. He seldom was positioned away from the nose. If he can apply his Feldman’s Freaks list strength and athleticism when lined up outside/over NFL offensive tackles, the hole will not be so daunting.

#52 CB Max Melton- Rutgers 5’ 11” 187 lb.

At his best when facing the action and using his vision to break on the ball, but certainly has the chops to carry receivers downfield in man and man/match work. Has the speed, agility, and competitiveness to mirror receivers and explode to the ball. Adequate size and plus length. Not a weapon in run support, but a willing tackler.

#83 WR Johnny Wilson- Florida State 6’ 6” 231 lb.

I like this prospect and don’t think he’s role-specific to contested catches. Yes, his rare size/length combination screams red zone threat, but his athleticism is top-tier as well. Wilson has the potential and versatility to be used all over the field. Yes, there are drop questions and that needs to be cleaned up. Good/willing blocker as well.

#99 CB Elijah Jones- Boston College 6’ 1 1/2” 185 lb.

Bit of a sleeper. Jones has the plus athleticism and similar skillset to fill the Ahkello Witherspoon cornerback role. Versatile defender who has experience in both zone and man coverage. Stellar ball skills on both interceptions and break ups. Good eyes tracking the ball in the air and looking in to read the quarterback.

#154 G/T Brandon Coleman- TCU 6’ 4 1/2” 313 lb.

Although projected as a guard in the pros, Coleman has 30+ starts at left tackle. High upside as swing lineman, particularly in pass protection, using stellar wingspan, hand size, and powerful grip to control. Lacks top-end lateral move skills, but has good footwork and linear burst to second level.

#155 E Brennan Jackson- Washington State 6’ 4” 264 lb.

Brennan is more of a power/leverage player. A good athlete, not great. He has good get-off, but is not a twitchy player and gets around the corner, but is not super bendy. Requisite size and length, he wins using strength and a non-stop motor. Strong enough to set the edge and pursues the ball well. Can play with his hand on the ground.

#196 WR Jha’quan Jackson- Tulane 5’ 9” 188 lb.

Slot receiver who combines top speed, short area quickness and open-field running skills. Could help right away on the return game. Offers the Rams a chance to open up the playbook with a true speed threat outside on jet sweeps, bubble screens, and reverses. Like all small wideouts, matching pro size/strength is the difference.

#209 RB Carson Steele- UCLA 6’ 228 lb.

Not a sexy pick, but a good fit for the Rams offense and special teams. Steele’s an effective inside zone runner with solid contact balance, vision, and power to break tackles. He’s a willing blocker and has strong receiving skills. His forty time was not great, but is physically gifted, named to the Feldman’s Freaks list for strength and athleticism.

#213 S Josh Proctor- Ohio State 6’ 1 1/2” 199 lb.

Spent two college seasons behind former-Rams starting safety Jordan Fuller. Proctor never broke through as “the guy” until his senior year. Strong run defender and tone-setter with big hits. Lined up in multiple positions. When deep in zone, he breaks on the ball well and around the line he pursues relentlessly. Long history on special teams.

#217 ILB Tatum Bethune- Florida State 5’ 11 1/2” 229 lb.

Bethune is not the typical coverage linebacker, his athleticism only rates adequate. Where he stands out is in football instincts, read/react skill, and aggressive burst to the football. Comfortable and willing to step up into gaps and take on linemen or drop into coverage. Perfect candidate for special teams work.

#254 DT Fabian Lovett- Florida State 6’ 4” 314 lb.

Cut thickly with plus strength. Lovett is the guy to do the interior dirty work to free up his mates to make plays, setting an anchor in gaps, and eat up double teams. Not a natural penetrator or pass rusher, but pursues the ball well. Does have an upside when he learns to use his stellar arm length to advantage.

Where do you stand on draft strategy?

Fill needs? Best player available? Traits based? Or some combination of all three?

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