I get what you're saying about the 9 guys not being guaranteed anything.

But even if the Rams draft a stud Edge then Hoecht is probably going to start on the other side. It's just that Hoecht would then be the #2 Edge (with Thomas then becoming the rotation guy).

And if they draft a stud DL then Donald and either Bobby Brown or Jonah Williams will still start, with the other one becoming a rotation guy.

Stud CB? Sure, but Durant would still start along with either Rochelle or Kendrick when the Rams go nickle or dime.

I don't think the Rams value ILB or safety enough to draft someone who is going to start in 2023. So that's why I think 3 max. But in reality, drafting three front-line starters as I have laid out would upgrade a half dozen spots (or on the defense as guys move down the depth chart.

What I'm thinking is that rookie edge > Hoecht, but Hoecht > Thomas and Thomas > Hardy that's 3 upgrades.

Rookie DL > Bobby Brown, but Brown > Williams (or the other way around - doesn't matter) and Williams > Copeland, on down the line (no pun intended).

Rookie CB > Durant, and Durant > whoever is the current #2CB, etc., etc.

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AlbaNY_Ram