here's what Kiper wrote..........
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Los Angeles Rams: B+
Top needs entering the draft: Edge defender, cornerback, offensive line
The Rams were back in Round 1 for the first time since 2016, and despite rumblings that they wanted to trade up, they stayed put and took the most complete edge defender in the class. Jared Verse (19) dominated at times at Florida State but also disappeared too often for my tastes, making him a difficult evaluation. The traits are there, though. He can be a 10-sacks-per-season guy. L.A. got excellent rookie seasons from Byron Young and Kobie Turner in 2023, and GM Les Snead has started putting together his plan for life without Aaron Donald, who retired this offseason.
Speaking of, Snead traded up in Round 2 for a potential starter at defensive tackle in Braden Fiske (39), getting Carolina's pick but surrendering Nos. 52 and 155 along with an extremely valuable 2025 second-rounder. Fiske had 11.5 sacks when lined up as DT over the past two seasons, which were the second most in the FBS. He isn't going to be Donald -- one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history -- but Fiske can wreak some havoc. Still, I have to downgrade it a little bit because of that 2025 pick.
Blake Corum (83) is a powerful running back who reminds me a little bit of Kyren Williams, the Rams' starter. Safety Kamren Kinchens (99) had 11 interceptions over the past two seasons but ran a subpar 4.65-second 40-yard dash at the combine. I love the way outside linebacker Brennan Jackson (154) plays the game. Use him in a situational role and he can make an instant impact. Joshua Karty (209) is my No. 1 kicker.
Man, I want to give this class an A- because of the bevy of talented players, but I have to knock it down a tier because Snead gave up his second-rounder next year for Fiske.
Top needs entering the draft: Edge defender, cornerback, offensive line
The Rams were back in Round 1 for the first time since 2016, and despite rumblings that they wanted to trade up, they stayed put and took the most complete edge defender in the class. Jared Verse (19) dominated at times at Florida State but also disappeared too often for my tastes, making him a difficult evaluation. The traits are there, though. He can be a 10-sacks-per-season guy. L.A. got excellent rookie seasons from Byron Young and Kobie Turner in 2023, and GM Les Snead has started putting together his plan for life without Aaron Donald, who retired this offseason.
Speaking of, Snead traded up in Round 2 for a potential starter at defensive tackle in Braden Fiske (39), getting Carolina's pick but surrendering Nos. 52 and 155 along with an extremely valuable 2025 second-rounder. Fiske had 11.5 sacks when lined up as DT over the past two seasons, which were the second most in the FBS. He isn't going to be Donald -- one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history -- but Fiske can wreak some havoc. Still, I have to downgrade it a little bit because of that 2025 pick.
Blake Corum (83) is a powerful running back who reminds me a little bit of Kyren Williams, the Rams' starter. Safety Kamren Kinchens (99) had 11 interceptions over the past two seasons but ran a subpar 4.65-second 40-yard dash at the combine. I love the way outside linebacker Brennan Jackson (154) plays the game. Use him in a situational role and he can make an instant impact. Joshua Karty (209) is my No. 1 kicker.
Man, I want to give this class an A- because of the bevy of talented players, but I have to knock it down a tier because Snead gave up his second-rounder next year for Fiske.
