NFL analyst on draft: "Let's stop crying for Rams. They're fine".

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

By: Bryan Kalbrosky | 3 hours ago
Some fans and media lament the fact that the Los Angeles Rams do not have a first round pick. But that does not mean that they are screwed.

Here’s what Elliot Harrison said about why folks should stop worrying about the draft capital that Los Angeles has this offseason (via NFL.com):

“Dude, the Rams have eight picks. And before you ask, only one is in the seventh round. GM Les Snead still owns five selections in the top 150. The Rams need talent at receiver, tight end, offensive line, pass rusher and corner. Given the presence of Todd Gurley, here’s hoping they can further upgrade the line following the brilliant signing of veteran Andrew Whitworth. Spending at least two picks on wideouts — or a WR and a TE — makes sense. Bottom line: Let’s stop crying for the Rams. They’re fine.”

There is a lot of talent in the draft. Draft expert Mike Mayock, also from NFL.com, recently explained that this is one of the deepest classes he has seen with the exception of quarterback and offensive line.

Fortunately, the Rams already have their quarterback of the future locked in with Jared Goff.

They have also made it very clear that they do not have many plans to draft an offensive lineman early. However, if an “elite talent” (think Forrest Lamp from Western Kentucky) is available then I’d expect them to make a move.

Crown jewels of this draft are considered cornerbacks and pass rushers, both of which would be great fits for Los Angeles. In fact, Mayock added that the class has the best cornerbacks and safeties he has seen in ten years.

The Rams not only have a weak secondary but also recently switched to a 3-4 defense and lost key defenders like William Hayes and Eugene Sims. So they could add talent at EDGE rusher or linebacker as well.


According to our research, the Rams have met with over fifty players. Only three of them (O.J. Howard, John Ross and Forrest Lamp) have day one projections.

Rams GM Les Snead recently said how no first round pick will change his draft day strategy (via USA TODAY Sports):

“We’ll know as each domino falls, that might be affecting our strategy in the second round. I think what will be important for us is, we’ll be really, really interested once we get to about pick 25 knowing there’s seven or so picks left in the [first round], and 10 or 12 away from us picking. We’ve got 37, and that’s pretty early on Friday.”

Many who could provide immediate value (e.g. defensive back Desmond King, tight end Gerald Everett, wide receiver Chad Williams) will be on the board after their second round pick as well.

Rather than a top offensive lineman, don’t be shocked if the Rams instead target someone like Chase Roullier or Kyle Fuller later in the draft.

That way, they can use their early picks on someone like a receiver, tight end or a defensive back.