LA Rams: Winners and losers of the NFL draft...

Los Angeles Rams: Winners and Losers of the NFL Draft

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By Blaine Grisak

After Les Snead’s eight-man haul in the NFL Draft, which Los Angeles Rams players won and who might’ve lost?

Los Angeles Rams

With the NFL Draft over, the Los Angeles Rams are most likely done adding serious contributors this offseason. While they could sign more UDFA’s or a low-key free agent, it’s unlikely that they sign any of the big-name free agents still out there.

Les Snead didn’t hold a single first-round pick and came away with potentially five starting players. This roster is deeper, and Snead’s eight-man draft haul will add competition to position races come training camp.

But which players won the most? And who might’ve lost?

A look at how the draft picks will shape the roster moving forward:

Winner: Micah Kiser and Kenny Young

The Los Angeles Rams easily could have selected a linebacker in the NFL Draft last week and opted not to until late on day three. While Clay Johnston could show promise, it’s unlikely that he would start day one. The Rams could have selected Akeem Davis-Gaither, Troy Dye, or Evan Weaver – all three guys with starting potential – but decided not to. As it stands, Kiser and Young will be the projected starters until further notice.

Loser: Josh Reynolds

Heading into the NFL Draft, Josh Reynolds was seen as the third wide receiver behind Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp. This was his opportunity to shine in a starting role. The Rams had other plans. With the 57th overall selection, Snead and McVay took the wide receiver that best fit their mold and was a combination of both Woods and Kupp – Van Jefferson out of Florida. Reynolds could be the No. 3 when the season starts, but with Jefferson now on the roster, Reynolds’ future on the team seems to be a little more unknown.

Winner: Rams Offensive Line

The Los Angeles Rams signed Austin Blythe to a one-year extension and Andrew Whitworth is nearing the end of his career. With a lot of inexperience and not a lot known about the offensive line’s future, it would not have been shocking for Snead to select someone like Lloyd Cushenberry III, Lucas Niang, or Prince Tega Wanogho. Instead, the Rams didn’t select an offensive lineman until their final pick, showing that they have faith in the players that they have on the roster.

Loser: Gerald Everett

Every offseason since his rookie season Rams fans have held out hope that this would be the year that Everett would break out. However, the fact is, it just hasn’t happened. Everett hasn’t significantly improved as a route-runner in the offense and still isn’t a proficient blocker. By taking Brycen Hopkins, the Rams are essentially saying that they don’t see a future with Everett on the team.

Winner: Rams Pass Rush

With the 84th overall pick, the Rams selected Terrell Lewis out of Alabama. Lewis was a first-round talent that fell to the third round due to injury concerns. Dante Fowler Jr. left in free agency and in 2018 outside of Fowler, the Rams edge players put up a combined four sacks. Lewis will add an immediate spark and will be fantastic paired with Leonard Floyd.

Loser: Darrell Henderson

Like Everett and Reynolds, heading into the draft, Henderson was expected to be the guy. This was a player that the Rams selected in the third round last season and with Todd Gurley being cut, it was expected that Henderson was going to be the player to carry the load. Think again. With the 52nd overall pick, the Rams took Cam Akers out of Florida State. Henderson might still have a large role, but Akers is the projected starter and will cut into Henderson’s touches significantly.