LA Rams 2021 draft: Quinn Meinerz is worth a 2nd round pick...

Los Angeles Rams 2021 mock draft: Quinn Meinerz is worth a second round pick

By Blaine Grisak of DowntownRams

The Los Angeles Rams will need to address the center position in the NFL Draft. One name to watch is DIII prospect Quinn Meinerz.

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The 2021 NFL Draft is just over two weeks away. The Los Angeles Rams were quiet in free agency, and will look to fill the rest of their roster holes in Cleveland. That’s especially the case when it comes to recently departed center Austin Blythe. With Austin Corbett, Brian Allen, and Coleman Shelton as the only true options at center, the Rams could look to bring in some depth to the interior.

With that said, let’s walk through the latest mock draft simulation.

57th Overall – C Quinn Meinerz, OC Wisconsin-Whitewater

The Los Angeles Rams have met with Meinerz twice and with a recent hole at center, don’t be surprised to see them address the position early. A lot of people are going to look at 57 as being a reach for Meinerz, but that’s not the case at all. In fact, when all is said and done, it might be considered a steal. If Meinerz had played a DI institution instead of DIII, he could be getting the same first round talk as Creed Humphrey.

In fact, Meinerz is the most athletically gifted center in the draft outside of Humphrey.

Meinerz brings a nasty to the offensive line that the Rams are lacking and need. Austin Corbett could slide in to play center, and I fully expect that to be the case. However, down the line, Meinerz could move in to the guard spot or Corbett could move back to guard and Meinerz could take over at center.

88th Overall – OT Brady Christensen, BYU

It’s uncertain what the Los Angeles Rams’ plan is for Joe Noteboom. Since being drafted, Noteboom red-shirted his first year and then has spent the last two years dealing with injuries. When he’s played, he’s shown flashes. But is that worth a contract extension after this season?

Christensen was one of the best offensive tackles in the country last season, blocking for top quarterback Zach Wilson. Andrew Whitworth eventually is going to retire. That very well could be at the end of the season. Christensen would be a great replacement on the left side for when that does indeed happen. He would also give the Rams a plan B to Noteboom.

103rd Overall – LB Dylan Moses, Alabama

This might be the steal of the draft to this point. I find it hard to think that the Rams will draft a linebacker with one of their first two selections. However, if Dylan Moses is sitting there at 103 and still hasn’t been selected, the Rams should run to the stand to turn in the draft card.

Moses would fill the hole of John Johnson III on defense as the “quarterback” of the unit. He’s an athletic player that would immediately be the best linebacker on the team. He lacked some play-making ability last season, but that shouldn’t stop a team from drafting him.

141st Overall -WR Demetric Felton, UCLA

Anthony Schwartz was selected just before this pick and if he’s there, I full expect the Rams to take him. However, Felton is an intriguing option for a play-designer like McVay. He’s someone that can not only return punts and provide value on special teams, but he can line up anywhere on offense.

McVay could get very creative with someone like Felton. With DeSean Jackson in the building, it would also give Felton a year to develop as a wide receiver. With the correct development, Felton could be a fun player in the Rams offense.

209th Overall – CB Avery Williams, Boise State

The Rams must improve on special teams this season. Last season that was without a doubt the team’s weakest unit and they are lucky that it didn’t cost them more games. Williams might be one of the better special teams play-makers on special teams.

Williams brings speed that will back Joe DeCamillis very happy. He has experience in the return game and made an impact blocking punts. He has 5 career blocked kicks and 9 total kick/punt return touchdowns. The Rams were missing that play-maker on special teams last season and Williams provides just that.

252nd Overall – CB Bryan Mills, NC Central

With the departure of Troy Hill, the Rams need to add some cornerback depth in this draft. While Williams is technically a cornerback, I’ve drafted him mostly for his special teams impact. Mills projects as more of a cornerback and gives the Rams a depth piece that they need. Mills is going to need to develop, but has the potential to become a solid depth option.