Rams reach for RB in 2nd round of Todd McShay's mock draft
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theramswire.usatoday.com]
Cameron DaSilva
After being the face of the Rams for five years, Todd Gurley will no longer wear horns on his helmet after Los Angeles cut the two-time All-Pro to save salary cap space. It was a surprising move, but one that seemingly opened the door for 2019 third-round pick Darrell Henderson to take over at running back.
That may not be the case just yet, though. The Rams also have Malcolm Brown on the roster and were poking around the running back class at the NFL combine. Former LSU back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is one of the top players available at the position, and in Todd McShay’s latest mock draft for ESPN, that’s who the Rams take.
Here’s his explanation for projecting Edwards-Helaire to Los Angeles at No. 52 overall.
The Rams are late to the party and arrive empty-handed. This defense quietly has a lot of weaknesses all of a sudden. But value is again in play, and with Todd Gurley II’s departure, the Rams could land a replacement in the hard-to-bring-down Edwards-Helaire (though they do already have Darrell Henderson Jr., too).
There’s only one way to put this: Taking Edwards-Helaire at No. 52 would be a reach. In fact, taking just about any running back in the second round – with the exception of maybe Jonathan Taylor and D’Andre Swift – would be a mistake by the Rams, who just spent a third-round pick last year on Henderson.
The Rams simply aren’t that desperate for running back help and have far greater needs at other positions. Henderson showed potential in limited action last season, and Brown is someone the coaching staff trusts a great deal.
Edwards-Helaire probably wouldn’t beat out Henderson and at best would be a complementary short-yardage back who adds a physical element to the backfield. That’s not worth it for the Rams at No. 52.
They’d be far better off taking a pass rusher, offensive lineman or inside linebacker in the second round before dipping their toes into the running back waters. It’s not a premier position and the Rams have a capable duo with Henderson and Brown.
That’s not to say they shouldn’t add another running back in the draft, but it should be on Day 3 sometime.
