7-Round Rams mock draft: Defense gets a boost early...

7-Round Rams Mock Draft: Defense gets a boost early

Rams Mock Draft

By Blaine Grisak of DowntownRams

Every Monday throughout the offseason we will release a mock draft of some sort, whether it’s a Los Angeles Rams only mock draft and full mock draft. The crucial takeaway of this is by doing so we are able to see different scenarios and what could occur if “x” were to happen.

This week we take a look at what would happen if the Rams address the defense in the early portion of the draft. This Rams mock draft was done using Pro Football Network’s Mock Draft simulator.

57th Overall – LB Pete Werner, Ohio State

The Los Angeles Rams need speed in the middle of their defense. That was evident in both games against the San Francisco 49ers last season when Deebo Samuel burned them. The last time the Rams took a linebacker from Ohio State in the second round, it worked out pretty well. That player was James Laurinaitis.

Werner is excellent in coverage which is where the Rams were at their weakest at the position in 2020. Troy Reeder achieved just a 59.2 coverage grade according to PFF. Werner also has the speed and power that the Rams are lacking when it comes to stopping the run. The Ohio State linebacker was asked to do a lot on Ohio State’s defense and will make a seamless transition to the NFL.

101st Overall – Edge Quincy Roche, Miami

Even if the Rams keep Leonard Floyd, it would not be shocking to see them take an edge early on in the draft. Now, 101st overall isn’t early, but it is only the Rams’ second selection in this mock draft. The Rams haven’t had a true threat off the edge since Robert Quinn. Roche isn’t as polished, but brings that same bend and speed that the defense needs.

Roche is one of a few edge players that could come in and play all three downs right away. He’s not just a pass rusher. Roche is also very good against the run. The Rams will lose Samson Ebukam in free agency and Roche would make a great replacement for his role with the potential to develop into a starting player.

103rd Overall – WR Dazz Newsome, North Carolina

This might be a bit of a reach, but Rams need to add some speed to their wide receiver corps as well as someone who can contribute on punts. Newsome is just that. Unlike some of the other deep threats in the draft, Newsome also stands at a respectable 5’11.

Newsome fits the bill on what the Rams like out of the receiver position. He’s a good route-runner, has good hands, and is great after the catch. Newsome would be a perfect fit in the Rams’ scheme.

140th Overall – iOL David Moore, Grambling State

By not taking an interior offensive lineman early, the pickings get slim later in the draft. If the Rams are looking for a starter or someone who can contribute on day one, 57th overall is where they are going to want to look. If Creed Humphrey is there, it’s going to be hard not to take him.

At the same time, if they do miss out, David Moore is actually a very good plan B. If you haven’t seen me write it at this point, I’ll say it again. Moore had a fantastic Senior Bowl and will make a team very happy on day three of the draft. He’s athletic, he’s powerful, and is good in open space. Moore could be a good sixth-man on the offensive line with the chance to start down the line.

210th Overall – CB Israel Mukuamu, South Carolina

If the Rams lose Troy Hill to free agency, they are going to need to add some depth to their secondary, specifically at the cornerback position. David Long has disappointed up to this point and behind him, the Rams don’t have a lot.

Mukuamu is versatile but he has what the Rams look for in their cornerbacks. He has great length with the ability to play on the inside at nickel or outside on the perimeter. Mukuamu is a good day three pick to take a chance on.

251st Overall, OT Cole Van Lanen, Wisconsin

The Rams have had success with Wisconsin offensive linemen in the past. Rob Havenstein has turned into a solid starter and David Edwards is looking like he might be the same. If the Rams trade Havenstein, they could use some depth at tackle. That becomes especially the case if Andrew Whitworth retires after this season.

Van Lanen has good size and shows good power in the run game. He’s the type of offensive lineman that you take on day three. The Rams can hope Kramer can develop him into a depth piece or starter. He also fits the same profile as David Edwards. Van Lanen was highly regarded after 2019. After playing just five games last year, he’ll be a day three player with upside.