7 takeaways from the Rams' 2021 draftCameron DaSilva
May 2, 2021 6:34 am
The NFL draft tells us a lot about the Los Angeles Rams each year. The decisions they make and the positions they address give us a good feel for how they view not only certain groups, but specific players.
This year, there was a good mix of offense and defense, with no lack of surprising moves made throughout the weekend. With no offensive linemen drafted, it speaks great volumes about the players the Rams already have up front. With three pass catchers added, there could be an offensive philosophy shift coming.
Here are our seven biggest takeaways from the haul the Rams came away with in the 2021 NFL draft.
1 - Rams like their options at centerThere was no bigger surprise with the Rams coming out of the draft than their decision not to draft a single offensive lineman. Analysts and fans both expected them to at least take a starting-caliber center or guard, and possibly even an offensive tackle capable of replacing Andrew Whitworth in 2022 or 2023.
The Rams did neither.
It’s not as if they didn’t have chances to take an offensive lineman, either. There were countless options available in the second and third rounds, including top prospects such as Creed Humphrey, Quinn Meinerz and Jalen Mayfield.
But the Rams put a bigger emphasis on the skill positions and defense instead. That may not hurt them all that much in 2021 if Austin Corbett, Brian Allen or Coleman Shelton can step up at center, but it could be an issue in 2022 with Whitworth possibly retiring, Corbett hitting free agency and Joe Noteboom’s contract expiring.
It’s a bold strategy. Let’s see if it pays off for ‘em.
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