Just about every mock draft on the internet is an attempt at predicting what each team will do. It’s an exercise that doesn’t yield positive results, given the unpredictable nature of the draft, but it’s useful in the fact that it helps project where prospects might land.
For this seven-round mock draft, I went in a different direction. Instead of predicting what the Rams will do at No. 52 or 84, I went with the prospects I would select if I were GM Les Snead.
The Rams have so many needs entering the draft that they could go in countless directions with their first four picks, all depending on which players fall to them at each draft slot.
In order to come up with this mock draft, I used Pro Football Focus’ simulator and attempted to keep it as realistic as possible. (Sorry, but I refused to take Kenneth Murray at No. 84 overall). This simulator allowed for trades, too, so I made one in the fourth round.
Let’s get to the picks.
52. EDGE Josh Uche, Michigan
Uche is exactly the type of player the Rams need. He can rush the passer, play off-ball linebacker and he simply makes plays all over the field. Linebacker is their weakest position on the roster right now, and Uche offers position versatility and provides a spark as a pass rusher off the edge.
While he wouldn’t be a lock to start, he would add competition to the pass-rush unit that currently features Samson Ebukam and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo battling to start opposite Leonard Floyd. Uche would be a home run selection for the Rams anywhere in Round 2.
57. G/C Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU
Cushenberry could go much earlier than this, but with how loaded this draft is at other positions such as wide receiver and tackle, Cushenberry and other interior linemen could fall. For the Rams, this would be a dream scenario.
He can play center or guard, and depending on where the Rams decide he fits best, he’d most likely be an immediate starter at either position. His 2019 season left something to be desired, but Cushenberry is a stud and should have success early in his career.