Free agency will dictate how the Los Angeles Rams approach the draft, depending on whether they’re able to retain players such as Dante Fowler Jr., Cory Littleton, Andrew Whitworth and Michael Brockers.
If not, the Rams will have some major holes to address in April’s draft – which will be difficult since they don’t have a first-round pick.
Most mock drafts have the Rams addressing the offensive line and pass rush or linebacker unit in the first three rounds, which is exactly what this latest projection from NFL.com’s Chad Reuter does.
In the second round, Reuter has the Rams adding a pass rusher at No. 52 overall, selecting Bradlee Anae out of Utah. He’s a fast riser at this point in the offseason, possessing a high motor and good explosiveness off the line of scrimmage.
He’d fit nicely as a potential replacement for Fowler if he leaves in free agency, joining a group of edge rushers that includes Clay Matthews and Samson Ebukam, among others. The Rams need all the help they can get at outside linebacker if Fowler doesn’t return, knowing how big of an impact a quality edge rusher can have with Aaron Donald on the interior.
In Round 3, the Rams bolster their offensive line, which might be the biggest issue on the team at the moment. Whitworth and Austin Blythe are both free agents, and neither Joseph Noteboom nor Brian Allen look like surefire starters in 2020. Reuter has the Rams taking Jonah Jackson out of Ohio State at No. 84 overall, who’s a polarizing prospect.
Some view him as one of the best guards in the draft, while others see him as a Day 2 or 3 pick. He’d help add depth to the interior of the offensive line, though, competing against Noteboom, David Edwards and Austin Corbett.