Despite re-signing Andrew Whitworth, the Los Angeles Rams will likely still be in the market for a left tackle in the 2020 NFL Draft. After all, Whitworth is 38 and although he just signed a three-year deal, he could potentially retire after next season.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Rams have a video conference call set up with Houston tackle Josh Jones, who could go as early as the first round.
Houston LT Josh Jones @JoshJones_23 @UHCougarFB a rising first-round prospect from George Bush HS, has video conferences with Patriots, Texans, 49ers, Colts, Eagles, Rams, Chargers, Cardinals, Bucs, Bears, Ravens, Vikings, Jets, Packers #NFLDraft2020 @seniorbowl @JimNagy_SB
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 1, 2020
Because teams can’t host prospects for pre-draft visits due to the coronavirus, they’re forced to “meet” to them exclusively via video conference. There will be no workouts or medical re-checks done by teams before the draft, which makes evaluating prospects off the field more difficult.
This call doesn’t mean the Rams have Jones at or near the top of their draft board, but he’s at least on their radar. If he slips to No. 52 in the second round, Los Angeles would likely feel good about adding him at that spot as an heir to Whitworth at left tackle.
With time and development, Jones could turn into a quality left tackle down the road. He just carries some risk as a boom-or-bust prospect, which could push him down some draft boards.
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