Round 7, 234th overall: LB Clay Johnston, Baylor
The Rams waited, and waited, and waited to add a linebacker in the draft, and they finally pulled the trigger in Round 7 with Johnston. He’s not the rangiest linebacker or the best in coverage, but he’s a stout run defender who always finds the ball.
He had 58 tackles in just six games at Baylor last season before tearing his ACL in October. That injury surely pushed him down draft boards, but the Rams feel comfortable enough with it to take him in the seventh.
There weren’t many better options out there at linebacker when this pick was made, and even though he may be late to contribute due to the torn ACL, he could develop into a solid two-down linebacker.
Grade: B+