The Rams have done a lot of homework on defensive prospects leading up to the draft, and that should come as no surprise. The team lost Cory Littleton and Dante Fowler, and also cut Clay Matthews.
They’ve met with a number of defenders this spring, be it at the combine or over FaceTime. We can add two more defensive players to the Rams’ list of pre-draft meetings as the team held video calls with Utah State linebacker David Woodward and Washington cornerback Myles Bryant.
Adding to this, #Washington CB Myles Bryant recently held pre-draft meetings over FaceTime with the #Rams & #Jets. https://t.co/JBIErJjyQv
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 17, 2020
Utah State LB David Woodward recently held a pre-draft meeting over FaceTime with the #Rams.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 17, 2020
Woodward has the size NFL teams want in a linebacker, standing 6-foot-2, 230 pounds. However, he’s not the most athletic player in the draft, running a 4.79 in the 40-yard dash and a 7.34 in the three-cone drill.
However, his production at Utah State was impressive, recording 93 tackles in only seven games last year before suffering a season-ending injury. In 2018, he had 134 tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss.
He’ll likely be a Day 3 pick and a reserve linebacker early on in his career, but the Rams could use all the help they can get at linebacker after losing Littleton.
As for Bryant, he also fills a need. The Rams declined Nickell Robey-Coleman’s option for 2020, leaving a void at slot corner. David Long Jr. and Darious Williams will compete at that spot, but they’re not nearly as proven as Robey-Coleman.
Bryant played safety at Washington last season but at 5-foot-8, he fits best as a nickel corner. He doesn’t boast great length or speed, but he’s plenty quick and is tough as nails when it comes to tackling. Bryant will likely be a late-round pick or priority free agent.
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