There are three general positions of need for the Los Angeles Rams this offseason: linebacker, offensive line and defensive line. There are other spots that will undoubtedly be addressed in the draft and free agency, but most analysts have the Rams taking players from those three groups in mock drafts.
Matt Miller of Bleacher Report, however, went a different direction in his latest mock draft following the NFL combine. He had the Rams selecting a cornerback at No. 52 overall before taking an offensive tackle in the third round.
The pick at No. 52 is Auburn cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, who’s pegged as a Day 2 pick right now. He had a strong showing at the combine with a 4.48 40-yard dash, 37-inch vertical and 128-inch broad jump, showing good athleticism for the position.
The problem with this pick is that the Rams don’t necessarily need cornerback help right now. Jalen Ramsey, Troy Hill and Nickell Robey-Coleman are all expected to be back as the starters in 2020, giving the Rams a quality trio of corners.
The problem is, all three will be free agents after next season unless Los Angeles signs them to extensions. That’s Miller’s thought process behind the pick, given the uncertainty at corner for the Rams in 2021.
At No. 84 in the third round, Miller has them taking Georgia tackle Isaiah Wilson. He primarily played right tackle in college and has outstanding size for the position (6-6, 350 pounds), also boasting good athleticism after a decent performance at the combine. He needs time to develop, which is OK for the Rams because Andrew Whitworth is expected to return and Rob Havenstein was a top right tackle in 2018.
This is an interesting approach for the Rams, and given their unpredictability in the draft as of late, it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising if they do take a cornerback with their first pick in April.
[vertical-gallery id=629214]