The Los Angeles Rams added some big-time talent during the draft this weekend, selecting nine players between Rounds 2 and 7. They didn’t have a first- or fifth-round pick, but they still managed to add playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Surprisingly, they waited until the seventh round to address their two biggest needs, linebacker and offensive line.
As is the case every year, the incoming draft class will have a big impact on some of the Rams’ current players. Some players received votes of confidence from the front office after their positions weren’t made a priority, while others will lose out on playing time to rookies.
Here are the winners and losers for the Rams coming out of the draft.
Winners
Rams’ current inside linebackers
The linebacker group got a huge vote of confidence from the front office and coaching staff this weekend. The Rams passed on inside linebackers time and time again in the draft, even trading away from Troy Dye in the fourth round when he was on the board.
They finally addressed the position on Day 3, but that was in the seventh round and the pick was used on Clay Johnston, who tore his ACL in October.
The Rams’ reluctance to draft a linebacker is good news for Kiser and Howard, who figure to be the top players on the depth chart this season. Troy Reeder and Kenny Young will also compete for playing time and starting roles, too.
Everyone figured the Rams would draft a linebacker early, but that turned out to be wrong.
Every interior offensive lineman
For as much as the Rams seem to love their inside linebackers, they’re equally confident in their current offensive line group. Just as they did with the linebackers, the Rams passed on top offensive linemen such as Tyler Biadasz, Lloyd Cushenberry, Josh Jones and Matt Hennessy.
The Rams finally took a lineman in the seventh round, selecting Tremayne Anchrum out of Clemson, who projects at guard.
Currently, the interior of the offensive line is a mishmash of fringe starters. Austin Corbett, Brian Allen, Austin Blythe, David Edwards and Joseph Noteboom will all compete for starting jobs at guard and center, and the fact that the Rams didn’t prioritize the offensive line is a great sign for these players.
QB Jared Goff
Goff is a big winner not because the Rams didn’t draft a quarterback early, but because they added a number of weapons on offense for him. Cam Akers will take pressure off of him in the backfield, while Van Jefferson is yet another reliable target at wide receiver.
Even Brycen Hopkins can contribute as a rookie and the third tight end in heavy packages. He’s a talented receiver and a downfield threat in the middle of the field, but his hands are inconsistent.
The offensive line didn’t improve, but Goff’s pass-catchers and offensive weapons certainly did.