As the evaluation process for the 2024 NFL draft prospects continues to ramp up, teams and analysts alike are reaching out to their contacts, trying to find insight on players through insiders at those players’ universities. For the Rams and their West Coast scouting department, they have the responsibility of covering a wide range of schools and prospects, littered with talent along the coast. Today, I tackle the USC Trojans.
A program rich in NFL talent, several prospects seem to be on the draft boards of GMs across the league. I spoke to Trojan Wire’s Donovan James to get the latest about the men of Troy.
Q: What are your grades for Brenden Rice, Tahj Washington, and MarShawn Lloyd in terms of what round they should be drafted?
James: Rice has a Round 3 grade, Washington has a late Day 3 grade, 6-7th round, and I’m high on Lloyd. I think he’s a third-round guy.
Q: Break down MarShawn Lloyd’s game and would he be a good fit for the Rams?
James: I think he would fit the Rams really well. He’s willing to block, a veteran, and can do a little bit of everything. And he’s not a high-volume guy, which I think the Rams will value in a pass-heavy offense.
Q: Looking to the future, Lincoln Riley has sent some excellent quarterbacks to the NFL. With Matthew Stafford getting up there in age, should the Rams take an interest in Miller Moss or Jayden Maiava?
James: Miller Moss in 2025 maybe. He’s probably only an early Day 3 guy at best, though. It also depends on what happens with Stetson Bennett off the field.
Q: Does USC have any UDFA caliber players that the Rams should focus on?
James: I would say Solomon Byrd or Jarrett Kingston would be worth a camp invite.
Q: As crazy as this sounds, if Caleb Williams falls past 5, should the Rams make a massive draft day deal to secure the Heisman winner?
James: Yes, if that happens, the Rams would be in contention for the next decade.
I’d like to thank Donovan James for his insight and time. Follow Donovan on social media @DonJamesSports.