NFL Draft Grades - Los Angeles Rams
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Los Angeles Rams Upcoming 2024 Draft Picks (11)
Grade: B-
It has to be disappointing for the Rams that they couldn't get Byron Murphy. It makes sense though that they would target a front-seven player because their offense is so explosive. I'm not crazy about this pick because Jared Verse isn't close to the other two edge rushers who were chosen earlier, yet he's being taken so close to them. I don't hate this pick - Verse likely belonged in the 20s - but it's a bit underwhelming for a team that hadn't drafted in the first round since 2016.
Grade: A-
The Rams traded up 13 spots for Braden Fiske, and it's easy to understand why. There's been a run on defensive tackles, and I would have been shocked had Fiske fallen to No. 52. Someone like Fiske was needed with Aaron Donald announcing his retirement.
Grade: B-
This is a disappointing destination for Blake Corum because he's not going to be able to play very much while Kyren Williams is healthy. However, Williams was hurt on multiple occasions last year, so I understand the Rams finding a quality insurance policy.
Grade: B+
I thought Kamren Kinchens would go way earlier than this during the pre-draft process, but it was clear he would fall because of some injury concerns. However, Kinchens is an instinctive safety who will be able to play right away. The Rams needed defensive backs after having so many issues in that area last year.
Grade: B+
Brennan Jackson could have gone a round or maybe even two earlier than this, so I love the value the Rams are getting with him in the middle of the fifth frame. Jackson, considered a sleeper by some of Charlie's sources, fills a need as an edge rusher for the Rams.
Grade: A
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.'s father was a great player for the Eagles. Trotter Jr. has some athletic limitations, but he was a stellar player for Clemson who could end up being a decent player for Philadelphia. Trotter may have to spend a lot of time on special teams, but there's some potential. Trotter could have gone a round or two earlier than this, so you have to love the value.
Grade: B+
Tyler Davis was a productive player at Clemson who enjoyed a solid Senior Bowl. However, he fell to the sixth round because he's small and not lengthy, so the upside isn't quite there. Still, the Rams are getting a solid prospect in the sixth round at a position of need.
Grade: C
I can't be excited about a kicker pick. I'm just sad I couldn't berate a team for drafting one earlier than the sixth round, but it makes sense for the Rams to take one here.
Grade: B+
Cooper Kupp doesn't have much time remaining in the NFL, so it makes sense for the Rams to draft a receiver at this spot. We had Jordan Whittington pegged in the fifth round, so some slight value is nice here toward the end of Round 6.
Grade: A+
I've had Beaux Limmer in the third or fourth round of my mock draft, so I love this value. I also am a big fan of adding to Matthew Stafford's protection. Beaux Limmer can play both guard and center.
Grade: B
KT Leveston's stock fell this past year, but he still makes sense in the seventh round. Protecting Matthew Stafford is important, so I like taking a flier on some more protection.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 4/22/2024 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1


Aaron Donald has retired, which is a bummer because the Rams had a great chance to make a Super Bowl run. Donald will obviously need to be replaced.
Byron Murphy has been impressive as both a run defender and a pass rusher. The only negative is that he lacks length.
Round: 2


The Rams need to shore up their offensive line by adding one more interior player.
Zach Frazier is a solid pass protector who can play guard and center.
Pick change; previously Edgerrin Cooper, LB
Round: 3

The Rams added some cornerback talent this offseason, but they could still use another player at the position.
Calean Carson has plus speed, size, and movement skills.
Pick change; previously Spencer Rattler, QB
Round: 3


Aaron Donald has retired, so the Rams will need even more defensive line help.
DeWayne Carter is a stout run defender who flashed some pass-rushing upside.
Round: 5


Sean McVay may want to find a quarterback he can groom for the future.
Sam Hartman was a good college quarterback, but has skill limitations.
Pick change; previously Christian Mahogany, G
Round: 5


The Rams could draft multiple pass rusher to really shore up a weakness of theirs.
Pick change; previously Austin Booker, DE/OLB
Round: 6


The Rams have lost some talented linebackers lately, so they'll need better talent at the position.
James Williams was a massive safety, but can move well for someone with his size. He is moving to linebacker.
Round: 6


Multiple cornerbacks are needed for the Rams, who struggled against the pass last year.
Andru Phillips has a decent skill set and could project to be a starter one day, but he'll have to play special teams for a while.
Round: 6

The Rams have some talented receivers, but they don't possess any depth at the position.
Round: 6


Multiple defensive tackles will be needed to properly fill Aaron Donald's shoes.
Round: 7


The Rams could use another offensive lineman to make sure that Matthew Stafford is as well protected as possible.
Past Grades and Selections
2024 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
B- It has to be disappointing for the Rams that they couldn't get Byron Murphy. It makes sense though that they would target a front-seven player because their offense is so explosive. I'm not crazy about this pick because Jared Verse isn't close to the other two edge rushers who were chosen earlier, yet he's being taken so close to them. I don't hate this pick - Verse likely belonged in the 20s - but it's a bit underwhelming for a team that hadn't drafted in the first round since 2016.
A- The Rams traded up 13 spots for Braden Fiske, and it's easy to understand why. There's been a run on defensive tackles, and I would have been shocked had Fiske fallen to No. 52. Someone like Fiske was needed with Aaron Donald announcing his retirement.
B- This is a disappointing destination for Blake Corum because he's not going to be able to play very much while Kyren Williams is healthy. However, Williams was hurt on multiple occasions last year, so I understand the Rams finding a quality insurance policy.
B+ I thought Kamren Kinchens would go way earlier than this during the pre-draft process, but it was clear he would fall because of some injury concerns. However, Kinchens is an instinctive safety who will be able to play right away. The Rams needed defensive backs after having so many issues in that area last year.
B+ Brennan Jackson could have gone a round or maybe even two earlier than this, so I love the value the Rams are getting with him in the middle of the fifth frame. Jackson, considered a sleeper by some of Charlie's sources, fills a need as an edge rusher for the Rams.
A Jeremiah Trotter Jr.'s father was a great player for the Eagles. Trotter Jr. has some athletic limitations, but he was a stellar player for Clemson who could end up being a decent player for Philadelphia. Trotter may have to spend a lot of time on special teams, but there's some potential. Trotter could have gone a round or two earlier than this, so you have to love the value.
B+ Tyler Davis was a productive player at Clemson who enjoyed a solid Senior Bowl. However, he fell to the sixth round because he's small and not lengthy, so the upside isn't quite there. Still, the Rams are getting a solid prospect in the sixth round at a position of need.
C I can't be excited about a kicker pick. I'm just sad I couldn't berate a team for drafting one earlier than the sixth round, but it makes sense for the Rams to take one here.
B+ Cooper Kupp doesn't have much time remaining in the NFL, so it makes sense for the Rams to draft a receiver at this spot. We had Jordan Whittington pegged in the fifth round, so some slight value is nice here toward the end of Round 6.
A+ I've had Beaux Limmer in the third or fourth round of my mock draft, so I love this value. I also am a big fan of adding to Matthew Stafford's protection. Beaux Limmer can play both guard and center.
B KT Leveston's stock fell this past year, but he still makes sense in the seventh round. Protecting Matthew Stafford is important, so I like taking a flier on some more protection.
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
B+ If you watched the Rams at all last year, you know how dreadful their offensive line was. The poor blocking gave Matthew Stafford no chance, and then Stafford got hurt and missed the second half of the season. Steve Avila will be a nice boost up front, and he can play both center and guard, which will be very helpful for a team with numerous holes on the offensive line.
F - Tank Dell is built like anything but a tank. He's very skinny, and he's someone I had in the middle of the third day. Why the Texans traded up for him, I have absolutely no idea.
A- The Rams really needed an edge rusher in the wake of Von Miller's departure. They had no edge rush, so perhaps Byron Young will help. Young has a low floor, but he's an explosive player with high upside.
A+ I can't believe Henry To'o To'o lasted this long. He's a very instinctive linebacker I had in the second or third round in my mocks. He fills a need and provides amazing value. I love this pick.
B I had Payne Durham slotted 10 picks later than this, so the range makes sense. Payne Durham should be the Buccaneers' blocking tight end and a potential red zone threat. There's limited upside, but Durham should be a solid player for the Buccaneers.
C- I didn't have Puka Nacua as a draftable prospect. He has separation issues and isn't a very good route runner. He also missed some time with an injury last year. Receiver was a need though.
A+ What great value! I thought Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson could have potentially gone late on Day 2. He's an extremely fast cornerback. He has size issues, but he'll be able to play in the slot at the very least.
C The Rams needed another pass rusher, but the player they chose is questionable. Ochaun Mathis regressed at his time in Nebraska, so he'll need to be coached up to turn his football career around.
B+ The Buccaneers needed receiving depth, and Trey Palmer provides good value in the sixth round. Palmer is a solid athlete coming off a breakout campaign. I like this pick a good amount.
B Wingate sounds like Boris College. We're not sure if it's real, but apparently it is.
C+ I didn't have Spencer Anderson anywhere near my mocks. He's a high-effort lineman, but lacks upside and struggles with technique. I don't see him making the final roster.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
B+ Grade
The Rams need to keep Matthew Stafford upright, especially now that he's entering his mid-30s. Logan Bruss can help make that happen. He played tackle at Wisconsin, but will likely have to move to guard in the NFL. That's fine, as Bruss should be able to find his way into the starting lineup at some point.
B+ Grade
Another defensive tackle for the Raiders, but this one is a lot lighter. He'll help the team generate pressure on the quarterback, which is essential in their division. The range is perfect for Butler.
A Grade
Derion Kendrick is a talented cornerback, but he has character concerns that caused him to slip. I like the Rams taking a chance on him this late in the draft. Why not? There's barely any risk, and Kendrick could become a good player who fills a need.
B- Grade
I didn't think A.J. Arcuri was a draftable prospect. He started at tackle at Michigan State, but may have to move to guard because of his expected issues with pass rushers. I don't know if he has the strength to do that.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
B- Grade
Tutu Atwell is someone I've had slotted in this range for months, so I'm fine with this pick. Atwell is very small (5-8, 155), but he's lightning quick, and Sean McVay will make good use of him in the offense. That said, I would've liked to have seen the Rams address their blocking or secondary, as this seems like a luxury pick.
D Grade
I'm surprised the 49ers traded up for a running back in the third round because it seems as though Kyle Shanahan can draft a running back in the eighth round and turn him into a star. Trey Sermon is a powerful runner, but he has poor vision and anticipation, which concerns me. He's also not good in pass protection, which is also a problem.
D Grade
The Rams have had a blind spot when it comes to linebackers. This was a position of need entering the draft, and that remains the case, Ernest Jones was a tackling machine at South Carolina, but I didn't think he translated into the NFL, so I never had him in any of my mock drafts. I could be wrong, but the Rams' bad history with linebackers suggests otherwise.
F Grade
Jacob Harris is very athletic. And that's about it. Harris doesn't fill a need at all, especially in the wake of the Tutu Atwell pick, and I never had him in any of my mock drafts.