Rams 2024 NFL Draft class is less athletic than most

AJ Schulte

Rams 2024 NFL Draft class is less athletic than most image

Using Kent Lee Platte’s Relative Athletic Scores (RAS), let's take a look at the overall athleticism of the Rams’ class with scores for each player based on their pre-draft testing. As a team, it ranked fairly low at 23rd among all draft classes this year. However, their early picks tested fairly well and provide a chance for immediate impact. 

Round 1, Pick 19: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

RAS

The Rams have very specific athletic thresholds they look for in pass rushers, and Jared Verse cleared every single one (he and Dallas Turner were the only ones to hit). The testing backs up the tape, as Verse is an explosive pass rusher with closer to average bend. 

Round 2, Pick 39: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State

RAS

Braden Fiske was the Rams' top tester with elite numbers in pretty much every testing category outside of size. Fiske plays with quickness, so it's no surprise he showed out in the athletic drills. 

Round 3, Pick 83: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

RAS

Corum's overall testing was closer to average testing, buoyed by a tremendous showing in his agility scores. His elusiveness in the open field is pretty good and he's faster than Kyren Williams, giving the Rams a solid 1-2 punch at running back. 

Round 3, Pick 99: Kamren Kinchens, SAF, Miami (FL)

RAS

Kamren Kinchens' tape revealed a better athlete than his testing did, but his numbers were alarmingly low. Kinchens is a better football player than athlete, however, using his instincts and awareness to make plays instead of his tools. 

Round 5, Pick 154: Brennan Jackson, EDGE, Washington State

RAS

Oddly enough, Brennan Jackson wasn't a player who met most of the Rams' usual testing thresholds, falling short in arm length, his 40, and vertical, but a good 10-yard split and short shuttle time helped boost his stock. 

Round 6, Pick 196: Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson

RAS

Tyler Davis isn't a great athlete, but his testing does match what a solid nose tackle should look like. Great split times and good explosiveness scores are the thresholds nose tackles have to hit, compared to other defensive tackles, and Davis hits those. 

Round 6, Pick 209: Joshua Karty, K, Stanford

RAS

Naturally, Joshua Karty did not test because he's a kicker. 

Round 6, Pick 213: Jordan Whittington, WR, Texas

RAS

Jordan Whittington did not test due to a prior injury. However, he does play with good overall athleticism and might have boosted the Rams' scores had he tested in the pre-draft process. 

Round 6, Pick 217: Beaux Limmer, OC, Arkansas

RAS

Beaux Limmer posted the best vertical jump of any offensive lineman of the last two decades and then popped up 39 reps on the bench press. His agility scores were elite and a great speed score give Limmer one of the best athletic profiles of any player in this draft class. 

Round 7, Pick 254: KT Leveston, G, Kansas State

RAS

KT Leveston's numbers match his tape, as the 326-pound guard is more of a mauling, old-school lineman than athlete. His game is based on his power and length more than anything. 

AJ Schulte

AJ Schulte Photo

AJ Schulte previously was an analyst for Pro Football Network in 2019 before rejoining in September of 2023. He currently resides in Texas and has been producing content since 2018. Prior to his time at PFN, AJ gained experience covering the Denver Broncos with SB Nation’s Mile High Report and as part of the editorial staff with The 33rd Team. He spent time gaining formal scouting experience as part of RPM Data in 2023. AJ holds a Master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Texas at Austin and is also working on gaining his certification in Sports Law.