Armed with the most picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams have plenty of options to improve the team as they continue to push for another Super Bowl on the arm of Matthew Stafford.
What does a 5-round mock draft look like for them? It's laden with defensive upgrades, based on the work of Chad Reuter of NFL.com.
Round 1, Pick 19: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Take your pick of each pass rusher here, but it was a a surprise to see Chop Robinson called here while Laiatu Latu was still on the board. Robinson has an explosive first step and tremendous upside as a pass rusher, but is raw and still a question mark against the run beyond just shooting gaps with his quickness. The Rams would absolutely live with that if he hits his ceiling as a pass rusher, however.
Round 2, Pick 52: Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
Michael Hall's upside as a pass rusher is special. His ability there and high ceiling is why he is so high on draft boards. The potential issue here, much like Robinson, is that Hall's run defense is, conversely, quite poor, struggling to take on double-teams and more powerful linemen. While that can improve, having two smaller pass rushing DTs in both Hall and Turner opens up issues in the run game. However, he's worth being selected this high due to his immense upside as a pass rusher.
Round 3, Pick 83: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
The Rams have invested one top-100 pick in a linebacker over the last decade. While it did yield them a quality starter in Ernest Jones, they seemingly don't value the position all that highly. Trotter fits a need that the team has, but it feels earlier than the team would select any of these linebacker prospects.
Round 3, Pick 99: Cole Bishop, S, Utah
This has been a pretty common link, given the Rams' need at safety. Bishop can align in a variety of roles and depths and would give them a high-energy impact starter.
Round 5, Pick 154: Matt Goncalves, OT, Pitt
Goncalves doesn't give the Rams an immediate starter at left tackle, but he significantly improves their depth. A versatile and fundamentally sound tackle, Goncalves' toe injury has him slip down the board, but he has the ability to be a quality swing tackle and spot starter for the Rams on his rookie contract.
Round 5, Pick 155: Will Reichard, K, Alabama
In a vacuum, this pick makes sense given the Rams' need for a kicker. There are better ones available here though, and it's pretty early to take one, especially with talent behind him at clear needs, such as Jalen McMillan, Javon Baker, Kalen King, Xavier Thomas, or Beanie Bishop Jr.
Overall Thoughts
These were definitely players that fit needs for the Rams, although they each come with significant issues that the Rams will hopefully iron out with coaching. This five-round mock draft was a swing for upside while addressing needs, something that the Rams could opt for as they continue their reset on the defensive side of the ball. Is it what I would have done? No. Ideally, they would take more steps to address their run defense, cornerback, and wide receiver early on. Still, I could be talked into the upside of this group giving the Rams some stud defenders in their front seven and a reliable starting safety to replace Jordan Fuller.
