The 2024 NFL Draft is just a couple short days away, and draft content is in full swing. We've debated about prospects and team fits for months, and it's almost time to see how the full picture comes together.
ESPN's Jordan Reid attempted to preview this full picture with a massive 7-round mock draft for each team. Here's who the Rams selected in his mock.
Round 1, Pick 19: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
For the first time since 2016, the Rams have a first-round pick! Edge rusher is a major need, and Verse has a high floor and projects well to the L.A. defense. He has heavy hands and enough bend to turn the corner and get to the quarterback, and he is coming off back-to-back nine-sack seasons at FSU.
Round 2, Pick 52: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
Even though the Rams added Darious Williams and Tre'Davious White this offseason, this cornerback unit isn't a finished product. Melton will be a popular Round 2 target, and he comes with experience at nickel and on the outside. His tape shows playmaking traits (eight interceptions over the past three seasons) and speed.
Round 3, Pick 83: Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford is 36 years old, and the Rams could target a developmental QB. An accurate passer, Rattler has upside and fits well into coach Sean McVay's scheme.
Round 3, Pick 99: DeWayne Carter, DT, Duke
Replacing recently retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald is an impossible task, but Carter would give the Rams a building block along the interior. He's dependable against the run and is able to get home consistently as a pass-rusher.
Round 5, Pick 154: Gabriel Murphy, EDGE, UCLA
Round 5, Pick 155: Jaylin Simpson, S, Auburn
Round 6, Pick 196: Tyrice Knight, LB, UTEP
Round 6, Pick 209: Logan Lee, DT, Iowa
Round 6, Pick 213: Jalen Coker, WR, Holy Cross
Round 6, Pick 217: Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
Round 7, Pick 254: Joshua Karty, K, Stanford
This one starts off hot. If the Rams walk out of the first three rounds with Jared Verse, Max Melton, and Spencer Rattler, it's the best opening to a draft they've had in years. All three would boost the Rams roster in their own way. Rattler is the best scheme fit of the non-top 4 quarterbacks and has tools worth developing. Afterwards? It comes apart a little bit.
DeWayne Carter would play the same role as Kobie Turner is already projected to play, so it feels like a redundant skill set to draft with a top-100 pick. This is the same case with Jaylin Simpson and Quentin Lake, both nickel/safety versatile players with similar skill sets.
Gabriel Murphy has some of the shortest arms ever for an EDGE rusher at 30 1/2" arms. The Rams have rarely deviated from the 33" arm length threshold under Les Snead, with just three players under the 33" arms mark. Murphy could be a productive player but would be a departure from what they typically look for.
I am a fan of the pickups of Knight, Coker, Laube, and Karty though. The Rams desperately need to add talent to their linebacker room if for no other purpose than improving their special teams. Laube would be an intriguing weapon for McVay to design plays for, spell Kyren Williams, and give the Rams a talented returner. Coker can be an outside threat with good hands and body control. While he wouldn't fix the need the Rams have at WR, he can fill out the room and give them depth not on a one-year deal. Karty is one of the best kickers in the draft.
