Defense has been the main focus of many mock drafts for the Rams, and that didn't change in Sporting News's latest 7-round mock draft. Of the Rams' 11 picks, they selected five defensive players-including three in the secondary alone.
If the Rams left the 2024 NFL Draft without a single pass rusher, I'd be shocked. It's a clear deficit on that roster and one that needs immediate addressing. Their first two picks were nice, smart additions, but the rest didn't adequately address pressing needs on the roster on both sides of the ball. There are some good players taken here, so the Rams' overall talent improves, but there are still too many holes left open to feel like the team comfortably improved.
Let's take a look at what the Rams did and how each player fits.
Round 1, Pick 19: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
With all of the top pass rushers off the board, it does make sense that the Rams would look to address their secondary here at this pick. DeJean is a versatile, athletic defensive back who the Rams could move around across the formation-similar to how they used Jalen Ramsey. The Rams are looking for a long-term player in their secondary with Tre'Davious White's injury history and contract and Darious Williams's age. DeJean would give them that player and would fit the kind of competitive culture McVay has built within the Rams.
Round 2, Pick 52: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
This pick makes too much sense for the Rams, though it does sting a bit seeing pass rushers like Adisa Isaac, Jonah Elliss and Marshawn Kneeland head off the board soon after this. With Los Angeles likely moving Kobie Turner over to three-technique (where Aaron Donald played), they need a better run-stopping presence next to him-something Orhorhoro shines at.
Round 3, Pick 83: Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
Not taking a single pass rusher with their top three picks would be a surprise, given their interest and need at that position. It would also be surprising to see them take a linebacker this early, given their history at that position, but they definitely need to add playmakers next to Ernest Jones.
Round 3, Pick 99: Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame
The Rams have taken a running back in their last six drafts, but this feels very early for one-especially without any pass rushers, tackles, or safeties taken so far. Kyren Williams is their lead guy, and even though they need the depth, there are too many needs to take one this early.
Round 5, Pick 154: Drake Nugent, C, Michigan
They do need better center depth, as none of their options there have actually taken an NFL snap at center, but Nugent is probably the wrong one for their scheme. He's undersized and more of a zone blocking center, and the Rams are adding bigger, more powerful gap-scheme offensive linemen.
Round 5, Pick 155: Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
Doubling up at running back just doesn't make sense. They love Ronnie Rivers as the RB3 and still have Zach Evans and the aforementioned pick in Estime.
Round 6, Pick 196: Delmar Glaze, OT, Maryland
The Rams already have their starting guard duo in Jonah Jackson and Kevin Dotson, but they do need to shore up their depth behind them. Glaze project best inside, though admittedly this doesn't feel like a good use of resources given their needs elsewhere.
Round 6, Pick 209: Joshua Karty, K, Stanford
Karty is one of the best kickers in this class, and the Rams desperately need a solution here.
Round 6, Pick 213: Jalen Coker, WR, Holy Cross
Coker fits the Rams' culture and would be an intriguing addition, but it does feel like an overlap of skill sets, given what Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua already contribute.
Round 6, Pick 217: Daijahn Anthony, S, Ole Miss
Anthony spent most of his collegiate snaps at corner and mainly played in the slot this season while also rotating as a split-field safety in Ole Miss's scheme. He could fill the deep safety role, but his skill set feels too similar to Quentin Lake, who is already penciled in as a starter for next season.
Round 7, Pick 254: Beanie Bishop Jr., CB, West Virginia
Shoring up their corner depth with a playmaking corner is never a bad thing, especially considering the inconsistent play from the players currently on the roster.
