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is my final mock. The Rams have given few clues, so I'm just going with my gut:
Round 1 (19): Olumuyiwa Fashanu, LT, Penn State
Yep... I'm bucking conventional wisdom and starting on the offensive side of the ball. The Rams have made a concerted effort to build a top-notch OL this offseason, re-signing Kevin Dotson, signing Jonah Jackson, and moving Steve Avila to center. At the same time, they offered starting LT Alaric Jackson only a one-year RFA tender. That signals to me an intent to take a LT if the right one falls. I think Fashanu is the right one, and I think he may fall to No. 19. If he does, he would give the Rams a LT with prototypical size, a great work ethic, and tremendous upside to protect the blind side for the next 5-10 years.
Round 2 (52): Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
Last year, the Rams went with Byron Young, an EDGE with WR speed, and that worked out pretty well. This year, I think they will look to bookend Young with a guy with a different profile. Kneeland is a power rusher, who will immediately be an asset as an edge-setter/run defender. He's the guy that the Rams have been trying to turn Michael Hoecht into, but he's more built for the role.
Round 3 (83): Ruke Orhohoro, DT, Clemson
The Rams will "replace" Aaron Donald with a committee. Kobie Turner and Bobby Brown are a good start, and Orhohoro will be a great addition. He's versatile, athletic, and has a ton of upside. You'll hear the cliche "his best football is ahead of him" uttered about many prospects. For Orhohoro, I really believe it is true.
Round 3 (99): Javon Baker, WR, UCF
I like Baker's size (6'1, 202), run after the catch ability, and positive showing at Senior Bowl practices. He seems like a Sean McVay type of WR to me. There are others, but they'll all be gone by this point in the draft.
Round 5 (153) Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas
He'll pair nicely with Ernest Jones on the inside. A pure tackling machine.
Round 5 (154) Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
I have Laube here for two reasons. First, I think Audric Estime, who would be a very good fit, will be gone. Second, I really like Laube's receiving and return skills.
Round 6 (195) Tanor Bortolini, C, Wisconsin
Need depth on the interior OL. Bortolini can play OG and even RT in a pinch.
Round 6 (209) Joshua Karty, PK, Stanford
No more PK drama, please!!!
6 (213) Jordan Jefferson, DT, LSU
Another big body for the DL rotation.
6 (217) Nathan Thomas, OT, Louisiana
Could be a swing guard option for the future (i.e. post-Noteboom).
7 (254) Daequan Hardy, CB/PR, Penn State
The Tre'Davious White signing changed my outlook at CB entirely. I think the Rams are comfortable rolling with White, Darious Williams, Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick. I also wouldn't rule out a Ahkello Witherspoon reunion. Hardy is a slot-CB option, and could bring value-added returning punts.
Round 1 (19): Olumuyiwa Fashanu, LT, Penn State
Yep... I'm bucking conventional wisdom and starting on the offensive side of the ball. The Rams have made a concerted effort to build a top-notch OL this offseason, re-signing Kevin Dotson, signing Jonah Jackson, and moving Steve Avila to center. At the same time, they offered starting LT Alaric Jackson only a one-year RFA tender. That signals to me an intent to take a LT if the right one falls. I think Fashanu is the right one, and I think he may fall to No. 19. If he does, he would give the Rams a LT with prototypical size, a great work ethic, and tremendous upside to protect the blind side for the next 5-10 years.
Round 2 (52): Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
Last year, the Rams went with Byron Young, an EDGE with WR speed, and that worked out pretty well. This year, I think they will look to bookend Young with a guy with a different profile. Kneeland is a power rusher, who will immediately be an asset as an edge-setter/run defender. He's the guy that the Rams have been trying to turn Michael Hoecht into, but he's more built for the role.
Round 3 (83): Ruke Orhohoro, DT, Clemson
The Rams will "replace" Aaron Donald with a committee. Kobie Turner and Bobby Brown are a good start, and Orhohoro will be a great addition. He's versatile, athletic, and has a ton of upside. You'll hear the cliche "his best football is ahead of him" uttered about many prospects. For Orhohoro, I really believe it is true.
Round 3 (99): Javon Baker, WR, UCF
I like Baker's size (6'1, 202), run after the catch ability, and positive showing at Senior Bowl practices. He seems like a Sean McVay type of WR to me. There are others, but they'll all be gone by this point in the draft.
Round 5 (153) Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas
He'll pair nicely with Ernest Jones on the inside. A pure tackling machine.
Round 5 (154) Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
I have Laube here for two reasons. First, I think Audric Estime, who would be a very good fit, will be gone. Second, I really like Laube's receiving and return skills.
Round 6 (195) Tanor Bortolini, C, Wisconsin
Need depth on the interior OL. Bortolini can play OG and even RT in a pinch.
Round 6 (209) Joshua Karty, PK, Stanford
No more PK drama, please!!!
6 (213) Jordan Jefferson, DT, LSU
Another big body for the DL rotation.
6 (217) Nathan Thomas, OT, Louisiana
Could be a swing guard option for the future (i.e. post-Noteboom).
7 (254) Daequan Hardy, CB/PR, Penn State
The Tre'Davious White signing changed my outlook at CB entirely. I think the Rams are comfortable rolling with White, Darious Williams, Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick. I also wouldn't rule out a Ahkello Witherspoon reunion. Hardy is a slot-CB option, and could bring value-added returning punts.
