The Los Angeles Rams can’t go into the draft expecting to easily replace Jalen Ramsey and Leonard Floyd after moving on from both players this offseason. Ramsey is a three-time All-Pro and Floyd had at least nine sacks in each of the last three seasons.
Those aren’t players you just simply replace on Day 2 and 3 of the draft. However, the Rams can begin to fill those holes by selecting a cornerback and pass rusher (or two) next month. Their departures shift the Rams’ draft plans a little bit, heightening the sense of urgency at cornerback and edge rusher.
Using PFF’s mock draft simulator, I put together a seven-round mock draft that includes two trades up the board and a double-dip at outside linebacker to start things off.
Round 2, No. 36: OLB B.J. Ojulari, LSU
Even though Ramsey was traded, the Rams don’t have to force this pick by taking a cornerback. Edge rusher is still a bigger need for them after cutting Leonard Floyd, leaving very little talent at outside linebacker for 2023 and beyond.
Ojulari is a talented edge rusher with good length (34 1/4-inch arms), and he has the skill set to contribute almost immediately in the NFL. He’d be a great start for the Rams as they try to replace Floyd.
Round 3, No. 69: OLB Derick Hall, Auburn
Two edge rushers in the first two picks? Sure, why not?
Again, outside linebacker is dangerously thin right now, with Michael Hoecht and Daniel Hardy penciled in as the starters at the moment, so there’s a dire need for some talent. Hall tested well at the NFL combine and has 4.55 speed at 6-3, 254 pounds, putting up good numbers in the vertical (33.5 inches) and broad (10 feet, 7 inches).
Round 3, No. 77: CB Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M
The Rams can use the pick acquired for Ramsey to find a prospect capable of starting on the outside like he did. Jones didn’t run well in the 40, only posting a 4.57, but he brings good size at 6-foot-2 and his lack of speed can be masked in the Rams’ zone-heavy scheme.
No one will be able to replace the things that Ramsey does, but Jones has a promising future in the NFL if he lands in the right spot.
TRADE – Round 4, No. 107: C Olusegun Oluwatimi, Michigan
Trade details: No. 107 for Nos. 136, 171, 210
I decided to trade up 29 spots to go get some offensive line help, targeting Oluwatimi out of Michigan. He’s one of the top centers in the class and landing him outside the top 100 should be a good value, even at the cost of giving up two late-round picks.
The Rams can move on from Brian Allen if they want to, and Oluwatimi would be a nice replacement with his size and movement skills.
TRADE – Round 5, No. 166: TE Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion
Trade details: No. 166 for Nos. 181, 251
Another trade up! It’s hard to fathom Les Snead doing this, but the Rams have 11 picks and they don’t need 11-plus rookies on the roster. So we move up 15 spots to ensure we land one of the most athletic tight ends in the class, Kuntz. At 6-7, 255 pounds, Kuntz ran a 4.55 in the 40 and had a 40-inch vertical, the tallest player since at least 2003 to record a 40-inch vert.
Round 6, No. 188: G Atonio Mafi, UCLA
Mafi is a huge, powerful guard who should have success as a run blocker at the next level, though he does need work in pass protection. This late in the draft, the Rams at least add some depth to their offensive line by selecting Mafi, who could compete for a starting job on either side of the center.
Round 6, No. 190: QB Clayton Tune, Houston
If the Rams don’t find their backup quarterback in free agency, Tune should be someone they consider in the draft. He has plenty of experience as a four-year starter and though he’s not the biggest quarterback, he does make up for it with mobility and pocket awareness. He’s a perfect prospect to draft and develop behind Matthew Stafford.
Round 7, No. 224: S Daniel Scott, Cal
Scott has the type of frame and build you want from a safety, standing 6-1 and 208 pounds. He also brings excellent speed after running a 4.45 in the 40 and impressive explosiveness after jumping 39.5 inches in the vertical. He spent six years in college so his age might deter some teams, but he’s the type of experienced and reliable safety the Rams target (see: Jordan Fuller).
Recap
