The Los Angeles Rams held the 36th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft and they elected to hold onto the selection. Instead of trading back to acquire more draft capital, the Rams took guard Steve Avila out of TCU, a versatile lineman from the Big 12.
There was a chance the Rams would trade back due to not having a fourth-round pick, but the offensive line needed help after struggling in 2022. Avila figures to bring versatility at the center and guard spots moving forward for Los Angeles.
Fans of the Rams and analysts watching the draft quickly took to social media to react to Sean McVay’s squad taking an interior offensive lineman.
My heart be still! Start off picking a big fella!
OL ❤️! Let’s get it!!
💪🏼#vamosrams— Andrew Whitworth (@AndrewWhitworth) April 28, 2023
Rams fans, Steve Avila was my top OL left on the board and my OG1 in the draft. He brings proven versatility across the line with starter-level play strength and impressive body control at 330 pounds.
Here is our film room together: https://t.co/6yWWJjJHaa
10 plays showing how… pic.twitter.com/8q0ij8vEw5
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) April 28, 2023
With the No. 36 pick, the Rams select TCU OL Steve Avila.
The Rams allowed 59 sacks last season, which ranked 30th in the NFL.
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) April 28, 2023
Steve Avila is an athletic option on the offensive line, scoring an 8.5 in RAS. Doesn't fit the typical size profile for the Rams, but checks the box in a lot of traits. pic.twitter.com/xBkDfzQEo5
— Blaine Grisak (@bgrisakTST) April 28, 2023
The Rams address the most glaring weakness on last year's team and grab TCU OG Steve Avila, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound stud who excels at blocking for the run and the pass.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) April 28, 2023
Rams enter the conversation with a strong selection of C/G Steve Avila TCU. A need pick for sure. And the pick was made from a bomb crib in the Valley.
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) April 28, 2023
Steve Avila will join fellow Horned Frog Joseph Noteboom holding down the offensive line for the LA Rams
— Frogs O’ War (@FrogsOWar) April 28, 2023
Welcome to the #Rams @Stevelavila !! 🐏🐏
— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) April 28, 2023
Does Steve Avila scratch the Creed Humphrey itch? Feels like the pick hasn’t settled in quite yet…
— Rams Brothers (@RamsBrothers) April 28, 2023
🦾 @RamsNFL just got the best IOL in the draft with @Stevelavila
— Duke Manyweather (@BigDuke50) April 28, 2023