‘Tis the season where everyone tries to predict what their favorite NFL team will do in the NFL Draft. You can check out my first installment of the Rams seven-round mock draft right here.
Okay, a lot has happened since my first mock draft was published. First, the Rams kicked off their offseason by signing Eric Weddle to replace Lamarcus Joyner.
Then, the Rams lost a few guys in Rodger Saffold, Lamarcus Joyner, and likely Ndamukong Suh. They also cut Mark Barron and John Sullivan to free up cap space.
To cap it all off, Los Angeles re-signed Dante Fowler and brought in Clay Matthews to bolster their pass rush.
Now here's my refurbished and fresh attempt to decipher what the Rams could wind up doing throughout the seven rounds of this year's NFL Draft.
Round 1, Pick 31: Erik McCoy (C/G Texas A&M)
For the sake of this article, we're going to say the Rams don't trade any of their picks.
With the departure of Saffold along the offensive line, a guard or center becomes the biggest need for the Rams. Currently, it's expected that the Rams will start Joseph Noteboom at left guard while starting Brian Allen at center.
Recently, Les Snead—the Rams general manager—stated that moving Noteboom to the backup tackle spot and drafting a guard in the first round could be what Los Angeles ultimately does.
Drafting Erik McCoy out of Texas A&M could be an option as his versatility to play either center or guard could prove beneficial for the Rams. McCoy mainly started at center in college, but his skills translate to guard as well.
He played in a zone-running scheme at Texas A&M and it just so happens that the Rams run a zone scheme as well.
Round 3, Pick 94: Khalen Saunders (DT, Western Illinois)
There always seems to be a small-school star that makes a name for himself before every draft. This year, that guy is Khalen Saunders out of Western Illinois.
Saunders has excelled in the offseason process of the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, and Pro Day. When you watch tape of Saunders, he was a man amongst boys, dominating opposing offensive linemen.
In four seasons at Western Illinois, Saunders had 18 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss. With Suh likely leaving in free agency, the Rams need a true nose-tackle on defense.
Suh never fit the mold of a nose tackle on the Rams defense, but Saunders could end up giving the Rams exactly what they need in the middle of their defensive line.
https://youtu.be/vatAaipmFww
Round 3, Pick 99: Chase Winovich (OLB/DE, Michigan)
Despite adding Matthews and re-signing Fowler, the Rams still need to address the outside linebacker position. One guy who the Rams could target is Chase Winovich out of Michigan (if he falls to the third round).
Winovich is a very tough and gritty player who is known to be an energetic player on and off the field. In three years starting for Michigan, Winovich had 18.5 sacks, 43 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles.
This would be an absolute steal for the Rams in the third round of the draft. The only concern with Winovich is his lack of athleticism, but his polished game and effort make up for that.
Clay Matthews will want to give pointers to Winovich on how to maximize the benefits of having long hair in the NFL.
Round 4, Pick 133: Sheldrick Redwine (S, Miami)
The Rams signed Eric Weddle this offseason, but with Weddle being 34-years old, the Rams need to find their future free safety. The eventual replacement for Weddle can be found in the fourth round by the name of Sheldrick Redwine.
Redwine started his collegiate career at cornerback but switched to safety. As a result, his coverage skills are decent for a safety.
The best trait of Redwine's is his ability to defend the run and his physicality. Learning behind Weddle could be beneficial for Redwine. If the Rams draft Redwine, they are hoping his game ages like a fine glass of (Red)wine. I'll show myself out.
Round 5, Pick 169: Jahlani Tavai (LB, Hawaii)
The Rams may choose to go with Kiser at inside linebacker this season, but that doesn't mean the Rams won't address the position still. Jahlani Tavai could be the move if the Rams decide to go inside linebacker at some point in the draft.
In four seasons at Hawaii, Tavai had 390 total tackles, 41 tackles for loss, and 16.5 sacks. Tavai is a savvy linebacker that has quick instincts on the field.
One of his weaknesses is how he lacks the ability to make plays in space and his size. He'll want to get stronger in the NFL if he wants to make it as a 3-4 inside linebacker.
https://youtu.be/m8vvlJVtINs
Round 6, Pick 203: Trey Pipkins (T, Sioux Falls)
You can never have enough offensive line depth in the NFL. That's why the Rams could see themselves taking multiple offensive linemen during the draft.
Trey Pipkins from Sioux Falls could be a candidate for the 203rd pick in the NFL Draft. Pipkins is a big offensive tackle who is surprisingly quick on his feet.
So how is Pipkins a possible sixth-round pick? He needs to develop his pass blocking and consistency in run blocking. Pipkins can bring depth to Los Angeles in his rookie season.
Round 7, Pick 245: Keelan Doss (WR, UC Davis)
Keelan Doss has been my pick for the Rams in the seventh round for a while now. Doss comes from UC Davis, so he is close to Los Angeles—giving the Rams an easy journey to scout him.
The Rams don't absolutely need a wide receiver, but they could use him for depth at the position. No one is going to be supplanting Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, or Cooper Kupp anytime soon.
Doss has nice size and is an excellent route runner for a guy who didn't attend a big-name school. His game can be developed behind the talented receivers on the Rams, but he could provide help on special teams in the meantime.
https://youtu.be/Nz-kNjfY9f8
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