Perfect Picks: Los Angeles Rams
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 3 - Braxton Jones, Offensive Tackle, Southern Utah
The Rams are going to have to get creative this offseason considering their high priced free agents and lack of draft picks. One potential headache will be the retirement of left tackle Andrew Whitworth. If Whitworth does call it a day, it leaves a huge hole. Unable to use an early pick we have them plumping for Braxton Jones. Southern Utah prospect Jones is a man mountain and while not the finished product has shown enough on tape to deserve more plaudits than he is currently receiving. While the step-up will be big, he’s one of the few mid rounders I believe can start at left tackle.
Round 4 - Troy Andersen, Linebacker, Montana State
The Rams two highest priced assets on defense reside on the front and back ends. Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Donald account for the majority of defensive spending which means L.A. have to depend on low-value, high potential linebackers. Troy Anderson fits that mould perfectly. Anderson has done it all at Montana State, he played running back, fullback and quarterback before finding his final home at linebacker. He racked up 150 tackles for the Bobcats in 2022 but his athletic ability means he has great sideline to sideline range and coverage ability to boot.
Mid Round Gem - Luke Goedeke, Offensive Guard, Central Michigan
Luke Goedeke manned the right tackle spot at Central Michgan opposite Bernhard Raimann on the left side. In 2021, he had a phenomenal year as a run blocker, earning a grade of 94.3 from PFF. He also allowed 0 sacks on the year. That said, Goedeke likely projects as a guard at the next level and that would provide some help for the Rams. They are set to lose both Austin Corbett and center Brian Allen, Goedeke could be an immediate starter given the opportunity.
Late Round Sleeper - Tyree Johnson, Edge, Texas A&M
There were plenty of eyes on the Texas A&M defensive front last year. DeMarvin Leal and Micheal Clemons should both come off the board by the end of day 2, however, there is another defensive end who could be worth a late-round pick. Tyree Johnson is 6’4, 240lbs and that size alone means he regularly flashes some twitch off the edge. He tallied nine sacks in 2021 and while a lot of that comes from the distraction caused by his running mates, it’s a strong record in the SEC. If the Rams can keep hold of Von Miller then Johnson will have the perfect former Aggie as a mentor.
Draft In Full:
104. Braxton Jones, OT, Southern Utah
142. Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State
210. Dawson Deaton, C, Texas Tech
211. Luke Goedeke, G, Central Michigan
213. Chris Steele, CB, USC
236. Tyree Johnson, DE, Texas A&M
251. Danny Gray, WR, SMU
