Perfect Picks 2024: Los Angeles Rams
By Stu Taylor
The Rams exceeded expectations in 2023 reaching the playoffs with a 10-7 record before falling to the Detroit Lions in the wildcard round. Even more impressive was the way this young roster went 7-1 down the stretch and this bodes well for the future. Puka Nacua was obviously the breakout star for the Rams, however, Guard Steve Avila (R2) and round 3 defensive picks Kobie Turner and Byron Young were also significant contributors to the Rams’ great season.
With Sean McVay at the helm, the Rams are always in with a shout and here’s how I think they should go in the 2024 draft, where they will have their first-round pick since 2016 (at the time of writing!)
Round 1 - Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Jared Verse was in the conversation for a first round pick in the 2023 draft, before deciding to return to school. Verse is a refined pass rusher who has a myriad of pass rush moves that he executes not only with great technique but also with intelligence – knowing how and when to use certain manoeuvres. He has an explosive first step and relentless energy, making him a handful for opposing linemen to deal with. One of the more powerful, heavy-handed edges in the draft, Verse looks to dominate at the point of attack early.
His performance at the combine was certainly more than adequate to cement his place in the top 20 of this year’s draft. By adding him to their defensive line, alongside all-star Aaron Donald and the aforementioned promising 2nd-year players Turner and Young, the Rams will give offensive linemen and quarterbacks headaches.
Round 2 - Roman Wilson, Wide Receiver, Michigan
The Rams offense, with Matthew Stafford at the helm feeding Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp along with Sean McVay calling the shots, is sure to cause defensive coordinators sleepless nights. Imagine adding a true explosive deep threat into the mix. That’s where Roman Wilson comes in. His 4.39 40-yard dash at the combine simply confirmed what is seen on tape.
His ability to stretch the field would add another wrinkle to the offense. His ability to blaze past opposing defensive backs, coupled with assured hands, is certainly an enticing prospect. Whilst he needs to polish and diversify his route tree moving forward he would be in a good position to be a significant contributor in year 1.
Mid Round Gem - Kiran Amegadjie, Offensive Tackle, Yale
Finding offensive lineman later in the draft is always a bonus and the Rams could potentially strike gold with Kiran Amegadjie, the offensive tackle out of Yale.
Amegadjie has all the measurables requisite to play at the tackle spot – including incredible length with over 36” arms. He possesses an exciting mix of size, athleticism, length and intelligence.
Despite all the positives, the Yale man is far from the finished article. His footwork is far from polished and his hand usage and placement require refinement. Amegadjie is more comfortable in the running game, where he can railroad opposing defenders, than he is in the passing game at present.
However, with time in an NFL system to work on his technique, Ademgajie has all the tools to become a successful starting tackle in the NFL. If betting on traits is your thing, Ademgadjie on day 2 is where I’d be placing my money.
Late Round Sleeper - Jawhar Jordan, Running Back, Louisville
Kyren Williams was sensational for the Rams when he was on the field in 2023. However, he did miss some time through injury, and the trajectory of the modern NFL is running back by committee. Adding a late-round running back with plenty of upside should be on every team’s shopping list.
Jordan plays with patience and vision, as opposed to explosiveness. Despite being a smaller back, he plays with a real nasty streak. His versatility – he is a competent kick returner and excellent on screens – could be an asset to a creative mind like Sean McVay.
Draft in full
Round 1 – Jared Verse, EDGE, FSU
Round 2 – Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
Round 3 – Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
Round 3 – Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State,
Round 5 – Kitan Oladapo, S, Oregon State
Round 5 – Sam Hartmann, QB, Notre Dame
Round 5 – Ja’Quan Sheppard, CB, Maryland
Round 6 – Jahwar Jordan, RB, Louisville
Round 6 – Mason McCormick, OG, South Daktota State
Round 6 – Jordan Whittington, WR, Texas
Round 6 – Jamree Kromah, DT, James Madison
Stuart Taylor
NFL & NFL DRAFT ANALYST
STU COVERS THE NFL DRAFT AND THE NFL. HE COMES TO THE TOUCHDOWN WITH EXPERIENCE HAVING PREVIOUSLY WRITTEN FOR NINETY-NINE YARDS. YOU CAN ALSO HEAR HIM REGULARLY ON THE “NINETY-NINE YARDS” AND ‘DRAFT TALK” PODCASTS. YOU CAN ALSO FIND HIM ON ‘X’ (FORMERLY KNOWN AS TWITTER) @STUIE17