Previewing the Rams 2017 NFL Draft
- Updated: February 27, 2017
The Rams received two compensatory picks the last week for the 2017 NFL draft. They will now have additional picks in the 3rd- and 4th-round. Because of the nature of the Jared Goff trade, the Tennessee Titans receive the Rams 3rd-round compensatory pick (#100 overall). However, the Rams will get their original 3rd-round pick back as a result (#69). The 4th-round pick the Rams received is #141 overall.
Although without a 1st-round pick, the Rams now have 8 picks in the 2017 NFL draft. Their first selection will be the 5th one in the 2nd round (#37 overall). There should be some pretty good talent remaining on the board at that time. In fact, NFL Network Analyst Daniel Jeremiah claims there are “70 guys worthy of a top 50 spot in this draft.” The Rams, with two picks in the top 70, could find immediate starters.
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, a big, physical receiver out of USC, should be available in the 2nd round. Smith-Schuster would be a ready replacement for the departing Kenny Britt. With their 3rd-round pick, the Rams might seek to target an interior offensive lineman like C Ethan Pocic. Pocic, out of LSU, is considered the top center prospect in the draft. Alternately, they might opt to get a cornerback in the 3rd round. Kevin King out of Washington should be available. King is a tall, versatile player. He might fill the role vacated by Trumaine Johnson, who is expected to leave in free agency.
With their first 4th-round pick, the Rams could look to further bolster the offensive line. G Jordan Morgan, out of Kutztown, would be ideal in the 4th round. Morgan is a small-school prospect with good size and strength. His stock is on the rise. With their 2nd 4th-round pick the Rams could nab LB Elijah Lee from Kansas State. Lee projects inside or outside, but would likely play inside in Wade Phillips’ new 3-4 scheme. If the Rams pass on Kevin King in the 3rd, they could get Brendan Langley or the ball-hawking Damontae Kazee in the late 4th or early 5th round. Langley comes out of Lamar, and could also return kicks. Kazee is from San Diego State.
The NFL Scouting Combine starts Tuesday and runs all week. It will have a big impact on the evaluation of the players in this draft. As of right now, however, a 5-round draft that landed JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ethan Pocic, Jordan Morgan, Elijah Lee, and Brendan Langley would be a solid 2017 NFL draft for the Los Angeles Rams.
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