Rams 7-round NFL mock draft: Arguing for and against Dane Brugler’s picks

Are we there yet?

The NFL Draft (finally) begins Thursday, and the Los Angeles Rams are on track to make their first opening-round pick since 2016. For now.

By now, you’re aware of the Rams’ top position needs and “what-if” scenarios. You’ve heard the buzz and seen the smokescreens, even if you don’t realize just how smoky they are until after the draft. So, what’s one more debate among friends? The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, our superhero draft analyst, released a seven-round mock draft a few days ago that is ripe for arguments for and against each pick.

Round 1, No. 19: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

For: Who wouldn’t agree with this? Verse has a lot of power and is as plug-and-play a pass rusher as you’ll find in this draft class. Edge is a major position of need for the Rams. Verse may not even get to the Rams’ pick point, but if there is an initial run on offensive players they have a chance.

Against: It’s important to remember the Les Snead of it all. Snead could trade back from No. 19, a pick point which is often considered to be a bit of a “no man’s land” and gain more picks. While trading up can be really inefficient in practice, the Rams had a “high-ammo” class of 14 players last draft so could potentially afford to bundle some picks to reach upward this year. Oh, also, let’s not forget the Sean McVay of it all, either. McVay has always held significant weight over the Rams’ first pick, though in his tenure as a head coach that has been in the second round or later. All of those players were on the offensive side of the ball.

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Round 2, No. 52: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

For: The Rams have little need at starting or even backup quarterback right now, but they will need a new one whenever Matthew Stafford rides into the sunset. Nix could thrive in a timing-based offense such as McVay’s and is experienced enough to not need a heavy-handed approach from the head coach in the development process.

Against: This roster has some concerning holes, including along the defensive line and at non-veteran corner and receiver. This pick might more wisely be spent on a defensive lineman, offensive lineman, pass rusher (if not already selected), receiver or cornerback. Unless the staff thinks Nix could be the future …

Jermaine Burton averaged 20.5 yards per reception on his 39 catches (eight TDs) last season for Alabama. (Dale Zanine / USA Today)

Round 3, No. 83: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama

For: A sure-handed and timing-savvy receiver, Burton could be a fit for a Rams offense that needs some planning ahead for a post-Cooper Kupp world.

Against: Brugler cites multiple maturity issues in his evaluation of Burton, including an incident with an opposing female fan after a loss. The Rams very rarely will take a chance on prospects with documented off-the-field issues, and take incidents of this nature very seriously. Brugler also notes that Burton played the Z in college. While the Rams’ receiving positions are a bit non-traditional (Kupp plays the F, for example), second-year player Puka Nacua will stay in the Z/Robert Woods role into his next few years.

Round 3, No. 99: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri

For: Brugler projects Abrams-Draine as a potential long-term slot player, and the Rams have needed that guy since they traded Jalen Ramsey to Miami last offseason.

Against: That being said, the Rams have preferred larger-framed and physical players in that star/nickel/slot role, and Abrams-Draine has a slight frame and weighs just 179 pounds.

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Round 5, No. 154: Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami

For: At 303 pounds, Taylor would certainly fill some of the size concerns currently facing the Rams up front. Kobie Turner, who was a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate last season as a nose tackle, could stay in the nose or move to the three-technique where he’ll get more pass-rushing opportunity. If the latter is the case, adding some size next to him is a benefit.

Against: Brugler notes that Taylor needs work with a “patient” coaching staff to develop, which is similar to chatter about Bobby Brown III coming out of the draft. Brown will compete for a larger role in his upcoming contract year, but despite all of his physical gifts he hasn’t been able to stay on the field because of injuries and a suspension. The Rams could look for more of a plug-and-play guy here, though they’d have to find him higher in the draft.

In 28 games over three seasons with Miami, Leonard Taylor had 22 1/2 tackles for loss. (Kirby Lee / USA Today)

Round 5, No. 155: Cody Schrader, RB, Missouri

For: In my mind, and I know I’m not alone with respect to some in the front office, this is the perfect round/spot to draft a player who will become the No. 2 to lead rusher behind Kyren Williams. Like Williams, Schrader is a St. Louis, Mo., native and Brugler describes him as an “attitude runner” who sets the tone with physicality and contact balance.

Against: I don’t have a strong argument here, other than that Schrader is a 25-year-old prospect (though the Rams haven’t shied away from older rookies). They could have a different type of skill set in mind to complement Williams.

Round 6, No. 196: Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona

For: I’d imagine McLachlan is a fit in Brugler’s mind because of how he plays in the seam and on shallow crossers. Does that sound like anyone’s offense you know? The Rams parted with Brycen Hopkins in free agency and oft-injured Hunter Long is still an unknown. Tyler Higbee will return in-season from ACL and MCL tears but his future after that is unknown, and the Rams agreed to a three-year deal with Colby Parkinson in free agency. Second-year player Davis Allen flashed impressive ball skills later in the 2023 season.

Against: This isn’t technically a position of need for the Rams, which also isn’t a great argument because these rounds are all about hoping to strike gold on a low-cost player with high upside. I could also see the Rams targeting a safety or running back here, or inside linebacker with an emphasis on special teams.

Round 6, No. 209: Kalen King, CB, Penn State

For: Cornerback is a position of need, and the Rams must also add willing special teamers to help improve a last-ranked unit in 2023. Brugler noted that some teams could look into a move to safety for King.

Against: The Rams like aggressive play style at cornerback, but have been bitten too often by penalties and missed tackles from their current group and Brugler notes inconsistency in tackling from King. Rams cornerbacks have to tackle.

Round 6, No. 213: Evan Williams, S, Oregon

For: Brugler notes that Williams has an athletic, “rugged,” physical and tough play style. That would be beneficial for some of the Rams’ sub-package work in shorter areas/against the run, and it certainly would be a good addition to their special teams unit.

Against: Here there be kickers …

Round 6, No. 217: Nathan Thomas, OT, Louisiana

For: The Rams are constantly looking for players who could provide swing depth along the offensive line, and Brugler notes that Thomas is a tackle whose power could also translate to guard.

Against: The Rams might need to take a tackle much earlier in the draft, with starting right tackle Rob Havenstein entering his twilight seasons and starting left tackle Alaric Jackson playing on what equates to a one-year deal.

Round 7, No. 254: Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas

For: Snead will be very, very familiar with Ford in consideration of his family connection to Texas (and the Rams’ general friendship with Steve Sarkisian). The Rams look for former captains who can anchor special teams and depth roles in these later rounds, and Ford fits both categories.

Against: Kicker? Anyone? Who am I kidding, do we think the Rams would draft one versus waiting for undrafted free agency?

(Top photo of Bo Nix: Brandon Sloter / Image Of Sport / Getty Images)